UNICEF Lesotho and Partners Launch Ha U Felle Mona Programme to Support Learners in Quthing

UNICEF Lesotho has joined forces with FNB Lesotho, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, and the Ministry of Education and Training in Lesotho to launch the Ha U Felle Mona programme, an education support initiative aimed at helping learners who did not achieve the results needed to progress to higher education. The initiative focuses on restoring hope and providing practical support to young people who may otherwise feel left behind by the education system. It targets vulnerable learners who face academic setbacks but still have the potential to succeed through alternative learning pathways. The programme is designed to ensure that a single examination outcome does not close future opportunities for learners. It also reflects a shared commitment among partners to strengthen education support systems in Lesotho. The initiative begins with 50 learners from Quthing, marking an important step in community-based education recovery efforts.

The Ha U Felle Mona programme provides direct financial support by sponsoring supplementary examination fees for selected learners. This assistance allows students to reattempt subjects they did not pass, giving them a second chance to meet academic requirements. For many families in rural areas, the cost of additional exams can be a major barrier to continuing education. By removing this burden, the programme increases access to learning opportunities and reduces the risk of permanent dropout. Beyond financial support, the initiative also includes structured motivation and guidance sessions for participating learners. These sessions aim to rebuild confidence and help students stay focused on long-term goals. The combination of academic and emotional support makes the programme more than just a funding intervention.

A key strength of the initiative lies in its focus on alternative educational pathways. Learners are introduced to different options that extend beyond traditional academic progression, including vocational training and skills-based learning. This approach helps students understand that education does not follow a single fixed route. It also broadens their perspective on future employment and personal development opportunities. Many young people who struggle academically still have strong practical abilities that can be developed into sustainable careers. The programme works to identify and encourage these strengths early, preventing discouragement and disengagement from the education system. This broader support model helps build resilience among learners facing academic challenges.

The involvement of multiple partners strengthens the impact and reach of the Ha U Felle Mona programme. UNICEF Lesotho brings global experience in child protection and education development, while FNB Lesotho and the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation provide financial and social investment support. The Ministry of Education and Training ensures alignment with national education policies and long-term development goals. This collaboration ensures that the programme is not isolated but integrated into wider education reform efforts. It also demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing educational inequality. By working together, these institutions are able to pool resources and expertise to support vulnerable learners more effectively. The model highlights how coordinated action can produce meaningful change in communities.

The programme also addresses broader social challenges linked to school dropout and youth vulnerability. When learners leave school early due to poor academic performance, they face increased risks such as early marriage, unemployment, and social exclusion. By keeping learners engaged in education, Ha U Felle Mona helps reduce these risks and promotes safer long-term outcomes. The initiative provides structured support that encourages learners to remain connected to school systems even after setbacks. It also sends a strong message that academic failure is not final and can be addressed with the right support. For many young people in Quthing, this message can be life-changing. It helps shift attitudes toward perseverance and second chances in education.

At its core, the Ha U Felle Mona programme is built on the belief that one setback does not define a child’s future, potential, or worth. It promotes a culture of encouragement where learners are given the opportunity to recover, rebuild, and continue their education journey. The initiative recognises that many students face challenges beyond their control that affect academic performance. By offering both practical and emotional support, it helps restore confidence and motivation among affected learners. The programme also reinforces the idea that education systems should be flexible enough to support different learning journeys. For communities in Quthing, it represents a renewed commitment to youth development and inclusion. Ultimately, Ha U Felle Mona stands as a powerful reminder that every learner deserves a second chance to succeed.