News

The University of Botswana (UB) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible learning environment by convening disability stakeholders to explore practical solutions for improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

Hosted by the Department of Student Life and Experience under the theme "Unlock the Everyday," the Disability Stakeholders Meeting brought together disability advocates, government representatives, development partners and civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration and advance disability inclusion within the University and beyond.

Discussions centred on improving accessibility, strengthening support services, promoting inclusive education and ensuring equal participation for students and staff with disabilities.

Addressing the meeting, Botswana Federation of the Disabled (BOFOD) Chairperson, Ms Boikhutso Majang, underscored the importance of stronger partnerships among government, educational institutions, civil society and disability organisations to eliminate barriers that continued to limit opportunities for persons with disabilities. Ms Majang noted that inclusive education, employment, healthcare and community participation remained central to achieving an equitable society.

Delivering the keynote address, disability rights activist, Ms Goitsemang Morekisi, challenged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and translate commitments into tangible action. She called for greater investment in systems and partnerships that promoted equal access to education, employment and social services while safeguarding the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.

The meeting also highlighted the growing role of assistive technology in promoting independence and improving educational outcomes. UB Disability Support Services Manager, Dr Emmanuel Moswela, demonstrated how technological innovations were enhancing learning, communication and mobility for students with disabilities while emphasising the need for continued investment in accessible technologies.

The stakeholder engagement formed part of the University's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive campus where every student had the opportunity to thrive regardless of ability. It also reinforced UB's commitment to working collaboratively with partners to remove barriers and advance equal opportunities in higher education.

The meeting was supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD), reflecting a shared commitment to advancing disability inclusion and accessibility in Botswana.