In the quiet village of Ha-Bene in Leribe, few could have imagined that a young girl with big dreams would one day earn a scholarship to study in the United States (US).
Today, 20-year-old Thikhoi Constance Molapo is preparing to begin a new chapter at Colby College, where she will pursue a double major in Neuroscience and Business through a scholarship supported by Higherlife Foundation Lesotho and Econet Telecom Lesotho.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship and strategic investment in young people. It also serves as an important lesson for Basotho youth that excellence, determination and service to others can open doors far beyond the country’s borders.
Speaking to Newsday, Molapo reflected on a journey that began at Holy Family High School in Leribe, where she completed her secondary education from Grade 8 to Grade 11.
“After finishing school, one of my teachers, MusiweMbemi, introduced me to the Higherlife Foundation through a leadership boot camp in 2022,” she recalled.
“He told me about a programme for brilliant students who wanted to make a difference in their communities.”
Following a rigorous selection process, Molapo earned a place in the Higherlife Foundation programme after achieving outstanding academic results that met the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
In 2023, she left Lesotho for the first time to attend STAR Leadership Academy in Zimbabwe.
“That was the first time I had ever travelled outside Lesotho. Growing up in a small village in Leribe, I had never imagined I would one day study in different countries.”
At STAR Leadership Academy, Molapo completed a one-year leadership and entrepreneurship programme designed to prepare scholars for higher education while instilling values of servant leadership, innovation and community development.
The programme exposed students to continental development frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging them to use their education to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges.
She later enrolled at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa in Eswatini, where she completed the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
However, Molapo’s journey extended far beyond the classroom. Driven by a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, she represented Lesotho in numerous international competitions.
While studying in Zimbabwe, she participated in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ideas Challenge in Lesotho. With travel support provided by Higherlife Foundation, she returned home to compete and secured second place.
The achievement opened additional opportunities, including participation in YouthConnekt Africa activities in Kenya through UNDP.
Later that same year, she travelled to China, where she excelled in a science and technology competition.
“I ranked first in the technology advancement category with a project in science and technology,” she explained.
She also won the African Science Buskers Southern African regional competition, receiving approximately US$100,000 in start-up capital to develop her business idea. Higherlife Foundation assisted with registration costs that enabled her participation.
While studying in Eswatini, Molapo continued building her entrepreneurial portfolio, winning first prize in a Southern African entrepreneurship competition organised through the Allan Gray entrepreneurial network.
She believes none of these achievements would have been possible without the educational opportunities created by Higherlife Foundation.
“They didn’t simply pay school fees. They created bridges that exposed me to opportunities I would never have known existed. Every achievement built upon the previous one because someone believed in my potential.”
Earlier this year, before departing for university, Molapo spent three months in Malaysia conducting research on solar-powered vehicles aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable transport technologies.
This month, she embarks on perhaps her biggest journey yet, studying in the United States.
She plans to complete a double major in Neuroscience and Business before pursuing a master’s degree in neuroscience and eventually a doctorate.
“My goal is to spend about seven years in higher education so that I can return with knowledge and skills that will make a meaningful contribution to Lesotho,” she said.
Molapo was among five outstanding Basotho scholars officially bid farewell during a send-off ceremony held in Maseru on Wednesday, attended by the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa.
The ceremony celebrated five students who will pursue undergraduate studies at leading American universities in fields including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Finance, Neuroscience and Business.
Since 2011, Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, supported by Econet Telecom Lesotho, has invested more than M100 million in scholarships and educational support programmes, benefiting over 2,000 Basotho learners. The programme has enabled students to study in countries including the United States, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lebanon and Eswatini, producing 19 graduates from American universities.
Speaking on behalf of the scholars, ThembezileMochesane thanked Higherlife Foundation and Econet Telecom Lesotho for believing in the dreams of young Basotho.
“Your support is more than financial assistance; it is a powerful vote of confidence in our dreams and in the future of young Basotho,” she said. “We commit ourselves to representing Lesotho with pride and using the knowledge we gain to contribute meaningfully to our country.”
ETL Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies described the occasion as evidence that sustained investment in education produces long-term national benefits.
“Our investment has always been guided by a simple belief: when we expand access to opportunity, we expand the possibilities of an entire nation,” Plaatjies said.
He reminded the scholars that while they would study thousands of kilometres away, they carried with them the hopes of the Basotho nation.
“Go and learn. Go and grow. Build friendships that span continents. Never forget where you come from. Return home not only with degrees, but with ideas, innovation and leadership that will help shape the Lesotho we all dream of.”
Minister Rapapa commended Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho for complementing government’s efforts to improve access to quality education.
“Education remains central to Lesotho’s social and economic transformation,” he said. “Partnerships between government and the private sector strengthen our country’s future skills base and expand opportunities for young Basotho.”
Molapo’s ambition is to use neuroscience, business and entrepreneurship to improve healthcare, empower communities and inspire the next generation of Basotho innovators.
Her story demonstrates that talent exists in every corner of Lesotho—from remote villages to urban centres. With determination, mentorship and access to opportunity, young Basotho can compete on the global stage while remaining committed to serving their country.
Other beneficiaries of the scholarships include: ThembezileMochesane – Case Western Reserve University ThembezileMochesane, 20, from Maseru, will study Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. A former student of Soofia International School and Waterford Kamhlaba, she is passionate about developing medical technologies that improve healthcare access and patient outcomes in Lesotho and across Africa. She hopes to return home after her studies and contribute to strengthening the country’s healthcare sector.
KatlehoMpemi – Yale University KatlehoMpemi, 18, will study Chemical Engineering at Yale University. A former student of Leribe English Medium High School, STAR Leadership Academy and the African Leadership Academy, he has distinguished himself through academic excellence, leadership and service. He hopes to use science and engineering to turn Lesotho’s natural resources into value-added products, industries and employment opportunities.
Kamohelo Mphirime – Northwestern University Kamohelo Mphirime, 21, from SehlabengsaThuathe in Berea, will pursue a double major in Industrial Engineering and Economics at Northwestern University. A former student of Leqele High School, STAR Leadership Academy and Waterford Kamhlaba, he is passionate about mathematics, problem-solving and innovation. He hopes to use engineering, economics and data-driven decision making to modernise industries, improve productivity and contribute to Lesotho’s long-term economic development.
Nthabiseng Lebele – Bucknell University Nthabiseng Lebele, 20, from Ha Leqele in Maseru, will study Finance at Bucknell University. A former Lesotho High School student who achieved 40 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, she is passionate about business and entrepreneurship. She hopes to apply her financial knowledge to support investment-ready businesses and contribute to Lesotho’s economic growth.
Summary
- In the quiet village of Ha-Bene in Leribe, few could have imagined that a young girl with big dreams would one day earn a scholarship to study in the United States (US).
- Today, 20-year-old Thikhoi Constance Molapo is preparing to begin a new chapter at Colby College, where she will pursue a double major in Neuroscience and Business through a scholarship supported by Higherlife Foundation Lesotho and Econet Telecom Lesotho.
- “My goal is to spend about seven years in higher education so that I can return with knowledge and skills that will make a meaningful contribution to Lesotho,” she said.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
