Embedded Files
Partnership Background
IPE was introduced to the possibility of connecting with partners in Lesotho when board member Dr. Karen Solheim and Dr. Lucie Makoae met at World Health Organization meeting in Bangkok in 2008. Dr. Makoae then submitted a proposal for IPE support of orphaned students in Lesotho. After IPE board member Mrs. Liillian Nyirenda (Malawi) made a site assessment, IPE and the community of Mt. Moorosi signed a partnership agreement in March of 2009. The town of Mt. Moorosi is a town located in Quthing district, one of the 10 administrative districts in Lesotho. Three people are especially significant to the operation in Lesotho. The signatory on the partnership agreement is Mr. Thelese Maseribane, the chief of the area (subdivision of Quthing district) in which Mt. Moorosi lies. Dr. Lucie Makoae, a nursing professor at the National University of Lesotho, serves as liaison between IPE and Mt. Moorosi IPE volunteers. Mrs. Mokonjana, one of Mr. Maseribane’s assistants, selects the students for IPE support, maintains contacts with IPE students and the schools where they attend; and manages the distribution of funds and collection of receipts. IPE has supported secondary education for 14 students in three different secondary schools in Quthing for two 2009 school terms.
Site Visit Description
IPE visitors participated in two days of site visits arranged by Dr. Makoae, Mr. Maseribane, and Mrs. Mokonjana beginning in the capital city of Maseru and continuing in Quthing. The agenda included: visits to each of the three schools, introductions to students and school principals, and meeting with the district administrator officer for Quthing district. A gathering at Maseribane High School took place, which was attended by over a hundred people, including community members, representatives of the community education council, chiefs from nearby areas, the school principal and students. In this meeting, community members were informed about IPE, the value of education was re-enforced, and IPE visitors learned of the community commitment to education. Visitors were taken to two IPE supported students’ homes. One was that of a young female student where she lives alone when not in school. The second was that of a grandmother to one of the IPE male students. This grandmother cares for five orphaned grandchildren and reports insufficient food and very limited income. IPE and community members who accompanied them were again struck by the needs of the students IPE supports.
Site Visit Findings
Student Activity
IPE has supported 14 students in three high schools for Term 1 and Term 2 of 2009. There are 4 students (boys or girls) at Masitise High School, 3 students (all boys) at Holy Trinity; and 7 (all girls) at Maseribane High School. All students have lost one or both parents, except one whose parents both have AIDS. All students board at the schools. Mrs. Mokonjana used a systematic selection process to identify students who were in need and who demonstrated the capacity to succeed in school. This process included interviews with teachers, community members, and guardians.
Mrs. Mokonjana keeps in contact with IPE students, encouraging them, and monitoring their progress. Though grade reports are not an IPE requirement, Mrs. Mokonjana did collect these and made them available to IPE visitors. IPE expect and appreciate students’ sincere effort in school. Yet achieving certain grades is not required for funding. Once selected, to receive funding, students must stay in school. Student progress in school is mixed. Some are doing quite well, and at times there are low grades or course failures. Visitors wondered if mentoring from community members or former students might be initiated at some point. Students were encouraged to study hard and informed that IPE hopes to support one or more in college in the future. IPE encourages any local initiatives that support students’ success in school and helps them envision and perhaps realize a college education.
The needs of orphaned students in Mt. Moorosi are very apparent. Each school had approximately 1000 students enrolled; each principal reported 300 (in one school up to 400) orphaned students. Mrs. Mokonjana gathered letters from students, telling us about their lives, needs, and school experience. Students describe their appreciation of going to school, the challenges of their lives, including the loss of parents, their poverty, and at times, hunger. Two students have vision problems and need glasses. IPE Lesotho emphasizes the importance of uniforms and the inability of the families, guardians, and community to supply them for students. Uniforms are on the wish list for Lesotho. These needs are noted and will be shared in IPE communications.
Financial Activity
IPE funding in Lesotho covers tuition, books (a once a year expenditure), computer fees, room and board, some transportation costs for students, and transportation costs for the work of Mrs. Mokonjana. IPE funds are sent through Moneygram to Dr. Makoae. Dr. Makoae transfers the funds to Mr. Maseribane who takes the funds to Mt. Moorosi. The funds are transferred to Mrs. Mokonjana for distribution. IPE Lesotho volunteers have managed IPE process of accountability well, submitting the distribution report and the receipts for the funds that have been distributed.
IPE Lesotho expects to have an overage in their budget request for Term 3. This is due to a gap in what it costs (tuition, one time book allocation, computer support) to support the 14 students in Lesotho and the IPE funds allocated to Lesotho for 2009 (5,000USD). This matter will be shared with other IPE board members. Lesotho volunteers have effectively followed the process of submitting all receipts for the funding they have received. Based on this, their need, and if the IPE budget 2009 allows, US visitors will recommend to other board members that we provide funding to cover Term 3 needs. Many families are in need of funding support for their children’s secondary education.
IPE Partnership Development
Through this visit it became apparent that the community values and is involved in educating orphaned children in Lesotho and in this community. The government of Lesotho has a program to support orphaned students secondary education. However, the government is not able to support all orphaned students. The local community has an education committee. School staff, principals, teachers, and student groups have met some orphaned students needs for clothing and transportation. IPE values the chance to work with the community to support ongoing local efforts to bring a brighter future through education.
Lesotho has requested a seat on the IPE board of directors. US visitors believe Lesotho partners should be represented on the board and will nominate Dr. Lucie Makoae to serve as the board representative from Lesotho at the next board of directors meeting.
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