Partnership Expands Early Learning for Children in Tourism Communities
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Chobe Holdings and Natural Selection, establishes a collaborative framework to improve early childhood development (ECD) services
The Government of Botswana, UNICEF and leading tourism companies strengthened their commitment to early childhood development through the signing of a landmark partnership to expand access to quality early learning for children living in tourism and hospitality communities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Chobe Holdings and Natural Selection, establishes a collaborative framework to improve early childhood development (ECD) services, particularly for children in remote and tourism-dependent areas where access to quality early learning opportunities can be limited.
The agreement was signed during the Tourism for Children: Building Quality Early Learning Environments in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector forum, which brought together government, the private sector and development partners to strengthen investment in young children as a foundation for sustainable development.
Opening the event, Honourable Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, reaffirmed the Government of Botswana's commitment to ensuring that every child has access to safe, nurturing and stimulating environments during the early years of life. She emphasized that investing in early childhood development is essential to strengthening human capital and achieving long-term national development.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Botswana, Acting Representative Dr Kimanzi Muthengi described early childhood development as the foundation for lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, noting that investments in the earliest years generate lasting benefits for children, families and society.
"By investing in children, tourism partners are investing in a more productive, resilient and inclusive workforce. When businesses invest in young children, they are not only supporting families, but also helping to build stronger communities and a stronger future for Botswana,"
Representing the private sector, the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) called for greater private sector investment in children's development, emphasizing that supporting young children is fundamental to building a resilient workforce and a sustainable tourism industry. Beyond the signing of the agreement, tourism and hospitality stakeholders participated in a capacity-building workshop focused on strengthening early learning centres through quality assurance, child safeguarding, play-based learning, curriculum implementation and centre management.
The partnership supports Botswana's Holistic Early Childhood Development Policy Framework and reflects a shared commitment by government, UNICEF and the private sector to improve the quality of early learning services for children living in tourism communities.
By investing in children's earliest years, Botswana is helping ensure that more children have the strong foundation they need to learn, grow and thrive - regardless of where they live.
For every child, early moments matter.
