Seabata Mahao
Higherlife Foundation Lesotho (HLFL) is celebrating academic excellence as two of its scholars are set to pursue studies in the United States of America (U.S.).
The two students, Katleho Mokhele and ‘Matlala Sefale, have been admitted to further their education at Earlham College in Indiana and St. Lawrence University in New York, respectively.
Mokhele will major in Psychology and Social Services with a minor in Education, while Sefale will be studying Data Science and Computer Science.
These two young scholars have been awarded scholarships to attend these prestigious institutions, thanks to HLFL, the social investment arm of Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL).
Both Mokhele and Sefale have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and have been selected to pursue fields of study that will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the development of Lesotho.
Their scholarships underscore HLFL’s ongoing commitment to empowering the youth of Lesotho through education, mentorship, and leadership development.
Speaking at the event, ETL’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies, emphasized the importance of investing in education as a cornerstone for development in Lesotho.
“At ETL, we believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth and driving sustainable development in our country. Through the support of HLFL, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future leaders of Lesotho,” said Plaatjies.
Since 2011, ETL, through HLFL, has been at the forefront of educational initiatives, providing scholarships, mentorship, and life skills training to thousands of students across Lesotho. HLFL’s mission is to ensure that every young person in Lesotho has access to quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, also spoke at the event, thanking ETL for its support and underscoring the Government of Lesotho’s (GOL) commitment to backing educational initiatives that empower the youth and contribute to the nation’s growth.
“These scholarships represent a significant step in our collective efforts to uplift the education sector in Lesotho and provide our youth with the tools they need to contribute towards the country’s development agenda,” said Rapapa.
Since its inception in 2011, over 1,616 Basotho scholars have benefited from HLFL’s Capernaum scholarships, while 20 have benefited from the Moshoeshoe I scholarship. Additionally, HLFL has invested over M43 million in education and has committed over M100 million across various interventions in Lesotho.
HLFL is currently in the process of recruiting 200 more Capernaum students and 10 more Moshoeshoe I students. Moreover, five students are studying at universities in Zimbabwe, three at the Star Leadership Academy in Zimbabwe, two at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, one at the African Science Academy in Ghana, four at Waterford Kamhlaba in Eswatini, nine at Zambian universities, and five at South African universities.
Additionally, there are five scholars currently pursuing their studies in the USA, including Mahali Mabesa, Nthati, Katleho Pule, Moliehi Seipati, and ‘Mapalo Esther Makweza.
