In partnership with First National Bank Botswana (FNBB), the nation’s future innovators gathered this past Saturday at Hibiscus International Primary and Secondary School in Block 7, Gaborone, for the inaugural All Schools Robotics Make-a-Thon Convention.
This vibrant and inspiring event fused technology, teamwork, and youthful energy to showcase the power of STEM education across the country. Held under the theme, “Ignite, Invent, Inspire: Creating Solutions for Tomorrow,” the Make-a-Thon brought together over 15 schools from across Botswana.
Targeting students from Standard 6 through secondary level, the event offered a hands-on platform to explore robotics, coding, debates, and quizzes, while fostering critical thinking, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.
“Our President Duma Boko has shared the vision to empower the youth of Botswana through technology, and we are committed to making this vision a reality,” said Conrad Brink, Chief Operating Officer of Hibiscus International Schools.
Participating Schools and highlights amongst the participating schools were Maru-a-Pula School, Curro Baobab, Hillcrest International School, Gaborone International School, Regent Hill International Secondary School, Al-Nur School, Rainbow Schools, Emerald Academy, Enko Botho International School, Ambrose Academy, Brainstream Institute of Technology, Moremi III Memorial School, and the host, Hibiscus International Schools. Throughout the day, learners engaged in dynamic, interactive competitions that tested their creativity, communication, and technical skills.
These included robotic builds, coding challenges, quizzes, and debates on ethical tech use and global innovation trends.
A highlight of the convention was a powerful keynote address by David Moepeng, Director of CyberSmart Botswana and a certified Cyber Psychologist and Cybersecurity Awareness Trainer.
He underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity awareness, urging students to be both innovative and responsible in their use of technology. Winners Shine in STEM Challenges competitions culminated in awards across three main categories: Robotics Make-a-Thon, Quiz, and Debate.
Winners were celebrated in both primary and secondary divisions. A Robotics Make-a-Thon Primary School Level 1st Place: Enko Botho International School 2nd Place: Ambrose Academy 3rd Place: Hillcrest International School Secondary School Level 1st Place: Al-Nur School 2nd Place: Enko Botho International School 3rd Place: Hibiscus International School B. Quiz Competition Primary School Level 1st Place: Curro Baobab 2nd Place: Emerald Academy 3rd Place: Hillcrest International School Secondary School Level 1st Place: Maru-a-Pula School 2nd Place: Enko Botho International School 3rd Place: Gaborone International School.
Debate Competition (Mixed Levels) 1st Place: Al-Nur School 2nd Place: Rainbow Schools 3rd Place: Emerald Academy Acknowledging the Stakeholders Organisers hailed the Make-a-Thon as a pivotal milestone in advancing STEM education in Botswana.
It not only celebrated young tech talent but also laid the foundation for future innovation, leadership, and digital literacy in the country.
Special thanks were extended to Hibiscus International Schools for hosting and leading the event, and to the partners whose support made it all possible: FNB Botswana (main partner), BMS, BBS Bank, Universal Telecom, Duma FM, Northern Fixtures, CleanAll, Motor Centre Toyota, Security Services, Forvis Mazars, Senn Foods, Cene Media, Big Think Innovation, Carerra Holdings and ABSA Botswana.
Their contributions played a vital role in the event’s success.“The energy and creativity we witnessed today is just the beginning,” said Brink. “Botswana’s youth are ready to lead in innovation—it’s our duty to create platforms like this that allow them to soar,” Brink added.
