Building Systems that Empower Dreams: Highlights from CompEd 2025
In October, we had the privilege of accompanying Captain Kgomotso Phatsima to CompEd 2025 in Gaborone, a landmark event in global computing education. Hosted by the University of Botswana from 23–25 October, CompEd emerged as a vibrant hub for educators, researchers, programmers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond.
CompEd 2025 marked the third edition of this unique conference series, dedicated to advancing computing education outside the traditional centers of North America and Europe. Its mission was ambitious yet clear: to foster fresh thinking in computing syllabi, pedagogy, teaching labs, educational research, and international collaboration.
Beyond traditional papers and poster presentations, the conference featured working groups, panels, and “partnership project” initiatives, all aimed at connecting education systems across continents. It provided a platform where ideas could transform into action, particularly around empowering girls, communities, and future generations.
Captain Phatsima delivered a keynote that struck a chord with all attendees:
“Dare to Dream. Dare to Lead. Dare to Fly.”
“Because if a barefoot girl from the dusty small village of Ledumadumane could rise to the skies, then imagine what was possible when all our children were given wings.”
In a room full of educators, innovators, and business leaders, her message was clear: we must build systems that support talent from rural schools to global platforms, invest in teachers who ignite curiosity, bridge the digital divide, and ensure every child especially every girl knows her dreams are valid.
To the young computing enthusiasts attending the conference, Captain Phatsima’s words were both inspiring and empowering:
“No matter where you start, your dreams are valid. If I could run barefoot and touch the sky, so could you.”
CompEd 2025 showcased the importance of building inclusive education systems, fostering curiosity, and empowering young minds, enabling talent from every corner of Africa to achieve its full potential.
The conference left a lasting impression on all participants, highlighting the transformative power of education, innovation, and mentorship.