Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA) donated a cheque amounting to M30.000 to the Ministry of Education and training (MOET) at UNESCO hall in Maseru on Thursday.

Accepting the donation the Minister of Education and Training Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla said the donation will be used for bursaries of double orphans and vulnerable children.

She said eight children who are in form D will benefit from the fund and they have been selected from the most poverty stricken families in the districts of Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, Mokhotlong, Mohale’s Hoek, Thaba-Tseka and Leribe.

Dr. Khaketla commended LTA on its decision and commitment to sponsor the beneficiaries until they complete their high school education urging them to work hard in their studies.

She said beneficiaries should feel blessed to have been chosen from among many OVCs as the number of such children is increasing each year.

'In 2005 there were 142 448 orphans enrolled in the primary and secondary schools, while last year they were 157 295' she said.

The Minister warned that the biggest challenge facing the MOET is to secure sufficient funds to pay for orphans, adding that failure to cater for their educational needs will result in many children loitering in the streets where they become prone to all sorts of misdeeds.

She appealed to other private institutions to continue ploughing back to the society for enhancement of poverty reduction and economic growth in the country.

Speaking at the occasion, LTA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monehela Posholi said the donation is intended to assist children who are not able to pursue their studies due to various reasons.

He promised that the Authority will continue funding beneficiaries to complete their high school education.

Mr. Posholi said this was the first LTA donation to the Ministry and marks the beginning of the relationship between the two sectors.

SOURCE: LENA 05/07/2007