By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – In an effort to inspire hard work and foster an entrepreneurial mindset, Mabathoana High School recently hosts its 3rd annual Business Day event. Targeted at Grade 8 and Grade 11 learners, the event aims to unlock their full potential by exposing them to various career paths and encouraging innovative thinking.
The initiative, launched alongside the new curriculum, aims to supporting learners in making informed and strategic decisions about their future careers. The Business Day event serves as a critical tool in this process, exposing students to a wide range of career opportunities and helping them see beyond the conventional academic paths often presented in schools. According to Mabathoana High School Deputy Principal, Mrs. Mathabo Moeti, the event is instrumental in broadening the learners’ perspectives about their potential career choices.
Mrs. Moeti emphasizes the significance of the Business Day event, explaining that it not only educates learners about different career options but also inspires them to think creatively about their futures. “Many students grow up believing that certain fields like medicine or engineering are the only prestigious paths, but through events like this, they realize that there are numerous viable and rewarding careers out there, including in business, entrepreneurship, and accounting,” she says.
Reflecting on the impact of last year’s Business Day, Mrs. Moeti notes how transformative it was for many students. “We witnessed a remarkable shift in mindset among our learners,” she explains. “Several students who had initially shown interest in science-related fields began to consider alternative paths, such as business and accounting, after hearing from successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals. They started to see themselves not just as employees of companies but as potential business owners who can create jobs and drive economic growth.”
Mrs. Moeti underscores that the positive outcomes from these events reinforce the school’s commitment to hosting them annually. “We see the value in these educational initiatives, and we are determined to continue offering such platforms that allow our learners to discover their passions, build confidence, and prepare for their future careers,” she concludes. “Our goal is to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to navigate an ever-changing job market and to inspire them to become innovative thinkers and leaders in their chosen fields.”
During the event, one of the school’s Grade 10 learners, Tsoseletso Mphakalasi, who majors in Science and Technology, speaks passionately about the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), innovation, and technology in daily life. She encourages her peers to consider ICT as a future career path, highlighting its vast potential and its critical role in modern society.
Guest speaker Mr. ‘Musa Maema, representing Global Consultancy, shares his entrepreneurial journey and underscores the importance of accounting in business. “When we started our company, we identified a problem and developed a business to solve it,” he explains. Mr. Maema urges the learners to be innovative and take the initiative to start their own businesses instead of waiting for job opportunities. “You are all problem solvers,” he states. “Opportunities are everywhere, you just need to identify them.”
Dr. Itumeleng Buti, co-founder of Seilatsatsi, praises the school for organizing the event, saying, “Today’s learners are very fortunate to have access to motivational speakers who can educate them on various career opportunities.” She encourages the students to perform to the best of their abilities and make the most of their potential.
Mrs. Mathabo Makente, the Auditor-General, further reinforces the importance of entrepreneurial skills in addressing the shortage of jobs in Lesotho. “Entrepreneurial education is key to establishing businesses that will contribute to the sustainability and growth of Lesotho’s economy,” she remarks. She urges the learners not to wait for others to create jobs for them but to start small and grow their businesses over time. “Learn to work hard and take initiative; don’t wait for teachers to tell you what to do so you can employ yourself in the future,” she adds, emphasizing the need for innovative thinkers to help drive Lesotho’s economic growth.
Mamokete Mafofo, a Grade 11 learner, expresses her gratitude to her teachers for organizing the event. In an interview with Informative newspaper, she shares, “I have learned so much from Mrs. Mathabo and Mr. Maema about the importance of business ownership. I would recommend that Grade 9 and 10 learners participate in these sessions to gain the same motivation we have received.”
Additionally, the learners were cautioned against the dangers of drug use, with speakers highlighting that drugs can hinder their progress toward achieving their goals. They were also educated on the potential medicinal uses of cannabis, noting that it should not be smoked but rather be used for producing medications.
The Business Day event at Mabathoana High School continues to be a platform for empowering learners, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their future careers confidently and innovatively.