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Telecommunications giant Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) will be sending two outstanding Basotho scholars, Matlala Sefale and Katleho Mokhele, to the United States for further studies.
These fully funded scholarships are provided by HigherLife Foundation Lesotho, the social arm of Econet.
Ms. Sefale will study psychology and social services with a minor in education at Enel College, while Ms. Mokhele will delve into environmental and data science at St. Lawrence University.
Ms. Sefale will travel to the United States next month, while Ms. Mokler will fly to the United States on Tuesday.
Both have benefited from HigherLife programs since their high school days. The foundation also previously enrolled them in a two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Swaziland, where they honed their skills and deepened their commitment to their studies. Ms. Sefale graduated in 2020, while Ms. Mokhele completed the IB program in 2023.
This was revealed during their farewell ceremony held at Lancer’s Inn in Maseru on Monday.
Econet CEO Dennis Plaatjies took the opportunity to address the scholars during the event to offer encouragement and inspiration.
“Keep doing your best like you did in Swaziland and make us proud,” Mr Pratjes said.
He said the financial investment in this transformative initiative was enormous, with more than RM43 million invested specifically in education, totalling more than RM100 million spent over the years to improve the lives of countless young people.
“This significant investment demonstrates Econet’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for young Basotho people,” he said.
His speech resonated deeply not only with the scholars but also with all the participants, highlighting the expectations and hopes that people have for these young ambassadors of Lesotho.
carbonCeremony attendeesNoticeTwo beneficiaries‘The progress has inspired many young Basotho people, proving that with determination, hard work and support from programmes such as High Life, dreams can become reality.
Ms. Sefale and Ms. Mokhele expressed their gratitude for the opportunities provided to them by the HigherLife program.
They reflected on the significance of the initiative, which went far beyond the statistics of the number of children helped; it represented a life-changing experience that had an impact both academically and spiritually.
“I got my first Bible from HigherLife and later I was saved; it has been my pillow ever since,” said Ms. Mokhele, highlighting the programme’s holistic approach to education for personal and academic growth.
Education Minister Ntoi Rapapa commended Econet and stressed the importance of the HigherLife programme.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to Econet for the far-reaching impact it has had in improving the lives of the Basotho people through education.
He stressed the importance of empowering young women, noting that giving girls equal opportunities as boys not only promotes individual success but also has wider societal implications.
Professor Lapapa said: “The effect of improving the status of women is often more significant and can have a positive impact on the wider society.”
“You (Sefal and Mokle) are now ambassadors of the country. Go and make us proud and don’t be shy to show what you are capable of. Confidence and communication are key. These qualities will help you win the hearts of many.”
Through the Lesotho High Life Foundation, Econet has been investing in human capital since 2011, impacting the lives of the Basotho people to build prosperous individuals, communities and sustainable livelihoods.
The Foundation focuses on educational support, leadership and lifelong development, institutions (children’s homes), and additional opportunities for HigherLife Foundation Fellows.
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