Teachers’ Unions Welcome Slight Improvement in LGCSE Results, Call for Further Reforms

Teachers’ unions in Lesotho have acknowledged a slight improvement in the recently released Lesotho General Certificate for Secondary Education (LGCSE) results compared to 2023 but caution that the progress remains far from satisfactory.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, Lesotho Teachers Trade Union (LTTU) Secretary General, Ms. ‘Mamoholoane Folene, noted that while the pass rate has improved, it still falls below 80 percent, highlighting the significant strides needed to reach an acceptable level.

Ms. Folene attributed the results to a range of challenges that continue to hinder educational outcomes. Chief among these, she emphasized, is the need for regular teacher training. With the curriculum frequently evolving to align with the demands of a rapidly changing technological era, she stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to stay up to date.

“Life changes every day in this technological era. For the best results, the curriculum and teachers must go hand in hand,” she explained.

The LTTU also pointed out other areas requiring attention, including resource allocation, better teacher support systems, and addressing socioeconomic factors that affect learners’ performance.

While the slight improvement is a step forward, teachers’ unions are urging policymakers to take more comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues. This includes prioritizing teacher development programs, modernizing learning resources, and fostering stronger collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the education system can meet the demands of the 21st century.

As Lesotho strives to improve its educational standards, the unions remain optimistic that with the right interventions, the LGCSE pass rate can steadily rise in the coming years.