Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, in partnership with local filmmakers, N&M Productions hosted a screening of the short-form documentary that follows the journeys of 2 young Batswana whose lives have been impacted by the Futuremakers Programme.
The documentary, titled A Brighter Future, captures the personal and professional growth of Waithera Mburu (now an accountant) and Maleho Makgothi (engineer & founder of PumiSoundz), illustrating how Futuremakers has empowered them with the skills, opportunities and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to Botswana economic future.
“The Futuremakers Programme was introduced as a vehicle to empower the next generation of changemakers in Botswana – helping them to not only access opportunities but to create them. This documentary reflects how we as Standard Chartered have been committed to investing in the human & economic potential of young people and building inclusive communities by opening doors, wherever we can. This documentary is unique in how we have typically told the Futuremakers story- from a macro-overview, highlighting the reach of the programme. Today we shift focus by telling it through a personal lense by also including those closest to the participants and seeing how they have seen the transformation in their lives. We are proud that the Futuremakers legacy has been showcased in this format, in addition to the inspiring work that other alumni continue to do” stated Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Bame Tshweneyagae.
Speaking at the screening, the N&M Productions Co-founder and the director Nikita Mokgware spoke about the vision in capturing this story.
“This story has been personal for us, as we too have a relationship with Futuremakers having interacted with the programme in the early days. We know many of the participants who have been impacted by it, so we wanted to focus on Waithera and Maleho’s transformation; seen not only from their point of view but from their loved ones as well. We are grateful to have been given the confidence by Standard Chartered Bank to present this story and thankful to Waithera and Maleho for allowing us to walk this journey with them.” Stated Ms Mokgware.
Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is the Bank’s global initiative to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion of young people, particularly young women and people living with disabilities. The programme launched in Botswana in 2019, focusing on addressing youth employability, entrepreneurship and education, working in collaboration with local partners Mebala Youth Studio and SOS Children’s Village to provide training & mentorship.
The Futuremakers’ programme has evolved to provide funding through the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator Programme that is targeted to female-led businesses operating tech, innovation and/or impact-focused businesses in Botswana. The Women in Tech Programme was introduced in Botswana in 2024.
