139 school bags for SAVE-supported playgroups in Botswana

A new school bag may seem like a small thing. For a child, however, it can represent belonging, dignity and the feeling of being part of a learning community.

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, in partnership with UNICEF, has donated 139 school bags to children attending seven SAVE-supported playgroups in Botswana.

The bags were distributed to children in Matsaudi, Shorobe, Morutsha, Quqao, Daunara, Xharaxhao and Tsanakona. A total of 81 parents and caregivers attended the handover.

More than a school bag

The initiative aims to promote children’s sense of belonging, dignity and inclusion while supporting their participation in early childhood education.

The donation formrengthen learning environments within the playgroups. In May 2026, playgroup teachers participated in a training workshop hosted by UNICEF. Following the training, the playgroups received learning toys and play materials designed to complement the teachers‘ new knowledge and strengthen play-based learning in their daily work with the children.

During the school bag handover, parents and caregivers were encouraged to support regular attendance, take care of the donated materials and work closely with teachers to create a supportive environment for the children.

Strong learning environments need strong communities

Early childhood education is not only about what happens inside a playgroup. Teachers, parents, caregivers, communities and partner organisations all contribute to giving children the opportunity to learn, play and develop.

Together with the learning materials already provided, the new school bags are another step towards creating supportive, inclusive and child-friendly learning environments across SAVE-supported playgroups in Botswana.