Community
Yal Smart School Club Launch and Kazungula Bridge Sensors Installation
The Young African Leaders for Smart Infrastructure Development (YAL SMART) Research Project celebrated significant milestones as it launched YAL SMART Innovation Clubs at several Botswana schools and conducted sensor installations on the Kazungula Bridge. These endeavors mark a critical step in the project’s mission to empower Botswana’s youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM), entrepreneurship, physical wellbeing and smart infrastructure.
YAL SMART initiated the launch of its Innovation Clubs at Chobe Community Junior Secondary School, Nata Senior Secondary School, and Boswelakgosi Community Junior Secondary School this month of October. These clubs aim to inspire students to explore innovative solutions to community challenges. The launch events were attended by enthusiastic students, area chiefs and councilors, educators, and project representatives. Chobe Junior Secondary School PTA Chairperson, Mr. Victor Liwena, conveyed the importance of the initiative in the broader community context, saying, “The challenge is in the community, where a significant number of out-of-school students and individuals exist. This presents an opportunity for the Innovation Clubs to expand beyond schools and benefit those who are currently left behind. We appreciate YAL SMART’s donation of the Raspberry Pi’s to the school and are committed to supporting the students and teachers in their innovation journey.”
Nata Senior School Student, Kemo Oesipoelo, expressed his excitement, saying, “I was honored to be a part of the YAL SMART Innovation camp where I could realize my idea for a mobile application that I am pursuing further through the YAL SMART Project. I am in talks with an acquaintance I made at the camp to further develop and commercialize the idea of the application to benefit the community.” Fellow Nata Senior School Student, Winnie Gadimang, added, “It was really exciting to be involved in such a great project. We are looking forward to the YAL SMART Innovation Club that has been launched in Nata Senior. We will be recruiting our fellow schoolmates so that we can innovate on a larger scale.”
Thabo Ramogotsi, Deputy School Head at Nata Senior Secondary School, warmly welcomed the collaboration, stating, “We extend our appreciation to YAL SMART for partnering with us. This project will result in practical benefits, including the possibility of students building prototypes of sensors to mount on Nata Senior’s infrastructure. Our infrastructure has been deteriorating at a rapid pace, and we look forward to benefiting from the project’s feedback.”
The YAL SMART Research Project’s engagement was not limited to schools. The project’s Engineering Team successfully installed sensors on the Kazungula Bridge for the next phase of the research, emphasizing the importance of combining infrastructure development with community health. Dr. Phillimon Odirile, PI (Principal Investigator) from the University of Botswana, emphasized the project’s commitment to inspiring the youth, saying, “The YAL SMART project addresses persistent youth unemployment and structural development challenges. We aim to encourage students to think of ways to build infrastructure that benefits the entire community, incorporating sports and entrepreneurship.” Professor Nizar Lajnef, PI from Michigan State University, shared his insights, stating that he believes in the power of innovation and the potential of local resources to develop intelligent infrastructure. “The objective is to leverage innovation, technology, and STEAM to empower the youth and create a lasting impact.” he added. Professor Leapetswe Matele, Co-PI from Michigan State University, expressed his emotions, saying, “I feel moved every time I see this because I know there’s so much talent in this country. We want these kids to understand that they can be the drivers of this country’s development.”
The YAL SMART Research Project continues to forge new paths for Botswana’s youth, inspiring them to embrace innovation and technology as tools for community development. The journey is far from over, and the project remains committed to nurturing the future leaders and innovators of Botswana.
This U.S. Botswana Collaborative Research project leverages the expertise and resources of Michigan State University, the University of Botswana, and knowledge management company; Infers Group. This unique collaboration fosters knowledge exchange, innovation, and a shared commitment to empowering African youth for a brighter future. This project is supported by Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) through the Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa Grant Programme (PIRA)
For media enquiries, additional material for your work and further information contact:
Leroy Nyoni
Email: nyonileroy@yahoo.com
Cell: +267 75084838
Whatsapp Link: https://wa.me/26775084838
Community
Calling All Young Innovators, Influencers, and Intellectuals in Botswana! Forbes Africa Wants You for the 2024 30 Under 30 List!
In May 2024, the Under 30 Summit comes to Africa for its third and biggest iteration yet. Across four days in Botswana’s vibrant capital city, we will convene the most successful, innovative, and impact-minded young entrepreneurs and leaders from around the continent and around the globe. The African continent is home to the world’s youngest population and greatest growth market, ripe for catalyzing entrepreneurial capitalism at scale. Event programming will focus on spotlighting Africa’s greatest business stories and biggest opportunities, and on the investors and founders who are forging new paths forward.
For the third consecutive year, Forbes Africa is shining the spotlight on the brightest young minds in Botswana! As a nation that has hosted the last two Forbes Under 30 events, Botswana continues to be a hotbed of talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
About Forbes Africa 30 Under 30: In its 10th year, the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list celebrates the continent’s most outstanding achievers under the age of 30 across diverse fields such as creative arts, business, technology, sport, and health. This annual selection aims to uncover the rising stars who are destined to become the global newsmakers of tomorrow.
Why Apply? Forbes Africa Managing Editor, Renuka Methil, highlights the significance of this list, especially in a continent with the world’s youngest population. This is your chance to join the ranks of previous honorees like Thobo Khathola, Tony Mautsu, Newman Ramatokwane, and Nijel Amos.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 29 years or younger on March 30, 2024.
- Never appeared on an Under 30 list before.
- Profit-generating business/brand.
- Demonstrated social impact.
- All applications and documents must be in English.
- Nominees can select up to two categories.
Business Category Requirements:
- Reside in, be from, or have the business/brand based in Africa.
- Business should be two years or older.
- Provide audited financial documents for at least two years.
- Profit-generating.
Creative, Health/Science, and Sport Categories:
- Proven track record of two or more years.
- Provide documentation of substantial earnings and/or robust net worth.
Judging Process: The selection process involves four stages:
- Evaluation of candidates’ motivation.
- Submission of additional documentation for further assessment.
- Comprehensive analysis of financials, revenue models, and overall credibility.
- Expert panel of judges assessing and selecting the final 30.
How to Apply: If you’re ready to showcase your innovation, influence, and intellect to the world, visit Forbes Africa’s official website to submit your nomination. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Africa’s elite 30 Under 30 class of 2024!
Nominations can be made here(link is external).
Note: Forbes Africa will communicate with successful candidates at each stage. In case of no communication within the specified period, applicants should consider their nomination unsuccessful.
