- New Kasane hub signals structured expansion of grassroots programme across regional schools
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) has extended its grassroots development drive into the Chobe Region through the introduction of the Re Ba Bona Ha (RBBH) Chess Programme, marked by an engagement session held in Kasane this past weekend. The initiative establishes a new chess development centre anchored at Kazungula Primary School, which will serve as the regional hub coordinating activities across surrounding schools.
Participating institutions include Plateau, Kasane, and Ramaeba Primary Schools, as well as Chobe Junior School, reflecting a multi-school approach aimed at broadening access to the game.
Resource support
As part of the rollout, the Federation provided initial development materials to the hub, including 15 chess sets, two chess clocks and training books. Speaking in an interview with this publication, BCF spokesperson Goitsemodimo Makgatle indicated that further resources will be added as the programme scales, signalling a phased investment model aligned to growth.
The engagement drew representation from school leadership across the region, traditional authority, the Kasane Education Region, the Botswana National Sport Commission, and PEO II, suggesting coordinated institutional backing for the initiative.
Development focus
According to Makgatle , the programme is structured as a long-term development pipeline, with emphasis on school-based training, teacher capacity building and the creation of structured competitions. These elements are intended to support sustainability while also creating pathways for learners to progress to district, national and international platforms.
Speaking on the initiative, BCF Development Director Lorato Dolly Thapelo said the programme is designed to bridge access gaps in underserved areas.
“Re Ba Bona Ha is about bringing opportunity closer to our children. Through this programme, we are not only introducing chess, but we are developing thinking skills, confidence, and future leaders.”
She added that the broader ambition is nationwide reach.
“Our broader vision is to ensure that chess reaches every village across Botswana, giving every child, regardless of location, a chance to learn and grow through the game.”
Makgatle additionally confirmed that the Chobe rollout forms part of a wider national expansion strategy, with an official launch of the centre expected at a later stage.
Outlook ahead
Early response from stakeholders in the region has been described as encouraging, with the Federation maintaining that sustained collaboration will be key to long-term impact.
“The response from the Chobe Region has been encouraging, and we are committed to building a sustainable programme that will grow and create pathways for young players to excel at higher levels,” Makgatle said.