Sankoyo Primary School, nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Ngamiland District, continues to thrive thanks to the enduring partnership between Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) and the Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Botswana programme. Together, they are making measurable strides in uplifting rural education, with a focus on environmental stewardship, student wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Recently, the First Lady of Botswana, Kaone Boko, visited the school, donating 129 pairs of leather shoes for all students from Standard 0 to Standard 7, as well as a printer cartridge. Her visit also brought donations to nearby schools, including Khwai and Mababe Primary Schools, and essential supplies such as over 2,000 sanitary pads and 2,400 toilet rolls for the benefit of learners across the region. OWS proudly supported this momentous occasion by contributing P10,000 towards the event including catering and refreshments for the children, the community, teachers, government officials, and guests, underscoring an unwavering commitment to community collaboration and student wellbeing.
With an enrolment of 130 students and a dedicated staff of 10 teachers, Sankoyo Primary School plays a vital role in educating children from the local community. Among these pupils, 46 are actively involved in the CITW Eco-Club – an initiative that instils values of conservation, sustainability, and leadership in the next generation. These are very much Botswana’s future conservation leaders.
“Our support of Sankoyo Primary School is a reflection of our belief in consistent, sustainable development. We are grateful to our First Lady for the attention her visit brought to the needs of the school. As a partner to Sankoyo Primary School and the Sankoyo community, we know that long-term, reliable partnerships are also key to truly changing lives. OWS and CITW remain unwavering in our dedication therefore, ensuring that no child is left behind”, said Joe Matome, Chairperson of CITW Botswana and Caretaker MD of OWS.
OWS and CITW have made a significant impact at the school through a range of developmental initiatives. These include infrastructure improvements, the provision of essential learning materials, and support for academic and environmental programmes. Notably, in recent years, the organisations have donated blankets for top-performing environmental studies students, and provided breakfast meals for students writing their Primary School Leaving Examinations (PLSE).
“We have had the joy of working with OWS and CITW for many years to date, as they are always eager to support the needs of the school. It is through support such as this that we are able to invest in strong education experiences for our children. We need this support, and we need others to also come on board to make more of a difference”, said Boago Ontiretse, a teacher at Sankoyo Primary School.
Beyond material support, OWS has also invested in the professional development of educators and the continued expansion of the Eco-Club programme, ensuring that both learners and teachers benefit from enriching, well-rounded educational experiences through consistent, dependable support necessary for lasting transformation. The impact of such partnerships is already evident – in the classroom, in the community, and in the hearts of Botswana’s future leaders.