Africa-Press – Lesotho. Through its Universal Service Fund (USF), the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology installed Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment for Lesotho College
of Education (LCE) last Thursday. The move is an effort by the ministry to aid with learning and development of network infrastructure in institutions of higher learning.
The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology has recently undertaken this installation at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) and the National University of
Lesotho (NUL). According to USF Chairperson and the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology Principal Secretary (PS) ’Mabataung Khalane, the project was established in 2009
under the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology law. She said the initiative falls under some of the ministry’s projects that are aimed to
improve and foster good communication. “The aim of USF is to see that higher learning institutions receive secure connections, it is the ministry’s responsibility to ensure that connection is satisfactory in the country. The
mandate is to ensure that all citizens in the country have access to voice telephony services, internet access, broadcasting services and basic postal
services. It also ensures access to high quality and affordable communications services as well as to increase access to telecommunication services through a
levy on telecommunication providers,” Khalane informed. The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Hon. Tsoinyane Rapapa indicated that the
government has invested a tune of M1 million in this project. He noted that the project is facilitated by a local provider. “We are proud that this project is facilitated by a Mosotho man
through his company called Computer Business Solutions, which comes way back when only one computer was found in the country. The project will aid both
learners and lecturers with internet connection free of charge while around the campus,” he stated. Rapapa also instructed learners and teachers to take good care of the equipment and use it
efficiently. LCE Acting Rector Paramente Phamotse stated that this initiative is an added advantage to the institution. He emphasized that it will assist the school to improve education
in this era of digital migration and highlighted that this impact will go a long way in harnessing Lesotho’s education system. “It is in this institution
where pre-school, primary and high school teachers are trained. We are looking forward to the ministry’s intervention which will make a difference today even
for many years to come in enabling us to provide the type of education that the youth deserve,” Phamose indicated. He extended that they are in a situation where Covid-19 has undertaken almost everything, especially the systematic
learning enormously. He added that they carry a big responsibility in ensuring that learners receive education efficiently. “The opportunity that we have will be of great advantage as we use communication technology,” he said
