Biography

Oaphela Boago Garetshoge is a first-year student at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, Botswana, and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program. She matriculated from Naledi Senior Secondary School in Gaborone in 2024. Having taken an interest in social issues, she joined the debate clubs in her Alma Mater, where she was privileged to participate in various Debate and Public Speaking competitions. She was awarded the title of “Best Junior Debater” in the Debaters Without Borders competition in 2022, got third place nationally for the SADC Essay Writing Competition, and won second place at the Commemorative Day against Cyberbullying in 2023. In 2024, Oaphela led and coached her Alma Mater’s debate team for the World Ozone Commemoration Day event, which was crowned the victor of the competition. She has also been awarded the titles of “Best Student in English Literature” and “Best in Creative Writing” in 2024. Oaphela is currently engaged with climate activism under the GAYO Eco-Club and the Youth Climate Council of Botswana.