The Ministry of Education and Training looks after the development of
Lesotho education. Government has been taking different measures for improving the education system of the country. They also provide funds for all the improvements that are being planned in the field of Lesotho education. The main stress is given upon the enhancement of quality and standard of education. The history of modern form of Lesotho education can be traced back to the 19th and 20th century, when the missionaries came to the country.
According to the 2006 record, there were 1,477 primary schools in Lesotho providing basic education to around 430,000 students. The number of secondary schools in the country is 256, where approximately 93,096 students get educated. Less than 90% of the schools of Lesotho are owned by churches. The government has made it mandatory for the children between 6 and 13 years old to go to school. The medium of instruction of Lesotho education are Sesotho and English. There is also 1 polytechnic college, 1 teacher training college and 1 university in Lesotho.
Lesotho education is expanding its wing with each surpassing day and opportunities to develop the education programs are enhanced by implementing certain projects. Schools of higher education are promoted throughout the country. Few of the renowned higher education centers in Lesotho include the following:
- National University of Lesotho
- National University of Lesotho International School
- Lesotho Agricultural College
The vocational and technical centers are expanded and various equipments have been installed for workshops and libraries. The main goal of Lesotho educational authority lies in the overall development of education system in Lesotho leading to the production of skilled manpower. Some of the most important aspects that are taken care of in the educational system of Lesotho are as follows:
To create appropriate skills at technical, occupational and managerial levels
Create active participation and coordination of all strata of the educational system
To make education easily accessible to all
To develop cultural and educational values and activities through education
Unlike many other developing countries, the educational system of Lesotho has active participation of women. The overall literacy rate of Lesotho is 84.8%. It is 74.5% among male, while 94.5% of women are literate.
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