In its continued effort to bridge the digital divide, Orange Botswana in partnership with Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), Ministry of Transport & Communications (MTC), Ministry of Basic Education (MoBE) and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) rolled-out the Schools Connectivity Project and upgrades of base stations to 3G technology in 18 rural and undeserved villages of Mabutsane, Morwamosu, Sekoma, Khonkhwa, Keng, Khakhea, Kokong, Kanaku, Mahotshwane, Itholoke, Kutuku, Mokhomma, Seherelela, Sese, Maokane, Samane, Lefhoko, and Betesankwe villages.

The main objective of this project is to address the problem of lack of broadband Internet and low bandwidth capacity in government schools across the country. In addition, the project seeks to bridge the digital divide that exists between rural and urban centers, through providing basic computer skills to learners at grassroots level. This is over and above the assistance for the computerization and connection of broadband Internet in public schools in selected rural areas.

As a result of this project, a population of over 5,000 learners from the aforementioned villages continue to benefit from the project, not only giving them access to Information & Communication Technologies, but also helping in standardization , which is one of the essential building blocks of the Information Society. The project would also enable them to participate effectively in the global economy and also change their lives.

http://www.uasf.org.bw/?page_id=75456

• Botswana

• Remote and rural communities
• Schools (Primary & Secondary) Youth, Local Communities

Through our partnership with the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority and Universal Access Funds, the Universal Service Access Fund has engaged ICT graduates in each school to assist in training of the learners and maintenance of the networks. This does not only help sustain the project, but contribute towards job creation and youth employment that are most needed in localities distant from urban centers.

Through this project, local communities are given universal access to equal opportunities by contributing towards bridging the digital divide, promoting access to ICTs, creating digital opportunities, and benefiting from the potential offered by ICTs for development. As Orange Botswana, we strongly believe in ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer. This we strive to exercise through the creation of an enabling environment at all levels. Over and above this, we believe that connectivity is a central enabling agent in building the Information Society hence our efforts being focused more in giving each person an opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in order to understand, participate actively in, and benefit fully from, the Information Society and the knowledge economy. Knowledge and universal primary education are basically key factors for building a fully inclusive information society, therefore creating an enabling environment here helps to achieve this.