Keiso Mohloboli
Lesotho faces a challenging unemployment crisis. Despite graduating thousands of youths annually from universities and colleges, the promise of employment remains elusive.
According to recent statistics, the unemployment rate in Lesotho hovers around 25-27 percent, a figure that paints a stark reality of wasted potential and frustrated ambitions.
The bleak picture is further underscored by the budget speech presented before the National Assembly in recent years, where government officials acknowledged that job creation has lagged behind the growing number of graduates.
Many youths find themselves “hunting for jobs” without success, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, despair, and the loss of hope for a brighter future.
However, a new beacon of hope is shining through in Lesotho, thanks to innovative initiatives led by visionary young leaders like Tlotliso Motebang, popularly known as “Teacher John”. Through his dedication, skill, and passion, Teacher John exemplifies how young Lesotho citizens can harness the power of the internet to forge successful careers beyond local limitations.
With the strategic support of Starlink Business by T-Connect Lesotho, an organisation committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for Lesotho’s youths, Teacher John is transforming lives across the country.
Teacher John’s journey is both inspiring and instructive. As one of Lesotho’s many talented youths who once graphed on the margins of unemployment, he shares, “I was hungry — not just physically, but also for success. Like many of my friends and fellow graduates, I felt left behind because opportunities in Lesotho are limited. That hunger drove me to look beyond borders.” His breakthrough came when he decided to learn how to teach English online and get certified.
Today, Teacher John has mentored 728 aspiring TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) online teachers. More than 500 of his mentees are actively earning, with monthly incomes ranging from USD 100 to USD 1,500. His masterclass has become a movement, inspiring youths across Lesotho to see the internet as a gateway to global employment.
“Online teaching gave me a new lease on life,” Teacher John remarks. “It showed me how I could access international markets and create a sustainable income. Now, I want to share that opportunity with other young people in Lesotho.”
His initiative embodies the core belief that youth unemployment is not an insurmountable obstacle but an opportunity for innovative thinking and empowerment. With the right mentorship, skills, and digital access, Lesotho’s young people can participate in the global economy rather than be left behind.
How T-Connect Lesotho is Changing the Game
Recognising the significant impact of Teacher John’s work and the potential of online employment, T-Connect Lesotho has partnered with him as part of a wider mission to create connectivity and digital literacy among the youth. The company is committed to providing Lesotho’s young people with the tools they need to succeed in remote work and online teaching.
T-Connect Lesotho’s efforts include: organising Masterclasses and District Tours: Teacher John’s masterclass will embark on a nationwide tour, reaching most remote areas of the country and community centres across Lesotho, spreading awareness and skills needed for online English teaching.
Providing Technology and Internet Access: T-Connect works to improve digital infrastructure, ensuring that youth from all regions, including remote areas, can participate in online education and employment.
Mentorship and Skill Development Programmes: The company connects youths with influencers, mentors, and industry experts to build confidence, skills, and global networks.
“Our goal is simple,” says T-Connect’s Group CEO Advocate Phelane Phomane. “We aim to give Lesotho’s youth the connectivity and skills to access online jobs, participate actively in the global market, and ultimately, change their lives.”
Teaching English online presents a unique avenue for economic empowerment. It sidesteps challenges such as local unemployment and underemployment, offering a flexible, high-paying, and scalable source of income. The demand for English teachers on international platforms like VIPKid, iTutorGroup, and Cambly has surged, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work.
Increased Earnings: Teachers can earn from USD 100 to USD 1,500 monthly depending on experience and hours worked.
Flexibility and Location Independence: Teachers can work from home, rural areas, or anywhere with internet access.
Skill Development: Teachers improve their communication, digital literacy, and cultural exchange skills.
Global Market Participation: Youths gain access to international clients and markets, broadening horizons.
Teacher John emphasises, “Getting certified to teach English online is straightforward. Our masterclass simplifies the process, providing lessons on certification, platform registration, classroom management, and marketing yourself internationally. We are opening doors that most youths in Lesotho never knew were there.
Unemployment in Lesotho affects not only economic growth but also the well-being and future of young people. When youths are unemployed, they are more likely to face social issues such as crime, drug abuse, and mental health challenges. The failure to create enough jobs leaves many youths despondent, questioning their worth and future prospects.
“Unemployment is like a silent thief,” Teacher John notes. “It steals aspirations and potential. But through online work and digital skills, we can reclaim that potential and build a brighter Lesotho.”
By embracing digital literacy and remote work opportunities, Lesotho can break this cycle of unemployment. The internet is a leveller, providing access to the world’s job market, regardless of local economic constraints.
T-Connect Lesotho believes that youths are the future leaders. By empowering them with the right skills and opportunities, they can drive national development and social change. The partnership with Teacher John is just one step towards this vision. His success story serves as a template for millions who are craving opportunities but lack the resources.
“We need to change the mindset,” Teacher John advocates. “With the internet, our youth can become global teachers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They do not have to wait for local jobs—they can create their own futures.”
Lesotho’s youth are resilient, talented, and full of potential. The unemployment crisis is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment. Through initiatives like Teacher John’s masterclass, supported by T-Connect Lesotho, the country can begin to turn the tide.
By investing in digital literacy, connectivity, and mentorship, Lesotho is paving a pathway for its young people to succeed in a global economy. As Teacher John passionately affirms, “Our future is online. We just need the tools and belief to seize it.”
Summary
- According to recent statistics, the unemployment rate in Lesotho hovers around 25-27 percent, a figure that paints a stark reality of wasted potential and frustrated ambitions.
- With the strategic support of Starlink Business by T-Connect Lesotho, an organisation committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for Lesotho’s youths, Teacher John is transforming lives across the country.
- Recognising the significant impact of Teacher John’s work and the potential of online employment, T-Connect Lesotho has partnered with him as part of a wider mission to create connectivity and digital literacy among the youth.
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