Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre (LDTC)
Non Formal Education (NFE)
NFE is defined in Lesotho as ‘‘activities that are designed to provide the Basotho youth and adults with development information, knowledge and skills required for them to function effectively, efficiently and productively in the various sectors of life’’. NFE exists to address education needs of the youth and adults who have been by-passed by the formal education system.
The role of NFE is to supplement and complement efforts of formal education.
The main providers of NFE are Government and Non-Governmental organisations. The MoET offers non-formal-education programmes through Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre (LDTC) and the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) which is part of the National University of Lesotho that offers adult education while NFE Inspectorate is responsible for inspecting and coordinating NFE activities throughout the country.
NFE providers in Lesotho are line ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Food and Security, Justice (Lesotho Correctional Service). Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) comprise institutions such as LANFE, the community, private individuals and some church organisations. These providers offer a wide range of programmes and support services which include:
• Literacy and Numeracy for adults and out of school youth;
• Continuing Education;
• Life skills education ;
• Community Education which encompasses environmental issues, health, population and family life education, gender equality, leadership, human rights education and disaster management;
• Business/Commercial, Technical and Vocational Education;
• Professional and Managerial skills development;
• Guidance and Counselling.
Critical challenges
• Unregistered NFE schools
• Non coverage of potential beneficiaries.
• Low qualifications of literacy teachers.
• No latest national literacy study to determine reliable literacy rates
• The lack of link between Basic literacy and Secondary education.
• Guidelines or agreements to use existing structures and expertise for NFE provision (formal Education and TVET).
