Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Russian Embassy Deny Knowledge of Sponsorships for Basotho Students to Study in Russia
Maseru, Lesotho – Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and the Russian Embassy to South Africa have denied any involvement or knowledge of sponsorships for Basotho children set to study in Russia.
This clarification comes in response to a press release from the Ministry following recent claims made by the United African Transformation (UAT) party. The UAT party had held a press conference a few days ago, during which they promised sponsorships for 30 Basotho children to study at Russian higher learning institutions.
The Ministry’s statement clarified that after conducting research in collaboration with the Russian Embassy, it was determined that no such sponsorships had been arranged through official channels. The Ministry and the Embassy suspect that the UAT party may have secured private and independent sponsors for the students.
In light of this, the Ministry advised parents and students to directly seek full details about the sponsorships from the respective institutions and sponsors involved. The Ministry emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the students, especially as these arrangements fall outside the purview of official government channels.
The statement also noted that while the government supports educational opportunities abroad, it is crucial for students and their families to verify the legitimacy and details of any sponsorships or arrangements before proceeding. This ensures that proper safety measures are in place for those planning to study overseas.
The confusion surrounding the sponsorships highlights the need for clear communication and official coordination when it comes to international educational opportunities, especially in the context of student welfare and safety. The Ministry has urged both the UAT party and potential sponsors to provide transparency and clarity to avoid misleading claims in the future.
As the situation unfolds, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations remains committed to supporting Lesotho’s educational initiatives abroad, while safeguarding the interests of Basotho students.
