Wave of Joy as Ntlholohetsane Primary School Receives New Classrooms from Letšeng Diamonds

A wave of joy swept through Ntlholohetsane Primary School in Mokhotlong recently as learners, teachers, and community members gathered to celebrate the official handover of four new classrooms, generously funded by Letšeng Diamonds Mine.

Founded in 2000 with just 140 learners studying in a villager’s home, Ntlholohetsane Primary School has grown significantly and now serves approximately 1,200 students, making it the largest primary school in Mokhotlong district. However, this remarkable growth has brought about serious challenges, particularly overcrowded classrooms that have hindered effective teaching and learning.

The new classrooms, valued at over M1 million, mark the completion of a crucial project and represent a major contribution from the private sector to improve educational infrastructure in the region. Twelve-year-old Boiketlo Letsoepa, a Grade 7 learner, expressed her appreciation during the handover ceremony, highlighting the positive impact the new classrooms will have on the learning environment. She pledged that the learners would strive for even better results in their improved facilities.

School principal ‘Matsebo Tšita praised the collective efforts of parents and teachers who have managed the school’s large enrolment over the years. She noted that while the new classrooms will ease pressure, the school still faces ongoing challenges. Outdated toilet facilities, a lack of security fencing, and the absence of a borehole—which results in high water bills—remain pressing concerns. She emphasized that additional support is needed to address these issues and ensure a safe and cost-effective learning environment.

Parents have shown their commitment by hiring a security guard to protect the school, demonstrating strong community ownership of the institution. Speaking on behalf of Letšeng Diamonds, corporate social responsibility manager ‘Makhomo Motaung stressed the importance of community engagement and sustainability. She encouraged learners and community members to take good care of the new facilities to ensure they benefit future generations.

Motaung reaffirmed Letšeng Diamonds’ dedication to supporting education in Mokhotlong, calling it a valuable investment in the country’s future leaders. On behalf of the parents, Thabo Matete praised the school’s academic performance and called for further support, including the establishment of a local high school so that learners can continue their education close to home.

The Member of Parliament for Mokhotlong constituency, Letsema Adontši, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Education and Training, Ntoi Rapapa, acknowledging the positive impact of the new classrooms. He thanked Letšeng Diamonds for their continued support and urged the community to protect and support the school.

Irene Hlongwane, speaking for the Mokhotlong district education manager, echoed appreciation for the private sector’s contribution and encouraged the school to maintain its strong academic standards. She acknowledged that many schools across the district face similar challenges, including inadequate facilities and support for vulnerable learners.

Ntlholohetsane Primary School stands as a shining example of the government’s 2000 commitment to free primary education and equitable access for all. The new classrooms provide a much-needed boost, particularly in a region where many schools still struggle with outdated infrastructure and limited resources. Despite numerous policy promises over the years, rural schools in Lesotho continue to face significant disadvantages compared to their urban counterparts. Many children in remote areas endure inadequate facilities, highlighting a persistent gap in educational equity.

Meanwhile, the government of Lesotho and the World Bank recently signed an agreement to improve student retention amid the impacts of COVID-19. The initiative, supported by a M111 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aims to strengthen the country’s basic education system, improve teaching quality, and reduce dropout rates, particularly among boys from poor rural households.

The Basic Education Strengthening Project (BESP) includes targeted interventions to support vulnerable students through enhanced cash transfer schemes and expanded youth social clubs, designed to promote engagement and encourage school completion. Additionally, the project aims to improve early education quality through structured support for over 300 reception classes and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres.

Efforts to enhance teaching standards in mathematics and science through expanded online training for junior secondary school teachers are also underway. The project will further assist the government in effectively monitoring progress within the Lesotho Basic Education System.

While the challenges facing rural schools in Lesotho remain significant, initiatives like the new classrooms at Ntlholohetsane Primary School and the BESP project offer hope for a brighter future. Continued collaboration between government, private sector partners, and local communities will be essential in ensuring that all Basotho children have access to quality education and equal opportunities for success.