Orange Botswana has partnered with SOS Children’s Village in Tlokweng to launch a sports development initiative aimed at empowering children and providing them with essential life skills through sports. The initiative was unveiled at an event attended by community leaders, SOS Children’s Village residents, and Orange Botswana representatives.
The partnership comes after the successful completion of Orange Botswana’s internal “allconnected” charity challenge, held earlier this year. The challenge saw mixed teams of four Orange employees each commit to walking or running a total of 42 kilometers over a period of ten days. The challenge was about much more than physical activity—it was about solidarity, collaboration, and giving back to the community.
Speaking at the launch event, Orange Botswana Acting Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Patrick Yane announced that the BWP 150,000 raised from the charity challenge will be used to improve sports facilities, purchase essential equipment, and provide professional coaching for the children of SOS Children’s Village in Tlokweng.
“This is not just about sports; it’s about creating opportunities for children to grow, to develop confidence, and to feel part of something bigger,” said Yane. “We want every child to experience the transformative power of sports, and we believe that this initiative will play a critical role in nurturing talent and promoting a sense of belonging.”
The funds will empower the children to explore and practice a sport of their choice, helping to improve their overall quality of life. In addition, a special day celebrating sport will be organized for the entire SOS Children’s Village community, creating an opportunity for children and residents to experience the joy of play, teamwork, and competition.
The company believes that its employees are powerful role models and agents of change, sharing their skills while inspiring the children to pursue their dreams.
“This is only the beginning,” emphasized Yane. “Our initial day of volunteering will pave the way for a larger ‘Orange Day’ sports event, which will take place after three months of training—fully sponsored by Orange Botswana. We are committed to creating a lasting impact and supporting the children throughout their journey.”
The Orange Botswana Director highlighted that sports provide young people with essential life skills, including discipline, perseverance, and leadership. “Sports are more than just games—they are powerful tools for life transformation,” said Yane. “For children, especially those growing up in challenging circumstances, sports can offer an outlet for creativity, a sense of purpose, and a path to a brighter future. Every child deserves that chance, and we are here to make sure they have it.”
This partnership with SOS Children’s Village is just one of the many ways that Orange Botswana is demonstrating its commitment to sports development across the country.
The company has been a proud supporter of various sporting events and athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo and the national Olympics team. It has also been a major sponsor of the Phikwe Marathon, bringing together thousands of athletes to promote a culture of health and fitness, as well as the Orange FA Cup, which continues to inspire passion for football across Botswana.
“At Orange Botswana, we believe in the power of community,” said Yane. “We are investing in youth sports because we understand that by doing so, we are investing in the future. We are promoting healthy lifestyles, nurturing talent, and fostering inclusivity within our communities. It’s our responsibility as a corporate citizen to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The event ended with Yane extending heartfelt gratitude to SOS Children’s Village for their partnership, the Orange Botswana employees for their dedication, and everyone who supported the initiative. “To the children of SOS Children’s Village: we believe in you. We believe in your dreams, your talents, and your limitless potential. We are excited to see you grow and to celebrate your successes along the way.”
Orange Botswana’s commitment to community empowerment is clear. Through strategic initiatives such as this, the company is using sports as a means to uplift young people, inspire positive change, and create a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it the most.
