Botswana’s Gambling Authority Partners with Education Ministry to Combat Underage Gambling
BOTSWANA– The Gambling Authority has formalised a two-year partnership with the South East Region of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education to promote responsible gambling education in schools and support initiatives recognising educators’ contributions to learner welfare.
The partnership was officially launched through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which also commits the Authority to supporting the Ministry’s Staff Excellence Awards over the two-year period.
The launch featured an engagement session attended by Ministry representatives and Guidance and Counselling teachers from schools across the South East Region, highlighting the importance of collaboration between education and gambling regulatory stakeholders in addressing underage gambling.
Speaking at the event, Acting Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs at the Gambling Authority, Ms Linnet Mafukidze, underscored the shared responsibility of both institutions to protect children from gambling-related harm. She also thanked the Ministry for granting the Authority access to 77 schools to deliver responsible gambling education to teachers and learners.
Acting Director of the South East Region, Mr Kwante Kwante, highlighted the importance of recognising and motivating educators, noting their contribution to learner development and welfare.
Meanwhile, Performance Improvement Coordinator Mr Lesoto Sebogodi emphasised the role of Guidance and Counselling practitioners in addressing underage gambling and educating learners about the dangers of illegal gambling.
Through the agreement, both institutions aim to expand responsible gambling awareness in schools, strengthen efforts to prevent underage gambling and create safer learning environments across the region.
The partnership also reinforces the role of cross-sector collaboration in protecting young people from gambling-related risks while supporting educators who contribute to their welfare and development.
