21 Mar 2026

Botswana Teaching Professional Council (BOTEPCO) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL)  concluded a four-day engagement in Francistown aimed at implementing the Integrated Virtual Labs in Science (IVLS) programme. ‎The initiative focuses on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education in Botswana. ‎ ‎The engagements were held at Francistown senior secondary school, Mater Spei College, and Tadabigwa junior secondary school, where teachers participated in the programme, which equips them with practical skills to integrate virtual laboratory technologies into teaching and learning. ‎The programme enables educators to demonstrate scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and create engaging experiences that enhance learners' understanding through digital simulations and interactive tools. ‎ ‎In addition to the IVLS programme, the engagement also provided an opportunity for teachers to register and obtain licenses with BOTEPCO, the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Botswana, similar to regulatory bodies for law and medicine. ‎ ‎Ms Mercy Thebe, BOTEPCO Manager of Corporate Affairs, stated that the IVLS programme is designed to enhance the quality of science education in Botswana. Similar engagements have been held in the southern part of Botswana, and Maun is scheduled to be the next engagement. ‎ ‎BOTEPCO will host the 13th Teaching and Learning conference and 15th AFTRA roundtable from May 5-8 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre. The event is expected to attract over 500 delegates, with others participating virtually across the continent and beyond. Ministers of Education from all 54 African countries have been invited, positioning Botswana at the centre of critical conversations on the future of education in Africa.ENDS