Mrs. Makopano Ramochele, District Resource Teacher for the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in Lesotho, recently urged Grade 10 students aspiring to become teachers to consider pursuing the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program. Her advice was given during the handover of a M20,000 bursary from the Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT) Qacha’s Nek branch, with support from the Ontario Teachers Federation (OTF) in Canada.
In her address, Mrs. Ramochele highlighted the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field of early childhood education, stressing the significance of properly trained teachers for young learners’ development. She emphasized that the ECCD program, which is offered at the Lesotho College of Education (LCE), provides students with a range of qualifications, from certificates to degrees. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those who wish to specialize in early childhood education, a crucial stage in the development of children.
Mrs. Ramochele encouraged the students to take advantage of the program’s offerings, suggesting that becoming a part of the ECCD field would not only fulfill a vital need in Lesotho’s education system but also offer rewarding career opportunities. She pointed out that the government’s focus on improving education in Lesotho has created a growing demand for qualified ECCD professionals to support the country’s educational goals.
The M20,000 bursary, a generous contribution from the LAT and OTF, is aimed at assisting students with the financial burden of their studies. It serves as an added incentive for Grade 10 students to consider careers in teaching, particularly within the ECCD sector.
By encouraging these students to pursue a path in early childhood care and development, Mrs. Ramochele is helping shape the next generation of educators who will play a key role in fostering quality education for young children in Lesotho.
