A CALL FOR CHANGE: THE STRUGGLES OF MOFUTHO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Qacha’sNek, Oct. 25 — Nestled in the mountainous rural area of Qacha’s Nek, Ha Mofutho, Mofutho Primary School operates out of a dilapidated Roman Catholic Church building, serving grades 1 to 6.
For years, this makeshift classroom has struggled to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning, leaving pupils, teachers and parents yearning for proper educational facilities.
Established before 1981, the crumbling structure features broken windows, a malfunctioning door and a deteriorating roof, offering minimal protection from the elements.
LENA established that the school has never provided a proper learning environment and has never had a grade 7 due to infrastructure challenges.
Each grade is confined to its corner of the decaying church, making it challenging for students to focus.
During a recent visit, heavy rain poured in, rendering the classroom nearly uninhabitable.
In an interview, Principal Mr. Thabo Mohlomi stressed the urgent need for adequate facilities.
“The building is on the verge of collapse, and we lack basic necessities like chalkboards, chairs and toilets. Children often trek 15 to 20 minutes to find a donga, disrupting their education,” he said.
Despite multiple pleas to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) for proper classrooms and sanitation facilities, progress has been painfully slow.
The school’s enrollment reflects these challenges from just nine pupils in 2021, numbers surged to 35 in 2023, only to drop back to 30 in 2024 as families sought better opportunities elsewhere.
Teaching conditions are chaotic, “with all grades in one room, maintaining focus is nearly impossible,” Mr. Mohlomi explained.
Teachers often take students outside to regain their attention while sitting on the ground.
“It is an uphill battle,” he admitted. Mrs. ’Makhanyane Mosenye, a teacher, shared similar frustrations.
“It is hard for young students to concentrate when older students are being taught simultaneously. Disruptions are constant,” she said.
Ms. Lisebo Shale echoed this sentiments, stating, “grade one pupils remain in the class even when it is time for grade six. Out of boredom, they start playing, disrupting others. It is unbearable when older students have to sit idle while younger ones sing the alphabet.”
The situation is alarming.
The Lesotho Association of Teachers (LAT) has condemned the multi-grade classroom practice, arguing it undermines educational quality.
LAT Secretary General, Mr. Letsatsi Ntsibolane, highlighted that many schools operate with fewer teachers than needed, leading to poor educational foundations and high dropout rates.
District Education Manager, Mr. Lebenya Mothibeli acknowledged systemic issues but noted that financial constraints hinder immediate solutions.
Mofutho was not even included in the list of schools needing urgent support this year.
As Lesotho promotes free primary education, the plight of Mofutho Primary School underscores the urgent need for investment in educational infrastructure.
Without immediate action, the dreams of these children for a brighter future remain at risk.
