From NPR · · 2m
Night school in Lesotho
Shepherds in Lesotho attend night classes to gain education after dropping out of school.
In brief
Shepherds in Lesotho attend night classes to gain education after dropping out of school. Shepherds in Lesotho attend night schools to learn reading and writing after dropping out of formal education. Originally reported by NPR.
Shepherds trek to night school
Shepherds trek down mountainsides to attend night classes in Semonkong, Lesotho.
Night school attendance
Over 40 shepherds attend night classes at the Good Shepherd School in Semonkong, Lesotho.
Shepherds' education gap
Nearly half of Lesotho's boys work as shepherds, missing formal schooling due to poverty and tradition.
Shepherds' living conditions
Shepherds live in isolated mountain huts with minimal belongings, often with only a dog for company.
Night school origins
The Good Shepherd Night School was founded in 2003 by the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec congregation.
Night school impact
Students learn basic reading, writing, and counting, with some gaining access to higher education.
Shepherds' challenges
Shepherds struggle with illiteracy, often unable to count animals or read contracts, risking health and safety.
Night school social benefits
Night schools provide shepherds with social interaction and opportunities to address issues like HIV and tuberculosis.
Teacher Mampho Makha
Mampho Makha teaches 35 students at night schools in Thaba Tseka, Lesotho, after teaching her father to read.
Night school challenges
Night schools face financial struggles and bureaucratic delays in securing government support.
Shepherds' future hopes
Some shepherds dream of becoming soldiers, pharmacists, or other professionals after night school.
Night school community
Students from diverse backgrounds attend night schools, including shepherds, farmers, and housewives.
Night school sustainability
Night schools rely on volunteer teachers and face challenges in securing long-term government funding.
Shepherds' social isolation
Shepherds often lack social skills, leading to conflicts and violence due to limited interaction with society.
Night school success stories
Ketso Mokoena, a shepherd who attended night school, now studies for his mid-year exams in Grade 11.
Night school future
Night schools continue to provide critical education to shepherds despite financial and bureaucratic challenges.
The takeaway
Shepherds in Lesotho attend night schools to learn reading and writing after dropping out of formal education.
