Ontifile Gaokgorwe

Ontifile Gaokgorwe is the Founder and Director of The Bees Hive Academy, an inclusive early childhood development center based in Francistown, Botswana. In her role, she leads strategy, curriculum design, staff development, and operations to ensure that children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities receive quality education in a safe, nurturing environment.

Her business provides pre-primary education, therapy services, and enrichment programs such as sign language, music, and computer literacy. In 2024, she launched The Inclusion Hub Connect, a digital platform offering remote assessments and learning support to children with learning challenges who cannot access the physical academy. Her mission aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Ontifile’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Tokafala Business Plan Competition, recognition as a Mandela Washington Fellow, and the Best Pitch Award in the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator. She is also a passionate gender-based violence advocate and mentor to young women and entrepreneurs.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose to ensure that no child is left behind, Ontifile continues to use education, innovation, and advocacy to build an inclusive future. She holds an associate degree in business management, a diploma in child psychology, and certifications in early childhood education and speech therapy.