Officially opening the second national stakeholders conference on the Development of a Qualifications Framework for Lesotho and on the formulation of a National Policy on Teacher Education and Training' in  Maseru on July21, Mr. Lehohla urged the conference to reach a national consensus and develop a
qualifications framework that will meet the education and training needs of Basotho.

Mr. Lehohla said education that is not going to improve the lives of Basotho and the country's economy is not worth investing in. The meeting should also agree upon a qualifications framework that will indicate ways in which articulation between vocationally oriented, professional and academic qualifications can take place to facilitate the development of multiple learning pathways.

Through a well-articulated policy on teacher education and training, the Ministry of Education will be able to regulate the education and training of teachers and trainers, for the benefit of the entire education system and thus be able to address the growing demand for teachers as well as meet the influx of pupils as a result of the Free Primary Education policy.

"For many years since the beginning of formal education and training, paper qualifications have been used to certify the knowledge and skills attained through formal systems, little however, has been done to recognize knowledge and skills acquired through other forms of learning such as non- formal
education and through work experience."

The national education conference is attended by stakeholders ranging from representatives of the various tertiary institutions, government ministries, secretariats of the country's church run schools, trade unions, Members of Parliament and the private sector.

22 July 2004