The British High Commissioner to Lesotho, Mr. Harry MacDonald on Thursday pleaded with Basotho graduates to work harder in ensuring that they revitalize the country’s economy by acquiring the necessary skills from universities in the United Kingdom.

Mr. MacDonald said this when addressing graduates during the presentation about the Chevening United Kingdom Government’s International Scholarship Programme for graduates irrespective of age and employment status.

He said Basotho graduates are given a chance to study in the UK and come back to share and implement skills they have acquired, adding that applicants need to state reasons as to how their chosen courses will benefit the country. He said the scholarship is a one-year master’s degree programme.

Mr. MacDonald added that they have been to Leribe spreading messages of encouragement to Basotho to take full advantage of this opportunity, saying they have already awarded scholarships to about 6 out of 126 Basotho who submitted their applications the previous time.

One unemployed graduate who commented on condition of anonymity expressed his concern about the small number of graduates awarded the scholarship as opposed to the number of Basotho who graduate from higher learning institutions every year.

Another graduate said the two years of working experience needed for one to qualify for the scholarship is a disadvantage to them considering the high rate of unemployment in the country.

The event was attended by about 100 graduates who are employed and unemployed. Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort close on 7 November 2023.

Source: LENA 19/10/2023