08 Jul 2025

Xhumo Primary School STEM lab is expected to facilitate in shaping of future leaders. 

The Clerk National Assembly, Mr Gabriel Malebang said during Xhumo Football extravaganza recently. The Xhumo football extravaganza initiative commenced in 2024 as a collaborative effort between the OLDM human resources department and Xhumo village community with the aim of raising funds to build a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lab.

Mr Malebang said the initiative was a sign of their shared commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in the Boteti community. He said the lab would contribute to the development and growth of Xhumo Primary School students.

“We live in a time of rapid technological advancement, where the world is reshaped by innovation, automation and digital transformation,” he said.

An investment in STEM education, he said was a strategic way of equipping learners to be innovators and leaders in their communities and beyond. He also indicated that it would empower learners with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Mr Malebang said STEM was more than a collection of subjects, it was a way of thinking, solving problems and building solutions for the real world. He said it promoted curiosity and a growth mindset, increasing engagement and academic performance in STEM subjects.

Mr Malebang said the initiative would ultimately change the trajectory of Xhumo learners by creating a lasting legacy for Xhumo and inspiring the next generation to be excellent in the STEM field and thus leaving human diamonds in the Boteti region. 

He commended OLDM leadership for giving the initiative full support, which drove Debswana’s purpose of ‘Making life brilliant’, not only within Debswana but also for the communities within its areas of influence. He said the day was about realising that the joint efforts of both Debswana and the Xhumo community, could make a real difference in the lives of others.

“Today’s initiative will in the long run, result in the building of champions on both the field and in the classroom,” he said.

The General Manager of Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa said that for academic performance to improve there was need to work together in shaping the future for the betterment of communities and making life brilliant beyond diamond mining. 

Mr Maoketsa said Debswana encouraged employees to engage in voluntary service in recognition of positive contribution employees could make to communities and social organisations. ENDS