Volunteer playgroup teachers from across the Okavango District have received a major skills boost following a five-day capacity-building workshop aimed at improving the quality of early childhood education in local communities.
A total of 72 volunteer teachers attended the training, which was held at Xakao Hostel from July 29 to August 2. The workshop was organised by the Okavango District Council’s Social and Community Development Department, through its Home Economics Division, in partnership with Save Wildlife Conservation Botswana.
The training focused on strengthening volunteers’ ability to provide quality learning experiences for children before they transition to primary school. Participants were equipped with practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, child development, communication, health and nutrition, parent engagement, play-based learning, as well as the development of low-cost teaching and learning materials.
Principal Home Economics Officer I, Thabo Linga Maswabi, said the initiative was prompted by challenges faced by many volunteer teachers, including limited knowledge of early childhood development, lesson planning, child protection and classroom management. He said addressing those gaps was essential to improving the standard of services offered at community playgroups and ensuring young children receive a strong educational foundation.
Officially opening the workshop, Deputy Council Secretary (Operations), Michael Israel, described volunteer teachers as an important pillar in the development of young children and urged participants to fully utilise the knowledge and skills gained during the training. He commended Save Wildlife Conservation Botswana for its continued partnership with the council, noting that the organisation contributed more than P20,000 towards meals, stationery and other training materials.
Israel also appealed to the private sector, development partners and community organisations to support playgroups, saying investment in early childhood development benefits communities in the long term. He further reminded participants that safeguarding children remains everyone’s responsibility and encouraged them to identify and report signs of abuse at the earliest opportunity.
ODC Deputy Council Chairman, Brian Samoka praised the commitment shown by volunteer teachers despite working with limited resources. He said playgroups provide children with an important introduction to both Setswana and English, helping them adjust more easily when they enter the formal education system. Samoka encouraged volunteers to continue upgrading their knowledge through online learning opportunities and to apply the skills acquired during the workshop in their respective communities.
Representing Save Wildlife Conservation Botswana, Gakenaope Dimbere said the organisation remained committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities through education. She also acknowledged the continued cooperation of the council and Village Development Committees, saying partnerships were key to improving early childhood education across the district.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants took part in practical presentations, group discussions and question-and-answer sessions designed to reinforce learning and build confidence. Social workers also facilitated sessions on child protection and safeguarding to strengthen volunteers’ capacity to promote the safety and well-being of children in their care.
