Ten Year Education Sector Strategic Plan Launched

The Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) for 2005-2015 was on September 23 launched in Maseru by the Minister of Education and Training Mr. Lesao Lehohla.

The  Minister told the education donor consultative meeting at the National Convention Centre that the Plan is in conformity with the national constitution; Vision 2020; the country's Poverty Reduction Strategic Paper and other education and training related regional and international protocols, treaties, agreements and conventions.

The strategic plan is a product of continued consultations between government ministries and departments, grassroots communities, civil society, non-governmental organizations and development as well as cooperating partners, the Minister said.

Mr. Lehohla however expressed government concerned at the indicators of poor performance that have come up regularly in several review forums.

On behalf of the donor community, Mr. Bill Nolan said sound policy measures are based on the actual allocation of resources and involvement of all for overall long-term national benefits, he therefore commended government for inviting other stakeholders to the meeting.

Lauding government for launching the free primary education programme, Mr. Nolan said education for all is tantamount to real independence. It is Lesotho's first declaration of independence in the nearly 40 years of independence from Britain.

24 September 2004