As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) has formally launched the Standard Lesotho Bank Bursary Fund.
The Bursary Fund is intended to support 50 academically gifted students from less privileged families to help them acquire a high school education.
Speaking at the occasion, the Acting Head of Brand and Marketing of Standard Lesotho Bank, Mr. Manyathela Kheleli said this fund is also intended to promote academic excellence and shape the next generation of Basotho’s talent in order to build national capacity and local human capital to make a meaningful contribution to the country. This he said is in line with national priorities as set out in the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 which states; ‘Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
He said the SLB Bursary Fund will commence in 2022 with the initial capital of M650,000 to cover all tuition fees and living expenses of qualifying students.
The application requirements are an application letter indicating why the student’s application should be considered, the applicant’s Identity Card, recent academic report, testimonial from school and parents or guardian proof of payment.
He mentioned that the Bursary is intended for families with a combined monthly income of less than M3,000 per month, at any high school class until they finish their LGSCE examinations.
He noted that the bursary also incorporates career guidance, mentorship and psycho-social support to recipients during the tenure of their sponsorship, adding that the Bursary is free and open to qualifying Basotho nationals in all the districts of the country.
“SLB Bursary Fund is planned to decrease the numbers of pupils who drop out of school, especially at the high school level due to financial constraints. The fund has been recognized by the Bank as an initiative that has potential to address the plight of gifted but economically challenged Basotho children, who lose out on the potential to be future leaders in the country,” Mr. Kheleli said.
He said the bursary also responds to a gap in universal access to education where the government, currently provides Free Primary Education and scholarships for tertiary education.
He mentioned that students whose lives will be touched by this initiative are also destined to be the customers in the future, saying SLB is planting a seed for the customers of tomorrow.
The fund is a pilot project for a period of three years. It will start with the first group of 50 students for the year 2022 and applications are open until 14^th January 2022.
Applications can be delivered at any Standard Lesotho Bank Branch throughout the country or emailed to slbbursaries@stanbic.com.
By Staff Reporter: ’Maphoka Likotsi