MC ALEESE COMMENDS LESOTHO GOV
	Maseru, June 13 - The visiting President of Ireland Mrs. Mary McAleese has commended the Lesotho government for introducing Free Primary Education (FPE). She was addressing an audience at Ha Rapokoloana Primary School on Tuesday. Mrs. McAleese and her entourage which comprises of her husband, was accompanied by the Minister of Education and Training Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa on a tour of Lesotho Highlands Water Projects areas of Katse and Mohale Dams. The President said education is vital for fighting HIV/AIDS as well as for enhancing development of a country. She pledged her government's support to Lesotho in its efforts to improve education and curbing HIV/AIDS and poverty. Mrs.McAleese urged the pupils to work hard for their education for a bright future. 'Ireland will travel with Lesotho on its long journey to prosperity, we also travelled the same journey and we had to work hard and invested in education in order to be where we are today,' she remarked. On the other hand, Mr Mohlabi Tsekoa said they are delighted to welcome the President and her entourage to witness contribution made by the Ireland Government through funds to build 24 schools, with 130 classrooms being erected. However, he pointed out that there are challenges lying ahead like children travelling long distances to access schools as well as HIV/AIDS and poverty that are ravaging the country. The Minister expressed hope that Lesotho and Ireland partnership will gain momentum enroute to development. There were performances of songs and traditional dances by the villagers to grace the president's visit in the area. Before tour of Rapokolana Primary which is one of the 24 schools constructed through the assistance of Irish Aide, the President and her entourage flew over Katse dam by helicopter and visited Mohale dam operations and information centre. McAleese arrived in the country on a four day official visit on Sunday and has among other activities, paid a courtesy call on The Regent, had a meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, visited Mafeteng Hospital where she toured the hospital facilities. She also toured the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre, Antiretroviral Clinic and Clinic for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission.
	Source: LENA