Serowe Digital Hub Official Launch

A new chapter in the digital world began in Serowe on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, as SOS Children's Villages in partnership with Orange Foundation and Serowe Brigades Centre officially launched the Serowe Digital Hub. 

The launch attracted a large crowd of distinguished guests and community members (Pictured below), including the fourth President of the Republic of Botswana and the Bamangwato paramount chief, Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Dikgosi, community leaders, management from the partner organisations, children and young people. 

Funded by Orange Foundation, the facility situated at Serowe Brigades Centre aims to improve   digital literacy by providing community members, especially children and young people, with access to computers, the internet, and digital learning opportunities. It will support learners, job seekers, entrepreneurs and community members by creating opportunities for learning, innovation and economic participation.

Giving the project overview, the Acting Head of Programmes at SOS Children's Villages Botswana, Ms. Bongani Selape, thanked the Orange Foundation, Orange Botswana and Serowe Brigades Centre for their collaboration in making the initiative a reality. She said the Digital Hub reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people and strengthening communities through technology. 

"The Digital Hub supports Botswana's national digital transformation agenda, including Vision 2036 and SmartBots, while advancing SOS Children's Villages Botswana's commitment to ensuring that every child and young person has the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world," she said. 

Acting Head of Programmes, SOS  Children's Villages in Botswana, Ms. Bongani Selape

Ms. Selape explained that SOS Children's Villages Botswana prepares young people for independent living by equipping them with confidence, life skills and employability skills. She added that the Digital Hub is another important step towards ensuring young people are ready for the future. 

Speaking at the event, Serowe Brigades Centre Principal, Ms. Gladys Ratshee, encouraged community members to embrace the new facility and take good care of it so that generations to come can continue benefiting from it. 

Serowe Brigades Centre Principal, Ms. Gladys Ratshee

For her part, Orange Botswana Director of People & Social Impact, Ms. Modiri Nlanda, said the company is proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for communities through the Orange Foundation. She described the Digital Hub as more than just a computer lab, but as a place where ideas can grow, businesses can be developed and dreams can begin. 

Orange Botswana, Director of People & Social Impact, Ms. Modiri Nlanda

She noted that young people will have the opportunity to learn practical digital skills, create email accounts, prepare professional CVs and apply for jobs online. She added that the hub will also provide a collaborative space where community members can share ideas, learn from one another and build a brighter future. 

Ms. Modiri Nlanda & SOS Children's Villages in Botswana National Director, Mr Kebalepile Francis

Throughout the event, speakers echoed one message: digital skills are no longer optional, they are essential. They agreed that the Digital Hub will play a significant role in empowering children, young people, entrepreneurs, and the wider community by improving access to technology and digital learning opportunities. 

Following the official speeches, guests gathered outside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony before the Digital Hub was formally handed over to the village leadership. Excitement filled the room as dignitaries toured the facility and took turns testing the computers, experiencing first-hand the opportunities the centre will offer. 

Ribbon cutting by Orange Botswana Director of People & Social Impact, Ms. Modiri Nlanda 

Deputy Council Chairperson, Honourable Anthony Odirile thanked the Orange Foundation, SOS Children's Villages and Serowe Brigades Centre for investing in the people of Serowe. He encouraged community members to make full use of the Digital Hub, saying it has the potential to transform lives through education, innovation, and employment. 

Deputy Council Chairperson, Honourable Anthony Odirile

The Serowe Digital Hub stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and strategic investment in young people. The hub will become a place where children discover new possibilities, young people prepare for meaningful careers, entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and the wider community gains the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

SOS  Children's Villages in Botswana Serowe Project Manager Mr Bikie Morebodi & National Director Mr Francis Kebalepile

The end.