15 Jul 2026

To bridge the digital divide in rural areas, Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), will hand over fully-furnished digital centres at Sankoyo and Makakung primary schools today and tomorrow.

The facilities are an endeavour to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, by providing internet access and digital literacy training to children in non-urban areas.
The First lady Ms Kaone Boko, is expected to officially launch the digital centre at Sankoyo Primary School today while Minister of Communications and Innovation, Mr David Tshere, will officiate at Makakung tomorrow.

BOCRA views the development as a continued quest in enhancing modern learning experience for pupils, by empowering them with digital skills.

Prior to the launch, information, communication and technology (ICT) trainings were conducted in primary schools of Shorobe, Khwai, Mababe Makakung and Sankoyo targeting learners in Standard, five, six and seven respectively. Learners were drilled on robotics, artificial intelligence, (AI), VR training, digital content creation and cybersecurity awareness.

Kgosi Gokgathang Moalosi of Sankoyo welcomed the milestone that would empower local economies and ensure residents are not left behind in technology advancement.

The centre, he said, was essential in fostering improved learning opportunities for learners and the community since it would connect the rural communities to the global village.

“Sankoyo is a remote area far from various amenities and with this ICT development, we believe it will transform local economies and improving residents ‘quality of life without requiring urban migration,” said Kgosi Moalosi.

He said that the technology would benefit learners by enabling self- paced learning, transform traditional classrooms into interactive environments that stimulated curiosity and problem solving skills.

“Our children will be at the same level with their counterparts in urban areas as they will get equal access to online resources and eventually improve their academic performances,’ he noted.

BOCRA’s Broadcasting and Corporate Communication head, Ms Masego Jeremiah, recently informed a full council meeting that they had provided fully fledged porta- cabins equipped with the necessary equipment such as computers and air-cons among others.

She appreciated support from the local council officials saying they had been cooperative and provided guidance for the smooth implementation of the projects.

“These projects focus on extending high speed, reliable internet to undeserved areas to facilitate e-learning and our efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure even undeserved villages have digital access,” she added.

BOCRA is undertaking the projects through its Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) targeting rural, unserved and undeserved areas. ENDS