09 Oct 2026

The newly established Duma Book Primary School is finalising preparations to welcome its first cohort of learners in January, marking the beginning of a new educational chapter for the Gaborone Block 7 community.

Addressing a meeting, Gaborone Bonnington North MP, Ms Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti said private developers had officially handed over the facility to government to operationalise, targeting an initial capacity of 380 learners.

“We are not just opening a school building; we are fostering a vibrant environment where learners will be inspired to reach their full potential. Additionally, to meet the ever-rising demand for services, the initial enrolment will be 380 pupils with a horizon to expand in future.

According the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education Mmamiki Kamanakao, the initial cohort would be from reception class through to standard 5, with admission primary criteria being Block 7 as a permanent residence address.

“This will be a high-caliber environment bringing a private-school feel to public education to the community,” she cited.

“High regard has also been considered for staffing, which will be based on distinctive character, integrity, agility and competencies fit to operate in a tech-enabled environment.” 

She said the school was poised to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world, offering curriculum from early childhood development through to primary education.

She highlighted that it would be one of the first public schools to transition to the Science Technology Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) syllabus, demonstrating government’s commitment to building a future-fit digitalised educational framework, equipping learners of all capabilities with critical thinking, arts and technical skills.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President, High-Priority Projects, Mr Omphile Sehurutse highlighted that the state-of-the-art facility was built with a vision to be a blueprint of a modern-day public school.

“From the ground up, this school is set to meet the evolving needs of modern learners, featuring cutting edge classrooms, specialized STEAM labs, and expansive spaces for sports and the arts.”

He further emphasised that it boasts critical features such as an indoor play area, school tuckshop, sickbay and robotics and a fully-fledged staff lounge to create a holistic, premium environment for well-being and productivity.

With its doors officially opening in January, the school is not just preparing to welcome its first intake, it is preparing a well-rounded environment for children of various learning abilities.

Director for Disability office in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Peggy Garebaitse highlighted government’s commitment to inclusive education.

“Inclusive education means we do not expect your child to fit in our school but we designed the school to fit for your child. Every classroom and every activity is built to ensure that every student regardless of ability if fully valued, supported and actively engaged.”

While the facility has been formally handed over to government to operationalise, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs lauded the 16 and half year maintenance warranty extended by the investor, to the government, pleading with the community to embrace a new culture of change.

“In order to maintain the structural integrity of the facility, under the current economic strain, the cost of maintenance remains with the investor,” Mr Moswaane said.

“Let us embrace this new approach to development as it supports government’s cost saving strategy, making room for other competing priorities. ENDS