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LCE READY TO DEVELOP BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMMES |
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Monday, 14 May 2012 |
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The Assistant Minister of Education and Training Honourable ‘M’atanki Mokhabi officiated at the award of Diploma to 690 grandaunts who completed their courses at the Lesotho College of Education (LCE) at the 17th Graduation Ceremony held at the National Convention Centre on May 11th 2012. “I note that apart from the regular traditional subjects, all these grandaunts have life skills education and training that will help them to deal skillfully with the challenges of HIV and AIDS among the social challenges inflicting our people, “The Assistant Minister said. The Assistant Minister mentioned that the Ministry’s priority of improving access and equity can only be achieved through increased numbers of qualified competent teachers for schools in all parts of the country, although some of the qualified teachers opt to teach in the urban areas only. Mrs Mokhabi therefore thanked the World Bank for the Incentive Scheme which offers qualified teachers an incentive to attract them to teach in the rural areas, pointing out that this priority can also be achieved through inclusive education that also pays attention to the diverse needs of the society. “The graduation comes at the time when the Ministry will be celebrating the Education For All Week (EFA) and we urge the college to look into how best, over and above its current Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CECE) program which is so important as it will position itself in this areas and promised that the Ministry will provide the needed support she added. The Assistant Minister further highlighted that the Ministry is aware of the role played by the college in in-service and continuing professional development for teachers already working in the Primary and Secondary schools.
“The Ministry is also pleased to note that the college is not only aware of the challenges of mathematics performance in our schools but it is devising strategies and programs to deal with these challenges, showing that the Ministry is ready to make its inputs and support possible ways in the envisaged strategies and programs, “The Assistant Minister said. Speaking at the event, the Rector of the College Dr. John Oliphant showed that in the 2013 academic year, they hope to offer much better stream- lined, more relevant and better quality curricula in Diploma programs and integrating emerging issues around HIV and AIDS and related subjects, sustainable development, climate change and global citizenship among others. “As part of our developments, the college will host and International Mathematics Education forum in June 2013 which will be an enriching opportunity for all our teachers schools and the education professionals and policy makers, “The Rector mentioned. Dr. Oliphant pointed out that the college is now ready to develop relevant bachelor’s degree programs in areas of need and where there is already expertise and human resource capacity. The Rector added that the staff capacity development was going on well with most teaching staff holding Masters degree with a critical core of 8 PHDs and 5 PHD candidates, pointing out that the facilities are improving and there is a need to create multiple training routes for students to enable those who can complete their bachelors degree level qualifications to do so. “The successes that we have made would not have been possible without the annual subvention allocation made to the College by the Government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Education and Training, “He showed. Also speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the College Council Mr. Pitso Mosothoane advised the students to serve the Basotho nation with passion, dedication.
On behalf of grandaunts, Mr. Keneuoe Matee thanked their parents, lectures for their guidance, as they acquired knowledge and skills throughout the past years. At a similar occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho Professor Sharon Siverts presented awards to students with an outstanding performance. The awards were sponsored by Metropolitan Lesotho and Lesotho National Insurance Group. (LNIG) .
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Last Updated ( Monday, 14 May 2012 )
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