|
THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LESOTHO ADDRESSES CHALLENGES FACING LESOTHO
-VICE CHANCELLOR | |
|
The Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho (NUL) says the university is engaged in a campaign to address the challenges that are facing the country such as poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. Speaking at the launching of the Adult Learners week held at the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) on Monday 02 September,2002. Dr. Tefetso Mothibe said the university responds to such challenges through programmes that are offered by IEMS as the institute that offers adult learning in an effort to equip people with skills to make good decisions that can lead to the improvement of the country's economic growth. He pointed out that education can be used as a weapon against oppression, saying it is when people are free that they can discuss issues that can help them engage in activities like income generating projects. He therefore appealed to those that participated at the occasion to disseminate information that adult learning does not destroy, saying the old saying that adult learning destroys is unfounded. Speaking at the same occasion, a member of the Lesotho Association of Non- Formal Education (LANFE) Mr. Sello Monamoli said it is through education that the country can respond to the challenge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as they would be able to read about the pandemic. Mr. Monamoli appealed to government to consider Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) when drawing the annual budget as they play an important role in the fight against illiteracy in the country. One of the learners from Itjareng Rehabilitation Centre Miss 'Maseabata
Setaka appealed to the government to provide them with aiding material
at learning institutions that are used by the disabled, such as Braille for
visually impaired persons. She further emphasized the need Sign language to
be taught at Primary and The launching of the adult learners week was marked by traditional songs
and dances that were performed by groups like Maseru Central Prisoners and
Police band, while various products were also displayed at the stalls. The
products included sewing and knitting products, steel and leather works,
which were produced by people learning at the Lesotho National Council of
Women (LNCW), Development for Peace Education (DPE) and Lesotho Association
of Non Formal Education (LANFE). The theme for this year's Adult learners
week is participatory learning for participatory development. | |
| SOURCE: LENA |