Lesotho Secures US$ 2.5 Million GPE Multiplier Grant to Strengthen Education and Improve Learning Outcomes for Basotho Children

On 12th September 2024, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has approved a US$ 2.5 million Multiplier Grant to support equitable and inclusive access to quality education in Lesotho. This funding, made possible through contributions from Lesotho's private sector—notably ECONET/HigherLife Foundation, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, and Standard Lesotho Bank—marks a significant step towards improving learning outcomes for all Basotho children, particularly those from vulnerable communities.

As part of its innovative financing mechanism, GPE had approved US$ 5 million for matching investments from donors, for which Lesotho was eligible. By early 2022, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) managed to unlock $ 2.5M. The private sector partners-Standard Lesotho Bank, Vodacom Lesotho (VCL)/ Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL)/HigherLife Foundation, unlocked the balance with the commitment of $3.5M, which exceeded the amount required to unlock the balance.

As per the GPE multiplier grant, every $ from the private sector and Foundations will unlock a matching grant from GPE.

“Our collaboration testifies to the importance of working hand in hand with the private sector to unlock more learning opportunities that equip children with the skills they need to thrive and contribute to tomorrow’s economy,” says Charles North, Deputy CEO of GPE. “These collective efforts will advance Lesotho’s applaudable progress in strengthening its education system and achieving universal access to primary education.”

The grant will bolster the Ministry of Education and Training’s efforts to increase enrolment and retention of disadvantaged children in primary and secondary schools. Key interventions include scholarships for vulnerable children, re-entry programmes for out-of-school youth and governance improvements in the education sector to ensure that no child is left behind.

The Minister of Education and Training, Honourable Prof. Ntoi Rapapa, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration: “This support will help us address critical areas within our education system that have long required attention, particularly in ensuring that the most disadvantaged girls and boys are enrolled and retained in both primary and secondary schools.”

Standard Lesotho Bank also reiterated its commitment to education. Anton Nicolaisen, the Chief Executive at Standard Lesotho Bank, states: “As Standard Lesotho Bank, our purpose says, ‘Lesotho is our Home, we drive her growth.’ At our Bank, we understand that one of our key roles is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our people and that impact can be driven by affording our young people an opportunity to get an education. I take this opportunity to thank our partners, Econet Telecom Lesotho and Vodacom, for their commitment. I believe our combined efforts will make a lasting impact on education for our children, and I hope this will inspire other corporates to join us in securing more grants like this one for Lesotho.”

UNICEF Deputy Representative, Kimanzi Muthengi, says the grant will not only improve access but also strengthen academic supervision and mentoring systems in Lesotho. “The goal is to enhance the quality of education by ensuring teachers are well-supported, while technology-enabled assessments and early warning systems will help reduce dropout rates. Digital tools will also transform classrooms into vibrant, interactive learning environments.”

Mohale Ralebitso, Vodacom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer emphasises the role of technology in modernising education: “This $2.5 million grant is a game-changer for education in Lesotho. As a private sector partner, we are excited to support this transformative initiative, which will harness the power of technology to enhance the learning experience and open new opportunities for children to succeed.”

Econet Telecom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies, reinforces the private sector’s commitment: “For as long as Basotho continue to enjoy our products and services, we pledge to keep investing in human capital development through education. It is our vision to see our country rise from a lower to an upper-income economy.”

Reflecting further on the collective efforts of all involved, the Minister of Education and Training adds: “I would like once again, to thank our private sector partners, UNICEF, GPE and all those who contributed to making this initiative possible. Your dedication and investment in the education of our children are commendable and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the lives of young girls and boys across Lesotho.”

With the joint efforts of private sector partners and UNICEF in supporting the Ministry of Education and Training, the GPE grant will lay the foundation for a stronger education system, empowering Basotho children with the tools and knowledge they need to unlock their full potential. This partnership sets a template for private sector entities, across all sectors, to join hands in support of quality education in Lesotho.