Education in Lesotho

Education in Lesotho has undergone reforms in recent years, meaning that primary education is now free, universal, and compulsory.

Introduction

Classroom in Ha Nqabeni, Lesotho

Lesotho spends a higher proportion of its GDP (13%) on education than any other country in the world ^[1] and an average child in Lesotho can expect to spend 10 years of their life in education.^[2] Education is compulsory only between the ages of 6 and 13.^[3] Secondary school education is non-compulsory, and as of 2005 was attended by 24.0% of 13- to 17-year-olds.^[4] There is a gender disparity present in secondary education, with more females attending than males. This disparity is greatest in wealthier areas, where males are 15.6% less likely than females to attend secondary school.^[4]

Education Reforms

Free primary education began to be introduced to Lesotho in the year 2000.^[5] Before that, many boys received no primary education at all and spent their time herding animals.^[6] The adult literacy rate is higher for women (95%) than for men (83%).^[2] When free primary education was introduced, the government of Lesotho decided to phase it in gradually, with fee elimination beginning for the youngest children in the year 2000.^[3] In 2010, with primary school enrollment rates standing at 82%, an Education Act was introduced to make primary education not only free, but also compulsory.^[7]

Universities

Lesotho has two universities. Its main university is the National University of Lesotho, located in Roma, which has around 2000 registered students. The capital, Maseru, has been home to a campus of Limkokwing University since 2008.^[8]

References