SOOFIA INDEPENDENCE SYSMPOSIUM – DIGITALISATION OF LESOTHO’S EDUCATION SYSTEM

Soofia International School held the fourth Soofia Independence Symposium tagged Digitalisation of Lesotho’s Education System as a tool for recovery, continuity and solution to virtual learning. The school found it mandatory to have this discussion following the lost time of learning in education due to the 2018-2019 teachers’ strike and 2020-2021 non-contact classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a step to digitalisation of Lesotho, Soofia invited different stakeholders to discuss the way forward. The stakeholders present at the event as panelists were Ms Mamosala Lerato Hlalele (Vogue Business Solutions),Mr Phakamile Xingwane (UNESCO), Mr Manyalo Makhethea (Econet Telecom Lesotho),Ms Amelia Senekane (The Hub),Mrs ‘Mamoipone Lethapa (Centre of Accounting Studies), Mr Thapeli Tjabane (Ministry of Communication Science and Technology),Mrs ‘Makutloano Nei (Ministry of Education and Training). The engaging, informative discussion was led by Ms Lerato Mphaka founder of the Learning Mindset Foundation. All stakeholders shared how they extended their hand to education during COVID-19 and the solutions they are currently proposing post-COVID-19.

Despite the solutions, there are foreseen challenges which may include, poor infrastructure, limited knowledge of technology by the current teachers and affordability and availability of internet and gadgets for all students.
Present at the event was also The Principal Secretary of Ministry of Education and Training Dr Dire Khama who rounded up the event by applauding Soofia for the initiative and hope for sufficient funding for the implementation of the proposed solutions.