Quality Education
About SDG 4
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all while promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Education is a cornerstone for personal development, social equity, and economic growth.
Botswana’s Vision 2036 emphasizes human capital development as a foundation for a high-income, knowledge-driven economy. Similarly, Agenda 2063 of the African Union prioritizes skills development, innovation, and inclusive education to accelerate socio-economic growth across the continent. National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12, 2025–2030) operationalizes these global and regional objectives through a focus on equitable access, STEM education, and skills training.
BIUST’s Contribution to SDG 4
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is actively advancing SDG 4 through STEM education, teacher training, lifelong learning, and inclusive access programs.
- Produced 337 qualified graduates capable of teaching at the primary school level, contributing directly to national education quality.
- National Science Week (NSW): Technical support across Botswana, including satellite events in Mahalapye.
- Science Circuses: Hands-on demonstrations reaching 5,299 students from 12 schools.
- School Visits: 13 schools visited BIUST labs, benefiting 945 students.
- Teacher Training: 35 teachers trained in Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) to foster creativity and critical thinking.
- Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science (GEMS): Mentorship for 36 girls from remote schools to encourage STEM excellence.
- Free online educational resources (BIUSTRE) and executive short courses extend access beyond enrolled students.
- Out of 699 new students, a significant proportion are first-generation learners supported through mentorship, resource access, and targeted outreach programs.
- Promotes pedagogical approaches that encourage questioning, investigation, and critical evaluation, fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills among both teachers and students.
Alignment with BIUST Transformative Strategy 2023–2028
BIUST’s Transformative Strategy emphasizes research excellence, innovation, societal impact, and inclusive human capital development. SDG 4 alignment includes:
- Producing graduates equipped with skills for STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Promoting teacher training programs that strengthen national education quality.
- Extending STEM outreach and mentorship to underrepresented communities.
- Supporting lifelong learning initiatives for professional development and community engagement.
Alignment with National and Continental Frameworks
- Expands access to quality education at all levels.
- Promotes STEM skills, teacher capacity, and innovation.
- Supports underrepresented groups to reduce educational disparities.
- Emphasizes equitable human capital development and skills acquisition to support a high-income knowledge-based economy.
- Prioritizes human capital development, innovation, and skills acquisition to drive sustainable socio-economic growth.
Impact and Strategic Importance
- Educational Equity: First-generation and disadvantaged students gain opportunities for academic and professional success.
- STEM Pipeline: Outreach and engagement activities foster interest, competence, and confidence in STEM fields.
- National Relevance: Initiatives align with NDP 12 and Vision 2036, strengthening Botswana’s human capital, innovation ecosystem, and teacher capacity.
- Future Potential: Expansion of STEM outreach, IBSE teacher training, and lifelong learning programs will further enhance workforce readiness and national development outcomes.
Engagements:
- BIUST Hosts Max Planck African Astronomy School to Advance Skills in Space Science
- Honouring African Children: BIUST Advocates for Rights in the Digital Age
- Voices United for Education: Palapye Hosts Stakeholder Pitso
- Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences Brings Science to Lecheng Primary Schools