The Right Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Sam Matekane, led the national Back to
School campaign at Ha-Koporale in Thaba-Tseka District, reaffirming Government’s unwavering
commitment to ensuring that every Mosotho child has access not only to education but to quality
education.
Held under the Ministry of Education and Training’s theme “Ha re Khutleleng Sekolong”, the event
brought together community leaders, teachers, parents, learners and development partners in a
powerful demonstration of national solidarity around the transformative power of education.
In his address, the Prime Minister underscored that education remains the single most important
instrument for shaping Lesotho’s future. He reminded Basotho that investing in children today is
investing in the country’s long-term prosperity.
“Thuto ke motheo oa ntšetso-pele le kholo ea naha,” he emphasised, highlighting that no child
should be left behind particularly at primary level. Government’s policy position remains firm:
access to basic education is not a privilege but a right.
He further noted Lesotho’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The Prime Minister also called on parents and guardians to take responsibility to ensure that
children remain in school, stating clearly that excuses for non-attendance have no place in a
nation determined to rise.
Beyond infrastructure and material support, both the Right Honourable The Prime Minister and
the Honorable Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa stressed the urgent need to confront social
challenges undermining educational progress.
They reiterated Government’s concern over rising teenage pregnancies and the practice of boys
leaving school prematurely for initiation schools at critical academic stages.
The Prime Minister urged communities to protect the futures of young people by prioritising
education above all other competing pressures. While cultural practices remain an important part
of Basotho identity, he emphasized that timing and balance are essential to ensure that education
is not sacrificed.
“Our children must not lose their future at the peak of their schooling,” he said.
The Back to School campaign encourages Basotho across the country to support learners
through practical contributions including uniforms, stationery, hygiene products and food support.
The Prime Minister reminded citizens that even small contributions, when multiplied across
communities, preserve the enduring Basotho value of sharing and collective responsibility.
He further highlighted Government’s continued investment in supportive infrastructure such as
electricity, water, roads and digital connectivity near schools, creating an enabling environment for
improved learning outcomes.
The event also reinforced the strategic link between education and economic growth.
A productive, self-reliant Lesotho depends on a skilled and disciplined generation. Learners who
complete their education become future entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, agricultural innovators,
engineers, public servants and industry leaders.
The vision aligns with Government’s broader economic reform agenda and the Buy Lesotho
campaign, which seeks to strengthen domestic production, local industries and job creation.
Education remains the bedrock of that transformation.
By investing in literacy, numeracy and technical skills today, Lesotho is laying the groundwork for
a competitive and resilient economy tomorrow.
The Prime Minister concluded by calling on all Basotho to participate actively in shaping a society
that values education, discipline and national responsibility. He expressed his personal aspiration
to see one of the children present at the event rise one day to lead the country.
“I want to see one of these children become future Prime Minister of Lesotho,” he said, reinforcing his
belief that leadership begins in the classroom.
The Government remains committed to expanding access to quality education, improving service
delivery and working with communities to build a united, prosperous and educated nation.
As Lesotho advances toward 2030, the message from Ha-Koporale was clear:
Education is not merely a social service, it is a national investment
Source: The Prime Minister’s office, PR UNIT.
