BCF Explores New Horizons in Botswana
Exploring New Horizons: Taking the Basic Concepts Programme to Botswana
In June 2026, the Basic Concepts Foundation embarked on an exploratory visit to Botswana to introduce the Basic Concepts Programme (BCP) and engage with educators, school leaders and government officials about the foundations of learning.
Our journey began in Gaborone, where we met with senior representatives from Botswana's Ministry of Education and Child Welfare, including the CEO of the Special Education Department, an Educational Psychologist and several high-ranking officials. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the BCP and discuss the role of conceptual and language development in preparing children for learning. The level of engagement was encouraging, with the CEO remaining after the meeting to continue the conversation. The Ministry subsequently requested that two officials attend our presentation at the Independent Schools Association of Botswana (ISAB) Conference.
Over the following day, we met with educators and leaders from PEO School before presenting to approximately 150 teachers from a network of private schools mainly from the Regent Hill International Schools. While it was difficult to gauge long-term interest, the discussions generated several follow-up enquiries and highlighted a shared concern for improving learner outcomes.
The second phase of the trip involved a demanding 1,000-kilometre journey north to Kasane, where we attended the ISAB Conference (2026). Our presentation, Concept Teaching – Concept Learning, introduced delegates to the importance of conceptual development as the foundation for language, literacy and learning. Although time constraints limited the presentation, the response was positive, including public endorsement from a respected school principal and interest from a local government school.
Alongside the professional engagements, we were reminded of Botswana's remarkable beauty and hospitality, from the vast landscapes of the north to a memorable sunset cruise on the Chobe River.
We are especially grateful to BMS and whose sponsorship and hospitality made the visit possible. We appreciate their commitment to supporting education and look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
While the future direction of these conversations remains uncertain, the visit confirmed that educators in Botswana and South Africa share many of the same aspirations: helping children develop the language, concepts and thinking skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
