Lesotho’s Ministry of Education Engages Oxfam Denmark on Education Out Loud Project

The Hon. Minister of Education and Training, Prof. Ntoi Rapapa, alongside senior officials from the Ministry, held a strategic meeting with Oxfam Denmark management, Mr. Lars Udsholt and Mr. Richard Olong, on 16 February 2026. The meeting focused on the Education Out Loud Project, a key initiative supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) that strengthens the role of civil society in advancing quality education. Minister Rapapa and his team engaged with Oxfam representatives to discuss the project’s implementation, objectives, and potential impact on Lesotho’s education sector. The discussion underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government and international partners in achieving inclusive and effective educational outcomes. This engagement reflects the Ministry’s commitment to promoting equitable access to education and empowering communities through participatory approaches.

During the meeting, both parties explored how the Education Out Loud Project can enhance civil society participation in education policy and planning. The initiative provides funding and technical support to local organizations, enabling them to monitor education policies, advocate for improvements, and support marginalized groups. Oxfam Denmark outlined the project’s goals of increasing accountability, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the voices of parents, learners, and teachers are included in decision-making processes. The Ministry shared its priorities for improving learning outcomes, reducing disparities, and strengthening school management, emphasizing alignment between national education strategies and project objectives.

Minister Rapapa highlighted the value of partnership with international organizations like Oxfam in advancing Lesotho’s education agenda. He noted that initiatives such as Education Out Loud empower communities to engage meaningfully in education governance, ensuring that policies reflect local needs and realities. The Ministry reaffirmed its support for civil society-led initiatives that contribute to improving the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of education across the country. Both sides agreed on the need for continuous dialogue, knowledge sharing, and coordination to maximize the project’s impact.

The Education Out Loud Project represents a significant step in reinforcing Lesotho’s commitment to inclusive and participatory education. By enabling civil society organizations to actively monitor and influence education policies, the project strengthens accountability and fosters a more responsive education system. The engagement between the Ministry of Education and Oxfam Denmark sets the stage for collaborative initiatives that enhance policy implementation, improve learning outcomes, and promote equity in education. Through such partnerships, Lesotho is advancing its goal of delivering quality education for all learners, while empowering communities to play a central role in shaping the future of the nation’s education system.