The Minister of Education and Training says 2754 learners are still without proper classrooms in the country while 9279 attend classes in church buildings.
This, Prof. Ntoi Rapapa said when handing over 11 schools constructed in the district of Thaba-Tseka on Monday.
According to the Minister, the ministry has built about 25 schools in eight districts including 11 in the Thaba-Tseka district, saying classrooms and toilets have also been built to ensure proper sanitation for learners and Teachers.
He said that currently about 76 schools are housed by churches, adding that they still have a long way to go to achieve their goal of ensuring that learners study in proper classrooms and get quality education.
He thanked the World Bank for its support in funding the construction of the schools and also commended those engaged in the building of the schools for the excellent work they have done.
He urged learners and the community to protect this infrastructure for their benefit, adding that the World Bank had given M73 million for the construction of all the schools.
At the same event, a Member of Parliament for Semena, Mr. Tšepo Mosotho expressed gratitude for the gift, saying most schools in the rural areas had their roll reduced as learners dropped from schools as such schools were not conducive for learning.
He said the lack of infrastructure in rural areas is still a challenge, as when it rains, children are forced to stay at home because there are no classrooms hence learning happens in open areas. He made an example of Mpela and Nyai Primary Schools which he said are not conducive to learning.
Speaking on behalf of the Lesotho Principal Association, Ms. Kemang Selialia said it is crucial to provide the schools with relevant materials to become productive.
She said with the infrastructure provided, their performance is going to improve, saying they had also asked for an increase in teachers as most schools do not have enough teachers.
They also pleaded with the Minister to employ schools’ principals and provide acting allowances for volunteers as they perform duties and that night watchmen should be deployed to guard the schools.
Chief Mosuoe Sekonyela pleaded with the Minister to consider building e secondary or high school at Lihloahloeng as most children after completing grade seven stay at home because their parents cannot afford to pay for rent and school fees while away from home.
In the Thaba-Tseka district, learners who completed their grade seven can only do their secondary and high school education at Thaba-Tseka, Mohlanapeng, or Masaleng High schools which are all far from Lihloahloeng.
Schools have been constructed in Semena, Mashai, Thaba-Tseka, and Mantšonyane constituencies.
The primary schools are at Likomeng, Nkhaolise, Lihloahloeng, Ramatséliso, Rosemane, Motšoanakaba, Poopa, Khotso, Lekoroana and the other two high schools at Poopa and Motšoanakaba.
