16 Oct 2025

Schools and institutions across Botswana have demonstrated advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM, Coding, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to visiting delegates from South Africa’s Department of Basic Education.

The delegation, led by the Department of Basic Education, Chief Education Specialist Mr Christo Jones and Deputy Chief Education Specialist Mr Patrick Ntenjwa, spent several days engaging with Brainstream’s team and visiting schools to observe how Botswana is implementing hands-on, project-based learning in STEM.

In an interview, Mr Jones said the visit  provided valuable insights into how Botswana has embedded robotics and coding in the school curriculum through BrainSTREAM’s innovative approach.

 “We’ve been impressed by the dedication of the BrainSTREAM team and the enthusiasm of learners,” he said.

He mentioned that the hands-on methods they observed in Botswana where students learn through practical, problem-solving projects were exactly what they aim to promote across South African schools.

He also highlighted that their country continued to expand access to digital learning resources through partnerships, infrastructure development and teacher training. Botswana-based STEM education company, Director Mr Sameer Pelwan described the visit as a milestone for both the organisation and the country.

 “This is a proud moment for Botswana. It shows that the work we have been doing over the years to promote STEM education and its being recognised regionally,” he said.

He also said learners were already developing innovative solutions to real-world problems. He noted that some as young as eight years old were designing projects on waste management. This he said showed the incredible potential within classrooms.

Beyond classroom impact, he said BrainSTREAM had also invested heavily in teacher development. Over 220 teachers across Botswana have been trained in accredited STEM programmes through BrainSTREAM, helping to transform how technology-based content is delivered in schools. 

Head of Education at BrainSTREAM, Mr Mohit Lohani, said the visit emphasised Botswana’s growing influence in regional education development and its readiness to lead in STEM.

“What we are witnessing is the power of collaboration,” Lohani said.

He added that Botswana was not only embracing STEM and AI education but defined how it could be locally relevant and globally competitive. Through their partnerships with schools, he said they were seeing children as young as two begin to explore robotics, coding, and problem-solving building the foundation for a future-ready generation.

The visit he said began at Marulamantsi Primary School, where learners showcased their skills in coding, robotics, and AI through hands-on demonstrations. He explained that since 2023, BrainSTREAM had partnered with the school to provide after-school robotics and coding sessions through its CSR initiatives.

He also said the delegation also toured Broadhurst Pre-School and Day Care Centre, the first pre-school in Botswana to integrate STEM activities for children as young as two years old.

The final stop he said was at Enko Botho International School, which is home to a state-of-the-art STEAM & Robotics Lab established in partnership with BrainSTREAM. ENDS