Lesotho School Landing Page

Our Mission

Since 2011, students at Sandvika High School in Norway have supported Mamoeketsi Primary School in Lesotho. Our mission is to give children access to quality education and brighter future opportunities. We contribute to daily operations, the construction of new classrooms, teaching materials, uniforms, school meals, furniture, and a data center with a computer lab and internet access. We also provide scholarships for students who have completed primary school at Mamoeketsi but cannot afford to continue to secondary school and high school.

In addition, the association collects clothes and equipment before each visit and organizes an annual exchange program between the two schools. Students and teachers from Mamoeketsi visit Sandvika, and groups from Sandvika travel to Lesotho to teach, learn, and share experiences.

Organization

The association consists of 16 students from across all grades at Sandvika High School. They are divided into four committees: Administration, Networking, Campaigns, and Social Media. Two teachers from Sandvika support the association, along with several dedicated partners and contributors.

Fundraising

Every autumn, around late October or early November, the school hosts Lesotho Day, where all students raise money and take part in charitable work for Lesotho. The association also raises funds through bottle deposit collections, campaigns, and donations.

Membership

All Sandvika High School students are welcome to apply for membership. Applications open once a year, usually in early September, and remain open for two to three weeks. Students apply directly to the association’s teachers.

Membership offers students the chance to learn, contribute, and make a real difference. Members strengthen friendships across grades, improve the school environment, and receive letters of reference. Each year, four members are selected to travel to Lesotho.

Background

The partnership between Sandvika High School and Mamoeketsi Primary School began in 2011, when teacher Ann Michaelsen met teacher Moliehi Sekese from Lesotho through The Worldwide Innovative Education Forum.

Moliehi is a key advocate for improving education in Lesotho and was recognized with an award for her data project. Inspired by her efforts, Ann and the Sandvika student council launched the Lesotho Association and Lesotho Day to mobilize students in support of the project.

Thanks to this collaboration, the 750 students at Mamoeketsi Primary School now enjoy better school facilities, improved learning conditions, and greater opportunities for the future.