The NEPAD e-schools initiative will enable Lesotho to provide a learning mechanism based on real-life implementation of information and communication technologies and thereby improving the education sector.

An enthusiastic Minister of Education and Training, Mr Mohlabi Tsekoa, signing an agreement introducing information and communications technologies curriculum to primary and secondary schools, the NEPAD e-Schools Demonstration Project, said education is the centre piece in fighting the scourge of poverty rampant on the African continent.

The initiative will also provide teachers and school managers with ICT skills to enhance teaching and learning, as well as efficient management and administration. Lesotho was grateful to be among the first countries to take up the e-schools initiative challenge, the Minister said.

NEPAD representative, Professor Peter Kinyanjui, explained that the e-schools initiative is a priority project intended to ensure that youth graduate from African schools with the appropriate skills to enable them participate effectively in the information society and a knowledge-based economy.

It will run for twelve months and will be carefully monitored and evaluated by the Commonwealth of learning jointly with the World Bank, he said.

Six schools have been selected to pioneer this project: Lesotho High School in Maseru; Bereng High School in Mafeteng; St. Cyprian's High School in Botha-Bothe;  Qacha's Nek High School; Sefikeng Secondary School in Berea and Sechaba High School in Leribe.

08 July 2005