Vodacom Lesotho Donates Wi-Fi Routers to Boost Early Childhood Education in Lesotho
Vodacom Lesotho, through its charity arm, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, has donated 276 Wi-Fi routers to the Network of Early Child Development of Lesotho (NECDOL). NECDOL will distribute the routers for use in the Grade-R classes.
Our main interest is to improve the education of a Mosotho child so that he/she is able to compete globally. We have realised that a good foundation at early childhood gives them a good start and advantage at primary and high school levels. This is part of our contribution to the Government of Lesotho’s digital agenda by facilitating the provision of digitally enhanced curriculum and teaching aids. We will work hand in glove with other stakeholders and enterprises to inject more investment as long as Basotho continue supporting Vodacom Lesotho through its products.
Tšepo Ntaopane, Head, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation
We would like to thank Vodacom Lesotho Foundation for this generous donation. NECDOL started work in 2020, piloting in Mafeteng and Quthing in 50 schools. Our aim is to help improve the quality of education in pre-primary level in order to ensure a good foundation. Through this donation, we are going to input stories, books and teaching aids that will greatly enhance learning and teaching also collect live data on the performance of children and teachers.
Shoeshoe Mofokeng, National Coordinator, NECDOL
On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, ‘Matšepiso Ntšaba (ECCD Manager) said Vodacom Lesotho Foundation’s donation comes at the right time when the country is sharpening focus on early childhood education. “With a solid foundation at early childhood, we are going to have better performing primary and high school pupils. The donation will ensure access to quality education for both teachers and toddlers. We challenge other businesses and stakeholders to come on board,” Mrs Ntšaba concluded.
Vodacom Lesotho strongly believes that exposing pre-schoolers to the Internet will develop and enhance their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, creativity, language skills, integration of information, investigative skills and social skills.
Vodacom Lesotho Foundation’s support will last for two years at the total cost of M2,165,220.00 for the Wi-Fi routers and 40GB monthly data. The support ties in with the Foundation’s youth development pillar and the mandate to invest in critical areas of development, in line with the Government of Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
