Everyone should be given the opportunity to learn computer science
CSEd Botswana Hour of Code
Hour of Code will engage students and teachers in Botswana and show that everyone can learn to code.
On April 14th of 2025, CSEdBotswana, an initiative in the Faculty of Maths and Science Education at the University of Botswana will provide an opportunity for students and teachers in Botswana secondary schools to engage in an hour of code event. The aim of the activity is to broaden participation in computing and sensitize the community by showing that anyone can learn the basics of computing in a fun and easy way.
Innovate with AI and inspire the future!
14th April 2025
Hour of Code Activity Content plan designed by CSEd Botswana
1)Unplugged Content: Schools will be introduced to unplugged computing, and we will empower teachers to teach computer science concepts without the need for computers, gadgets or laptops.
2) Machine learning: Schools will explore the fundamentals of machine learning, which is a form of AI. Using a simple interface, students will train their own machine learning model to recognise sentiments in text in either English or Setswana.
3)Text-based programming: Secondary students will also have the opportunity to acquire programming and coding skills using a text-based programming language (Hedy). The programming language will be available in both Setswana and English, providing students with the opportunity to code within their cultural context using their language.
The Training for Hour of Code 2025
We are offering free teacher training to teachers in all regions of Botswana in March 2025 in the following ways:
-
Access videos and written content featuring Hour of Code materials;
-
Engage in interactive online training sessions; and
-
Participate in face-to-face training sessions.
Our comprehensive approach ensures that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively introduce computer science education in Botswana. We do acknowledge the challenges of ICT connections in some instances.
The Teacher Training Sessions
In March 2025, we hosted three online training sessions for teachers. We explained the importance of teaching students about AI and machine learning and demonstrated an activity in a code-along to create a text classification model.
We also hosted an online session for teachers to learn about unplugged computing. In unplugged computing activities, students can learn computer science concepts without using computers.
Facilitator training
Our facilitator training took place in April 2025 in Gabarone. Our team trained facilitators ready to go out to schools and support teachers in delivering the activities for Hour of Code 2025.
Coding in schools
On April 14th 2025, all regions of Botswana participated in the Hour of Code bringing creativity, collaboration and coding to classrooms across the country.
Sponsors
The event is sponsored by
