M1.2m lifeline saves 439 Grade 11 exam futures

‘MAKERESEMESE LETUKA

MASERU – Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) and the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho have intervened to secure the educational futures of 439 vulnerable Grade 11 learners, presenting the Ministry of Education and Training with a M1.24 million cheque on Wednesday.

The donation, a direct response to an urgent ministry appeal, ensures the students can sit their critical November examinations. Their participation had been in jeopardy due to unpaid exam fees.
ETL and Higherlife Foundation channelled the funds directly to the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL) to settle the outstanding fees in full. The learners were previously supported by Mothers2Mothers via USAID funding.
Education minister, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, hailed the contribution: “This support comes at a critical moment for these learners and their families, bringing hope to vulnerable children. It demonstrates that united, we can face any challenge. We deeply appreciate ETL, Higherlife Foundation, and their customers for investing in our nation’s future – this creates generational wealth for these children.”
Sethaba Phalatsi, representing the Principal Secretary for Social Development, welcomed the aid: “We are happy for the Ministry of Education, which needed this financial assistance more than ever following the recent crisis involving US government funding.”

Econet CEO, Dennis Plaatjies, viewed the donation as “more than a cheque, but a bridge of hope.”

He credited Econet’s customers: “At ETL, we see ourselves not as the source, but as the bridge made possible by households and businesses across Lesotho. Every airtime recharge, subscription, and Eco-Cash transaction empowers us to show up where it matters most. Because of you, we bridge the gap between hardship and hope.”
Plaatjies highlighted the organisations’ sustained commitment to education, revealing a combined M8.2 million investment in the past financial year. This includes the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship, which will soon welcome 10 new recipients, bringing the total to 40 scholars since its 2022 launch.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools to transform lives and nations,” Plaatjies emphasized, quoting founder Strive Masiyiwa: “‘Every child has greatness in them. Sometimes, all they need is a little push, a little hope, a little help.’ We are honoured to stand with the Ministry and partners to keep Basotho children in school.”
This latest contribution builds on ETL and Higherlife’s broader education initiatives. Alongside other private sector partners, their efforts helped unlock a $2.5 million Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiplier Grant in 2024 to strengthen learning outcomes for Basotho children.