# Night school in Lesotho

> Shepherds in Lesotho attend night classes to gain education after dropping out of school.
- Title: Night school in Lesotho · NPR | Shortify
- Summary: Shepherds in Lesotho attend night classes to gain education after dropping out of school. Shepherds in Lesotho attend night schools to learn reading and…
- Keywords: lesotho, good shepherd night school, shepherds, night school, education, mokhotlong, semonkong, lesotho government, unicef, nfp, news, Night
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/27/g-s1-143582/night-school-shepherds-lesotho
- Published: 2026-09-27T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lesotho, good shepherd night school, shepherds, night school, education, mokhotlong, semonkong, lesotho government, unicef, nfp, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Shepherds in Lesotho attend night schools to learn reading and writing after dropping out of formal education.