A Gift of Desks and Chairs Transforms Education at Orange River High School

By: Reentseng Phepheptho, Communications & Digital officer, Lesotho

In the heart of the Senqu Area Programme, nestled against the rugged landscape of the Mokhotlong district, lies the Orange River High School. Perched by the riverbanks, it stands as a ray of hope amidst the challenges of its remote surroundings. Yet, for all its resilience, the school faced a monumental hurdle that threatened to dampen the spirits of its eager students: a dire shortage of desks and chairs.

The most pressing issue was the scarcity of desks and chairs that plagued the classrooms. In a place where the journey to knowledge was already fraught with difficulties, the lack of proper seating made the pursuit of education an even more formidable task. During exams, the school bore witness to a heartbreaking scene – two to three students huddled together, sharing broken desks that barely held their dreams and aspirations.

This arrangement not only fostered an environment conducive to copying but also violated the established protocols of the Ministry of Education. According to these standards, each child should have their own desk and chair during exams to ensure a fair and independent evaluation. The teachers struggled with the situation, sometimes resorting to borrowing desks from neighbouring schools in an attempt to alleviate the hardship.

The dedicated teachers at Orange River High School, despite their best efforts, could only do so much to alleviate the plight of their students. They watched with heavy hearts as their pupils struggled, knowing that their potential was being stifled by circumstances beyond their control.

Then, like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds, help arrived in the form of World Vision Lesotho. Through their Gift in Kind program, they bestowed upon Orange River High School a precious gift: 19 desks and 19 chairs, a seemingly small gesture with immeasurable impact. For the students and teachers alike, it was a lifeline, a symbol of hope for a brighter future.

The transformation was immediate and profound. With their own desks and chairs, the students at Orange River High School regained a sense of dignity and independence. No longer were they forced to huddle together, struggling to find space amidst the chaos. Instead, they could focus on their studies with clarity and purpose, free from the distractions that had once plagued them.

For the teachers, too, the difference was palpable. With proper seating arrangements in place, they could conduct exams with confidence, knowing that each student had a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge. No longer were invigilators left standing for hours on end, their discomfort mirrored by the discomfort of their students. Now, they could fulfill their duties with ease and professionalism, knowing that they had the support they needed.

The teachers, who had witnessed the trials and tribulations of their students, attested to the remarkable transformation brought about by the donation. With tears in her eyes, the school's headteacher spoke of the difference the desks and chairs had made. She recalled the days when sorrows enveloped the exam room, and the struggle to maintain standards seemed insurmountable.

"The desks and chairs have become more than just furniture; they are instruments of empowerment," she remarked.

As the year progressed, the impact of World Vision Lesotho's generosity became increasingly evident. The performance results for 2023 showed a marked improvement, a testament to the power of education when barriers are removed. The students at Orange River High School, once held back by circumstance, were now soaring to new heights, their dreams within reach.

But perhaps the most profound transformation was not in the statistics or the test scores, but in the hearts and minds of those who had been touched by this remarkable gesture. One of grade 10 students, Reitumetse expressed “Before tables and chairs arrived, three students were using one desk, but now, everyone is using their desk to write exams, we are very happy as students for such big and beautiful changes in our school”.

“Before tables and chairs arrived, three students were using one desk, but now, everyone is using their desk to write exams, we are very happy as students for such big and beautiful changes in our school”.

For the students at Orange River High School, the gift of desks and chairs was more than just a material offering; it was a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in the most challenging of circumstances, there are those who believe in their potential. As they expressed their heartfelt gratitude to World Vision Lesotho, the students at Orange River High School knew that they were not alone in their journey. With each desk and chair, they were one step closer to realizing their dreams, one step closer to a future filled with promise and possibility.