The Lerotholi Polytechnic, the famous Fokothi, is 100 years old this year. The Polytechnic was established in 1905 through at the suggestion of Chief Lerotholi Letsie.

One of the oldest educational establishments in the country, currently has an intake of 870 students studying Diploma and Certificate courses including Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering and certificate courses in panel beating and spray painting;  tailoring and dress making; welding; bricklaying; and carpentry.

Speaking at the celebrations, King Letsie III said this was an opportunity to reflect on how much the school has achieved ever since it was established. Some alumni of the polytechnic were now successful businesspeople who should now join hands with the management of te the school to ensure that it grows into an even bigger institution, he said.

Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa stressed the importance of schools such as Lerotholi as it is through hem that Lesotho can have skilled men and women. One way of eliminating some of the greatest challenges currently facing the country, poverty reduction and employment creation, is through institutions which can turn Basotho children into future employers.

03 February 2006