Botho University makes electric car, produces own electricity

Botho University produces 40 percent of its electricity through solar energy and has cut down on 80 percent of water wastage in their Gaborone Campus.

And to cap it all, the University has its own electric car which was made by the learners from the Gaborone campus.

Vice Chancellor of Botho University, Dr. Sheela Raja Ram noted that being able to create impact in 12 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG) of the United Nations, “gives our people the confidence that as a modern university our work contributes to making our students and hence Africa economically strong.”

Ram explained that as they move toward 2030 they are motivated that the institution is adding positive change to the world. Spokesperson of Botho University, Botho Sendi said it is the responsibility of all organisations to meet the SDGs especially organisations in the education spectrum because it has to take the lead in making efforts to reach the SDGs. “We are becoming a sustainable university and we also teach sustainability,” Sendi said, adding that the pedagogy they use and keep improving is Challenge Driven Education and Dual learning that helps nurture employability show efforts of BU to teach for sustainability. The sustainability and social impact report from BU highlights that the institution has made strides in 12 of the 17 SDG goals of the United Nations. Sendi said that there is need for more funding for research so that they may increase the research they conduct around SDGs.

“We are a private university with no access to any SDGs. We are not contributing to goals for combating hunger, climate action, Earth, Peace and Justice and Oceans,” Sendi said. Sendi remains hopeful for the future. She explained that by 2030, BU will create more opportunities for students, alumni and staff to meaningfully connect to their communities. Furthermore, the institution will continue to develop its curriculum and teaching so that students learn to innovate for sustainable development and learn to live sustainably.