Berea, Jan. 26 — Access to education is a fundamental human right whereby no one should be left behind regardless of their vulnerabilities, says Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police Mr. Lebona Lephema.
Minister of Local Government made the remarks on Monday during the celebration of Back-to-school campaign held at Assumption Primary School grounds, where he also presented hampers of educational needs such as stationary, sanitary towels, uniforms and school bags and other items to over 200 children drawn from 13 schools around Teyateyaneng.
Mr. Lephema stressed that effort to extend a helping hand to the vulnerable children forms part of social responsibility, love and care whereby they are responding to the Minister of Education’s call of making an impact in schools during the Back to School campaign.
He pointed out that no one should be left behind, despite their family background and as a result; investing in children’s education contribute much in creating a responsible citizens.
“When given an opportunity to learn, focus on your education and learn to your limit in order to unlock the potential embedded in you, you are the future leaders”, he boldly said.
Minister of Local Government further said the government has rolled out such initiative as part of encouraging children to fully understand the importance of education, moreover he urged teachers to invest their teachers to work hard in imparting education to children.
On the other hand, he pleaded with parents to remember that every children is a true reflection of their respective families and as a result he called for collective responsibility on ensuring that they acquire a bright future.
“Lesotho is the only country we have, therefore where given a responsibility, serve the nation with dignity in order to leave the legacy behind, promote food security”, he highlighted.
Sharing the same sentiments, Minister of Public Service Mr. Mputi Stephen Mputi congraduated the Minister of Home Affairs over his efforts in improving Basotho’s children education, citing that such efforts plays a crucial role in investing in their future.
Mr. Mputi futher encouraged the beneficiaries to pursue the good work to others when they are blessed as part of making change in their respective communities.
Representing the Principals from the benefitng schools, Gregg Memorial High School Principal Mrs. Malimpho Semoli said they feel amazed by the contribution of Minister of Local Government in supporting the education, highlighting that they make a huge difference in families.
Mrs. Semoli further said the Minister of Home Affairs has already set a pace and she pleaded with people to copy the good work in order to bring about a change in people’s lives.
Representing the students, Boitumelo Lerata from Assumption High School said they feel honored to be presented with such gifts, citing that they are going to make their learning journey quite easy, further indicating that they are going to eat well before coming to school.
During the same occasion, National University of Lesotho (NUL) through its Community Engagement initiative also took an opportunity to provide a career guidance, whereby Professor Julia Mathuso Chere Masupha from Faculty of education said it has come to her attention that most students want to pursue their career at the NUL, but lack of knowledge about the courses they want to enroll on still remains a crucial challenge.
Professor Masupha urged those willing to enroll with NUL to visit the school at any time for free guidance.
Meanwhile, as part of motivating students for their hard work in external examination, Minister Home Affairs further presented six top achievers of Berea district with electronic gadgets and M1000,00 each and presented M2500,00 to Assumption Primary School Hip-Hop Club for their creativity and music talent.
Ends/RM/tl