At independence in 1966, Botswana’s education system faced significant challenges, including a shortage of classrooms, learning materials and other essential facilities. Yet, despite these limitations, teachers and learners continued to pursue education, often under difficult conditions. Over the years, the country has made significant strides in expanding access to education and improving the learning environment. Classrooms have become better equipped, schools have gained modern facilities and technology has increasingly become part of everyday learning. These photographs capture the country’s remarkable journey in education, from humble beginnings to a more modern and technology-driven system.
Caption: Teaching taking place in an open space at Tshekedi Khama School in Serowe in the 1960s, amid a shortage of school buildings. Limited infrastructure often required teachers and learners to improvise to keep lessons going.
Location: Gaborone
Photographer: BOPA
Event: Independence Pictures
Caption: Learners in the early years after independence relied only on books as their primary learning resource, with textbooks serving as an important gateway to knowledge.
Location: Gaborone
Photographer: BOPA
Event: Independence Pictures
Caption: Pupils using laptops as part of their learning in a modern classroom. The introduction of digital technology into schools has expanded the tools available to both teachers and learners, giving pupils greater access to information and new ways of learning.
Location: Gaborone
Photographer: BOPA
Event: Independence Pictures
Caption: A woman preparing food for pupils at Mononye Primary School in 1971. School feeding has long formed an important part of supporting learners in ensuring that they received a meal while at school.
Location: Gaborone
Photographer: BOPA
Event: Independence Pictures
Caption: A modern kitchen unit at Makalamabedi Junior Secondary School demonstrates the transformation of school feeding infrastructure.
Location: Gaborone
Photographer: BOPA
Event: Independence Pictures
