Subject: A plea for urgent intervention at Maseru Preparatory School
I write this letter as a long-standing and deeply concerned parent of a child at Maseru Preparatory School. For years, this school has been known as one of the most respected institutions in the country, often referred to as an international school. Sadly, that title no longer reflects the reality our children face today.
Since 2022, the school has been without a permanent Headmaster. Those who have stepped in as acting Heads have stayed only briefly, often leaving the school in an even worse state than they found it. These appointments appear to have been made based on personal friendships with successive Chairpersons of the Board rather than on merit or through any transparent consultation with parents. Each appointment has only deepened the instability and decline.
Over the past few years, we have watched with heartbreak as the school’s standards have fallen. Among the most troubling issues are:
- Teachers not being paid regularly, leaving many demotivated or leaving altogether;
- The absence of a school nurse, which puts our children’s safety at risk;
- Poor leadership and planning, leading to confusion and disorganisation; and
- A visible drop in the school’s communication standards, with letters and notices that no longer reflect the quality of education we once trusted this school to provide.
Articles published by Newsday Lesotho have painted an accurate picture of what is happening. Yet, the Ministry of Education has remained silent. As parents, we are shocked and disappointed that such a well-known school, one that has educated generations of this country’s children, could be allowed to crumble without intervention.
The issue of financial accountability also needs urgent attention. There are growing concerns that some members of the school’s leadership, including the acting Head and certain teachers, are not paying school fees for their own children. If that is true, we ask the Ministry to investigate and clarify whether it is right for individuals who owe the school to continue holding leadership positions.
Even more disturbing is the fact that other staff members have lost their jobs, allegedly because of the school’s financial difficulties, while those who owe fees continue to enjoy free education for their children and full salaries for themselves. This shows clear bias and unfair treatment that must be urgently addressed. Furthermore, if the school is truly struggling financially, why has the new board introduced allowances for itself, something that was never done before?
Another serious concern is the matter of school uniforms. Many of us have paid for uniforms that have never been delivered. We have been given endless promises that they would arrive “the following day,” yet weeks have passed. Parents deserve to know what happened to our money.
But what has disturbed us most deeply are the recent reports of inhumane and degrading punishment at the school. There are credible claims that some children have been stripped naked and made to wear diapers as discipline. This is not only cruel but raises serious fears about the safety and dignity of our children.
Because of this, I have chosen to withhold my name. I am genuinely afraid that my child could be victimised for my speaking out. The atmosphere at the school has become unsafe for both children and parents who question decisions. I cannot risk exposing my child to further humiliation or the possibility of sexual harassment under such disturbing disciplinary practices.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education and Training to act immediately by:
- Investigating the governance, management, and financial operations of Maseru Preparatory School;
- Reviewing how acting Heads and Board members have been appointed;
- Looking into reports of child mistreatment and ensuring that children’s rights are fully protected; and
- Providing parents with a transparent report on the findings and steps that will be taken to restore trust and quality at the school.
Maseru Preparatory School was once a place of pride, a symbol of academic excellence and integrity. Today, it stands as a painful reminder of what happens when leadership fails and oversight is absent. Our children deserve better.
Yours sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
Summary
- I write this letter as a long-standing and deeply concerned parent of a child at Maseru Preparatory School.
- For years, this school has been known as one of the most respected institutions in the country, often referred to as an international school.
- Providing parents with a transparent report on the findings and steps that will be taken to restore trust and quality at the school.
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