Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world. It ranks 159 out of 187 countries on the United Nation’s Human Development Index, which measures health, education and income.

Less than 10% of the land is arable and there is little indigenous industry. Life expectancy in Lesotho is only 56 years; 340,000 people are living with HIV, the virus which causes AIDS.

While indicators for poverty in Lesotho are very gradually getting better, there is still a lot to be done to keep this fragile momentum going. Free education is not available, so many talented young people are unable to reach their potential, support themselves and their families, and start to contribute to the country’s economy. That’s why your help is needed to enable them to get an education and break the cycle of poverty for themselves and for their country.

Students’ aspirations

“I would like to see my country changing into a better position, creating more jobs for the citizens. I would like to find myself a very good job as well.”
BET-supported motor mechanics student from the Technical School of Leribe

In 2012 we received feedback from students at Lerotholi Technical Institute, Technical School of Leribe, Loiki and Makhaliso. The male students had been studying a variety of vocational subjects including plumbing, carpentry and joinery, electrical wiring, motor mechanics, welding, building and bricklaying. Female students had received training in dressmaking. The ages of the students ranged from 19 to 27 years, with the average age being 23 years. Of the 26 students who filled in a feedback form 6 had started work or had a definite job offer. Most of the students had completed their course in 2011 with a few due to complete by the end of 2012.

Many of the students reported that the course they undertook helped them to acquire new skills and had given them a better opportunity to work for themselves, or that they could apply for better paid jobs and improve job prospects either locally or nationally. Six students had started work after finishing their course or had been given a definite job offer.

When it came to aspirations and plans for the future most students hoped to be able to help their families financially. Some wanted to be able to contribute to school fees for siblings. Some aspirations included making Lesotho a better place for job creation and employment.

“As a single mother of a disabled child, with the skills I have it will help me to do something like creating a job or taking care of children, especially the disabled ones.”
BET-supported student, 2016