Celebrating Education, Empowering Children: World Vision's Commitment in Action!

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer, Lesotho

In commemoration of a #Back2School initiative celebrated across World Vision Lesotho Area Programmes with the aim to raise awareness in every child’s right to a quality, safe, inclusive and transformational education, World Vision staff set out to advocate for an Education that empowers children for life. As part of the celebration, together with families, communities and schools; World Vision embarked on a mission to bring transformation to vulnerable children in hardest to reach schools in the most remote and fragile places in Lesotho.

In the heart of the Senqu Area Programme in Lesotho, where the Mountain in the Sky touches the clouds and families carve out their lives amidst rugged terrain with many rivers to cross, there lies Mafura- Pela Primary School, with 30 students from grade 1 – grade 7. Here, amidst the challenges of remote living and overlooked peaks, a story of transformation unfolds—a story fueled by determination, love, and the unwavering commitment of World Vision to empower children and communities.

Since 2007, Mafura-Pela Primary School has faced numerous obstacles to academic success; for years, the school struggled with scarce resources, a shortage of teachers, and learning facilities that were barely fit for purpose. Any yet the school has long been a symbol of resilience in the face of these challenges seeing alumni’s growing up to become police men, teachers, and nurses.

World Vision recognized the plight in this school and set out to make a difference in the lives of the students to usher in a spirit of newfound hope to the community amidst the hardships, driven by the conviction that education is a channel to illuminate the path to a brighter future for vulnerable children.

Recognizing the potential within Mafura-Pela Primary School, World Vision embarked on a journey to breathe new life into its classrooms. The transformation began with a simple yet powerful gesture—a clean-up campaign to rid the school grounds of neglect and despair. As the dust settled and the debris cleared, a renewed sense of possibility emerged—a sanctuary where children could play, thrive and dreams could take flight.

World Vision staff continued to revamp the school, fixing the broken windows; and with each broken window replaced, a barrier to learning was shattered, and the light of knowledge poured in ensuring students will come to school even in the harsh winters accompanied by snow, strong winds and cold.

Thirty Gift-In-Kind Stationery packs; generously given by World Vision United States filled with the promise of possibility (Books, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, mathematical sets, colouring pencils) found their way into eager hands, while thirty school shoes became symbols of pride and dignity with every step taken towards the student's educational journey.

“World Vision's mission revolves around the well-being of every child. It is our responsibility to eliminate any obstacles that hinder the well-being of the children in this school. We have identified a need in the past and have been continuously supporting the school in various ways Every child has the right to attend school in a healthy learning environment, with sufficient learning material and appropriate school uniform. We are grateful to the community for their steadfast support in fostering the growth of this school” Echoed Mr Motlatsi Nketsi,  Cluster Manager in Senko.

World Vision's mission revolves around the well-being of every child. It is our responsibility to eliminate any obstacles that hinder the well-being of the children in this school.

Yet, World Vision's actions extended far beyond academics. thirty Gift-In-Kind Hygiene packs became tokens of care and well-being; Good hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and helping children lead long, healthy lives. It also prevents them from missing school, resulting in better learning outcomes.

Teacher Malikeleli Lets’ela, stands in the fore front of the school’s resilience, a hidden hero who has dedicated her life to the students of Mafura-Pela Primary School. Her dedication unwavering as the only teacher in the school solely teaching thirty students in their different grades.  With each passing day, she witnesses the struggles of the school and the children’s sufferings but shares that’; one day she was in a taxi from Mokhotlong to Maseru, and the taxi was halted by a police officer, when the police officer approached the taxi, she recognized that it was one of her students, she called out to him with joy and tears in her eyes to greet him and the police officer said “ I would not be here if it was not for you Madam, Thank you” Following that encounter Teacher Lets’ela, says “Since then, I have known that my purpose in this life is to dedicate my time, and my calling to the children of Mafura-Pela Primary School because they too deserve a successful future, no matter who they are and where they come from.”

Since then, I have known that my purpose in this life is to dedicate my time, and my calling to the children of Mafura-Pela Primary School because they too deserve a successful future, no matter who they are and where they come from.

Lipolelo, a 10-year-old student in Mafura- Pela Primary School, shared here personal testimony of the profound impact of World Vision’s support in her own life and the lives of her school mates “I stand here before you to affirm that World Vision has changed our lives in this school. It is not so long-ago World Vision supported us with school jerseys, socks and balls for our play time. It has also given our teacher a chair and a desk because she had no working station while at school. We thank you World Vision”.

World Vision has changed our lives in this school.

As the sun set on Mafura-Pela Primary School, a new chapter began—one filled with promise, resilience, and endless possibility. With World Vision by their side, the children of Mafura-Pela dared to dream—to dream of a future where mountains were no longer obstacles, but milestones on the path to greatness.

And so, the journey continues—a journey of transformation, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. For in the quiet, overlooked peaks of the Mountain in the Sky, a light now shines—a light fueled by the unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to soar.

Our Promise to the Most Vulnerable Children

“Every child deserves a life rich in meaning and purpose. We work with the most vulnerable children in the world so they can experience God's promise—life in all its fullness. Our collective efforts create a rising tide of goodness that provides each child an opportunity to reach their true potential.”