Gaborone International School (GIS) on Friday, January 21, held its groundbreaking ceremony revealing its major school upgrade plans. The objective of the project, set to include extensive developments, is to transform the school into a world-class mega campus.
Speaking at the event, MP for Lentsweletau-Mmopane and Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Hon. Nnaniki Makwinja said the proposed project, set to include a new and upgraded Science and Technology Block, sports facilities and internal and external roads for easier access to the school as well as around the Block 8 area where it’s located, would positively impact the lives of the children, Block 8 community and nation at large.
Minister Makwinja continued;
“In a quest to transform Botswana’s economy into one based on our human capital, the Government of Botswana has prioritised the provision of high-quality education to Batswana and allocated the largest share of funds to the Ministry of Basic Education. However, the amount is still not enough to cater for all educational needs.
It is my belief that the Science and Technology Centre to be constructed here will motivate our youth and harness technological advancement opportunities to propel learners towards the country’s aspirations and contribute towards delivering 21st century learners as per my Ministry’s motto.”
“According to Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum and author of The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the 4th Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise global income levels and improve the quality of life for populations around the world.”
Given the lightning-fast technological advancements and a world that is constantly becoming technology-centred, the Minister commended GIS Director, Gerald Hilton and the AdvTech Group for ensuring that children are equipped with digital literacy from a tender age. She noted that the inclusion of sports facilities speaks volumes in encouraging physical activity, stimulating the mind and, therefore, improving health and academic outcomes.
Regarding the envisaged road upgrades in and around the school, Minister Makwinja said it is a welcome development in an era where COVID continues to pose challenges to Botswana’s economy, saying it demonstrates an understanding that good health, facilities and infrastructure are of paramount importance in producing good academic outcomes. She concluded by thanking GIS officials for the work and encouraging other institutions to take a leaf out of GIS’ book by considering embracing similar initiatives to support the Government’s ideals and contribute towards the country’s development.
Fourth Industrial Revolution: giving learners a head start
For his part, GIS Executive Head, Gerald Hilton said academic Excellence is at the core of the GIS offering, a fact that he said was cemented by the schools consistent PSLE & IGCSE 100% pass rate over the last six years.
“Last year, we introduced two new subjects; EdTech, which prepares our learners from K1 to AS levels computer literacy, including coding and robotics. The second subject, Global Citizenship with the core values, Respect, Diversity and Inclusion, will prepare our students to become Global Citizens.”
“The new Science and Technology Centre will focus on STEM-based subjects that will not only prepare our students but also give them a head start in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The new building will include state of the Art Computer and Science labs, a Multimedia Centre and a maker-space that will include 3D printers and laser cutters. We believe in a holistic approach where academic, sport and culture is an integral part of our students’ development.”
Developments set to transform GIS into world-class place of learning…
New Science and Technology block
The proposed new block will have science labs, computer labs, a media centre and a makerspace venue with 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, and coding equipment, a platform for hands-on learning with all the tools for creativity. With STEM-based education, a blend of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics on offer, it will teach students how scientific methods can be applied to everyday life in appreciation of the fact that the world is fast becoming tech-centred. It will be introduced to the students from a young age; while they are still in Preschool, through Primary and all the way to High School.
Upgraded sports facilities
GIS will become a hotspot for discovering and nurturing talent. The new and improved sports centre will offer gifted sports students the coveted opportunity to fully develop their talent. The upgrade will include improved tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks.
Road upgrades
To reduce congestion during the school run, the roads in and around GIS will also be given an uplift. By so doing, the school aims to decongest traffic in the Block 8 area, particularly when the children are dropped off and picked up from school.
In closing, Gaborone North MP, Mpho Balopi (pictured right) said the Government appreciates GIS’ invaluable contribution to Botswana’s realisation of its aspirations of a knowledge-based economy as well as the wellbeing of Block 8 residents.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including community elders, among them, Kgosi Kenneth Thari, GIS authorities, MP Mpho Balopi and Hon. Nnaniki Makwinja as well as other government officials, all of whom Hilton said he looked forward to collaborating with to enhance the quality of education in Botswana.
GIS background
GIS is part of the ADvTECH Group, a South African-listed company and Africa’s largest education provider with over 100 schools. Since ADvTECH acquired GIS in 2014, the group has overhauled the school’s curriculum, subjects offered and staff training in its quest to transform the school into a world-class place of learning.
GIS has a creche, junior school as well as a senior secondary school.
For more information, please visit https://www.gaboroneinternationalschool.co.bw
Images by Thuto Allen Rapotsanyane
