GIRLS INSPIRED TO LEAD IN STEM AT DEBSWANA JWANENG MINE MARANYANE BOKAMOSO INNOVATION CAMP 

In April 2025, the town of Jwaneng came alive with excitement as 34 girls from five secondary schools gathered for the Maranyane Bokamoso Innovation Camp. This unique initiative, now in its third year, is part of the broader Maranyane Bokamoso Programme, which aims to expose young girls to careers in STEM, particularly within Botswana’s mining industry. With a total of 100 girls reached since the program’s inception, this year’s cohort continued a growing legacy of empowerment and inspiration. 

The camp, which ran from the 11th to the 15th of April, offered participants a hands-on learning experience that blended innovation, mentorship, personal development, and career exposure. One of the most exciting moments of the camp was the visit to Jwaneng Mine. The students toured different sections of the mine, including drilling areas, ore processing plants, and surveying labs. They even had the opportunity to learn about the giant dump trucks and pose for photos next to them a moment many described as unforgettable. At the mine’s training center, students were introduced to the truck simulator, with some getting the rare chance to test-drive it virtually, offering a thrilling glimpse into real-world mining operations. 

Beyond the mine, the camp provided rich sessions in soft skills development, with topics such as leadership, goal setting, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. These sessions were designed to build not just future professionals, but confident and resilient young women who understand their value and can lead with clarity and courage. Activities like vision board creation encouraged the girls to dream boldly and put their aspirations on paper giving form and color to their futures. 

The highlight of the camp was the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Challenge. The girls, divided into teams, built and programmed robots using LEGO Spike Prime kits. They also developed research projects that tackled real-world issues, combining innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking. On the final day, the teams presented their work before a panel of judges, demonstrating their robot games live and articulating the impact of their research. The room was filled with energy, pride, and support as they competed passionately and celebrated each other’s progress. In the end, all students were awarded certificates for their participation, while top-performing teams received special recognition for their efforts and excellence. 

As the camp came to a close, what remained was not just a group of students who had attended a workshop, but a cohort of future engineers, scientists, leaders, and change-makers. The Maranyane Bokamoso Innovation Camp continues to serve as a bridge between potential and opportunity, reminding every girl that their dreams are valid, and their future is worth investing in. With continued support and strong partnerships, the program stands as a beacon of hope for what is possible when we choose to empower, educate, and uplift.