By: Mpho Shelile

MASERU

Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), through its social investment arm, Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable children by providing much-needed educational support. On January 31st, the company donated 29 pairs of school shoes and socks to students at Khoarai Primary School, a rural institution located on the outskirts of Koro-Koro in the Maseru district.

The donation ceremony, which took place in the presence of the Honorable Minister of Youth, Gender, and Social Development, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, brought hope and joy to the young learners. The symbolic gesture aimed to address the everyday challenges many students face in accessing quality education due to financial constraints.

Mrs. Puleng ‘Mathabo Masoabi, Acting General Manager of Marketing Communications and Customer Experience at Econet Telecom Lesotho, stressed the organisation’s deep belief in the transformative power of education. She expressed that the donation was not just about providing shoes but about ensuring that children from vulnerable backgrounds can attend school with dignity, confidence, and focus on their studies.

“At Econet, we recognise that education is the foundation upon which national development is built. Through our Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, we continue to provide the essential resources that children in need require to excel. This donation is part of our broader support for the Ministry of Education and Training’s Back-to-School Campaign, which is critical in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed,” said Mrs. Masoabi.

The act of donating school shoes and socks is part of a larger strategy by Econet to address the multiple barriers that children from disadvantaged communities face in their educational journeys. Simple items, like proper footwear, can often make a world of difference in a student’s ability to attend school regularly, move with ease, and concentrate on their academic work without feeling self-conscious.

Khoarai Primary School, which serves a rural community with limited resources, saw the donation as a significant boost to the students’ morale. The school’s Principal, Mrs. Malibuseng Lepheana, expressed her deep appreciation for Econet and Higherlife Foundation’s generosity.

“This gesture is more than just a donation; it is an investment in the future of our learners,” said Mrs. Lepheana. “For many of our students, school shoes are a luxury. The children who receive these shoes come from families that struggle to meet even the most basic needs. This donation will not only uplift their spirits but also help them attend school with dignity, removing one of the many barriers that could hinder their educational progress.”

The shoes are symbolic of much more than just material support. They represent a commitment to improving the learning environment and ensuring that children are not sidelined by circumstances outside their control. It’s a step toward leveling the playing field for children who are already facing an uphill battle.

Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, the Minister of Youth, Gender, and Social Development, commended both Econet and Higherlife Foundation for their consistent contribution to the Ministry’s social development programs, which focus on the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people. In his address, he acknowledged the crucial role that private sector companies play in supporting government initiatives.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Gender, and Social Development, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Econet Telecom Lesotho for this remarkable gesture. Your support continues to motivate not just the children of Khoarai Primary, but children all over Lesotho, to believe in their dreams and pursue them with confidence. It ensures that they can focus on their education and not be distracted by the challenges they may face at home,” said the Minister.

This donation at Khoarai Primary School is part of a long-standing tradition of support for education by Econet Telecom Lesotho, which, through the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, has been making a tangible difference in the lives of Basotho children for over a decade. Since 2011, the Foundation has positively impacted over 180,000 children and youth, offering mentorship programs, career guidance, and fully funded scholarships from secondary to tertiary education.

The Higherlife Foundation’s focus is not limited to academic support but also includes the provision of basic living necessities for the most vulnerable children, ensuring that they can study in a conducive environment. To date, nearly 2,000 scholars have benefited from the Foundation’s scholarships, reinforcing Econet’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future leaders.

By providing resources, mentorship, and a commitment to ensuring that children are not left behind due to poverty, Econet and the Higherlife Foundation continue to demonstrate how corporate entities can play a vital role in driving social change and supporting national development.

As the students of Khoarai Primary School receive their new shoes and socks, the hope is that they will feel empowered to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more. Their path to education may no longer be as impeded by the simple lack of proper footwear, but the broader work of ensuring that every child in Lesotho receives a quality education remains a continuous effort.