Higher Life Foundation makes duo’s educational dream a reality

Seabata Mahao
The development and education arm of giant telecommunications company Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), Higher Life Foundation continues to help Basotho students to pursue their educational dreams in various institutions of higher learning abroad.
In the latest exploit under the initiative, two more students will get a full sponsored scholarship to pursue tertiary education at different institutions of higher learning in the United States of America.
This comes after the students completed their studies at Water Front University in eSwatini and will be studying in different tertiary institutions where one will be pursuing a Degree in Statistics while the other will be pursuing a Degree in Science and Technology.
Speaking at the ceremony, ETL Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies said they are proud of the beneficiaries for working hard and earning the sponsorship which will open doors to their future. He said they have been sponsoring as well as guiding these students from high school and will be with them until they finish their studies.
He said they do not just sponsor the students but they mentor them in order to see them become something in this life to benefit, not only themselves and their families but the country in order to contribute towards stimulating the national economy.
The beneficiaries are Nthati Lehloenya from Kolonyama, Ha-‘Nena who will be studying Science Technology in Aucklohoma and Mahali Mapesa from Ha-Khabo who will be studying Statistics in Corby College.
Higher Life Foundation’s mandate is to give the less privileged students a chance to pursue their studies from high school up to tertiary level. The project which has hitherto sponsored over 500 students, takes-up about 2% of the company’s annual revenue for development of education in the country.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Lehloenya, indicated their gratitude to the company for this great career boost to her career dream which has been rekindled when she was on the verge of giving-up on her dreams owing to mounting financial pressure in her family making it difficult to pursue any education qualification. She said they will forever cherish the opportunity they have been given for which they promise not to falter but bring victory home.
Highlife boasts a number of alumni from various American universities five of whom are currently working in five different companies in Lesotho, and seven working in USA and one who is working in Canada while three are currently pursuing their PhD in USA.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), Dr. Moeketsi Letele explained that they applaud any initiative geared towards facilitating education as this is in line with Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals which speaks to access to education for all.
He therefore lauded ETL for the initiative as well as other private entities as well as civil society organisation whose partnership with government in ensuring access to quality education is benefiting Basotho. He said it is only through education that Lesotho can have a future it needs to grow the economy and fight unemployment.
Letele said GOL is planning to aid the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) with the necessary funds in order to sponsor more students to further their studies.