By: Keabetswe Gopane

North-West University (NWU) alumni in Botswana are exploring a partnership with the Land Cruiser Club of Botswana (LCB) to support the development of the Lefoko Village Library Project, a community initiative aimed at expanding access to education, information and digital resources in rural Botswana.

The partnership opportunity was introduced at the NWU Botswana Alumni Reunion, which brought 150 alumni from various professional sectors together at the Protea Hotel in Gaborone.

The Lefoko Village Library Project is being led by the LCB in partnership with the Mabutsane Sub-District Council, the CSI-Concepts Foundation via the Jwaneng Desert Bush Walk Initiative and the Lefoko community. The project aims to build a modern public library and knowledge centre to serve Lefoko and the surrounding communities, including Mokhomba, Semane, Tsonyane, Seherelela, Maokane and Lobutse.

Lefoko is located approximately 34 kilometres west of Jwaneng and has a population of over 1 100. The proposed library aims to address the limited access to books, learning materials, computers, internet connectivity and suitable study spaces experienced by many rural communities.

The facility will include reading and study areas, as well as printed and digital learning resources, computer and internet facilities, community information services, and skills development programmes.

The estimated construction cost is 992 628 Pula, and support is being sought in the form of financial contributions, building materials, technology and equipment, books and learning resources, and professional services.

The project provides NWU alumni with an opportunity to give back by sharing their professional skills, resources, networks and financial contributions. Basimane Raogapi, chairman of the NWU Botswana Alumni Chapter, encouraged alumni to consider partnering with LCB and contributing to the initiative as a way of giving back to their community.

The LCB is a registered non-profit organisation with over 120 members from a variety of professional backgrounds. As well as being an off-road and adventure club, the organisation focuses on volunteerism, education, youth development and community service, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

“This project also reflects the broader commitment of the NWU’s Alumni Relations office to encourage alumni to contribute to society through mentorship, expertise, volunteering and community partnerships,” said Nicolize van der Walt, alumni relations section head.
The proposed collaboration between NWU alumni and LCB demonstrates how alumni networks can extend their impact beyond the university by supporting initiatives that create educational opportunities and contribute to sustainable community development.

As the project seeks to bridge the educational and digital divide, NWU alumni in Botswana are exploring ways to become part of a lasting legacy of learning and opportunity in Lefoko and the surrounding communities.