23 Jul 2026

Seepapitso Senior Secondary School learners are set to enjoy warmer classrooms and a better learning environment this winter following the installation of new doors and windows recently.

The upgrade addresses urgent structural repairs and helps to shield learners from harsh weather so that they can focus on their education.

Seepapitso SSS is among the 20 public schools across the country benefitting from the project, which is part of the nationwide Ke Abela Sekolo initiative.

A partnership between the First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Foundation and the Education Infrastructure Management Company (EIMC), the drive focuses on improving school facilities ahead of the cold season.

The initiative also forms part of FNBB’s annual Africa Community Service Day, held to commemorate Africa Day.

In an interview on the sidelines of the service day recenttly, EIMC board chairperson, Mr Tebogo Sebego described Ke Abela Sekolo as a vital resource mobilisation programme that fostered partnerships and investments to upgrade public schools nationwide.

“The responsibility of ensuring that public schools are well maintained lies with the government and EIMC serves as a key implementing partner in driving this initiative on behalf of the state,” Mr Sebego said.

He added that EIMC continued to seek funds from embassies, the business community and the international community to upgrade schools.  “Our function targets a multifaceted approach toward pulling resources from various entities to revamp the state of public schools,” he explained.

Mr Sebego highlighted FNBB’s significant contribution, noting that the bank pledged P950 000 toward the installation of windows and doors to shield learners from cold winter weather and create a more conducive learning environment.

He urged all Batswana to contribute toward building a better future for learners, adding “let us give them a dignified life going forward.”

For her part, FNBB representative in Kanye, Ms Bonolo Molebatsi, explained that the project was part of FNBB’s yearly celebration of Africa Day.

“This year, the FNBB Foundation has partnered with EIMC to repair windows and doors in public schools to protect learners during winter,” she stated.

Ms Molebatsi noted that the bank continued to be involved in community service, explaining that FNBB staff annually stepped away from their offices to serve communities as part of Africa Day commemorations.

She said previous years’ activities included blood donation in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service in 2023, tree planting across villages, schools, clinics and Kgotlas in 2024 and the donation of equipment and stock to vendors countrywide in 2025.

She indicated that this year’s focus shifted to addressing critical infrastructure gaps in schools through the FNBB Foundation’s partnership with EIMC, prioritising fixing of doors and windows to protect learners from winter conditions.

She added that the bank continued to provide broader support for school refurbishments, including hostels, libraries, classrooms, meeting spaces, gardens and orchards as well as fully paid scholarships.

Ms Molebatsi commended all participants, saying 'we acknowledge and thank all stakeholders involved for not holding back when needed. Above all, let’s leave this school with a noticeable difference for the benefit of our children'.

Meanwhile, the partnership between FNBB and EIMC demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in tackling educational infrastructure challenges and ensuring safer and more conducive learning environments for learners. ENDS