Education Stakeholders in Lesotho Prepare for Mid-Term Review and Joint Monitoring Visits Ahead of Major Funding Transition

Members of the Local Education Group (LEG) met on 13 April 2026 to prepare for the upcoming Mid-Term Review and Joint Monitoring Visits scheduled to take place between 20 April and 22 May 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and ensuring readiness for key evaluation activities within the education sector. These processes are expected to assess progress across multiple education projects and improve implementation efficiency. The discussions also highlighted the importance of accountability as Lesotho approaches the end of a major funding cycle. Stakeholders emphasized the need for accurate reporting and effective collaboration. The session marked a critical step in preparing the education sector for an important review period.

The Local Education Group Lesotho plays a central role in coordinating education sector planning and monitoring in the country. It is chaired by the Ministry of Education and Training and co-chaired by UNICEF, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders. These include government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and teacher representative bodies. The group ensures that education policies and programmes are implemented in a coordinated and transparent manner. It also serves as a platform for dialogue and joint decision making across the sector. This structure helps strengthen alignment between national priorities and international support.

A key focus of the meeting was preparation for the Mid-Term Review of the Partnership Compact supported under the Global Partnership for Education funding framework. The Ministry of Education and Training received funding through the System Capacity Grant in May 2023, which is set to conclude in May 2026. This funding has supported several reforms aimed at improving education system performance and delivery. One of its core objectives was to strengthen capacity, promote learning, and enhance implementation of sector-wide results at scale. The Mid-Term Review will assess progress made under this compact and identify areas that require improvement. It will also play a role in determining future funding allocations for the education sector.

Joint Monitoring Visits were also a major topic of discussion during the LEG meeting. These visits are designed to assess the implementation of education programmes and ensure that planned activities are being carried out effectively. They provide an opportunity for stakeholders to verify progress on the ground and address implementation challenges. The visits are conducted collaboratively by LEG members to ensure transparency and shared ownership of results. They also help strengthen accountability within ongoing education projects. Findings from these visits are used to improve planning and decision making within the sector.

The System Capacity Grant has supported a range of activities aimed at improving education delivery in Lesotho. These include strengthening institutional systems, improving data collection, and enhancing coordination across education stakeholders. The funding has also supported the development of a Partnership Compact, which helped unlock additional resources for the sector. As the grant period comes to an end, stakeholders are focused on consolidating gains and ensuring sustainability of reforms. The upcoming review process is seen as a key moment to reflect on achievements and challenges. It also provides an opportunity to plan for the next phase of sector development.

The timing of the Mid-Term Review and Joint Monitoring Visits is considered strategic for the Ministry of Education and Training. It allows stakeholders to evaluate progress while ongoing projects are still being implemented. This ensures that corrective actions can be taken where necessary to improve outcomes. It also strengthens evidence-based decision making within the education system. The process supports better alignment between policy objectives and implementation realities. Overall, it reinforces the commitment to delivering quality education services across the country.

The preparation meeting held by the Local Education Group marks an important step in strengthening coordination and accountability within Lesotho’s education sector. The upcoming Mid-Term Review and Joint Monitoring Visits will provide valuable insights into the performance of education programmes supported under the System Capacity Grant. These processes will help assess progress, identify gaps, and guide future funding decisions. The involvement of multiple stakeholders ensures transparency and shared responsibility in education planning. As the grant period comes to an end, the focus remains on sustaining improvements and strengthening system capacity. Ultimately, these efforts support the long term goal of delivering a stronger and more effective education system for Lesotho.