By Seleoe Nonyane
Econet Telecom Lesotho plans to give hope for a brighter future through Higher Life Foundation after it launched another scholarship programme called the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship this week in Thaba-Bosiu in Maseru.
The Moshoeshoe I Scholarship. named after the founder of the Basotho nation, will focus on investing in the provision of scholarships to academically gifted students particularly those who wish to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
This prestigious scholarship was awarded to the first cohort of 10 tertiary students namely, Unathi Lehlapo, Tlali Lemphane, Thulo Khuto, Rethabile Sebofe, Ntsoantsi Monyobi, Nnoi Mokoaleli, Mia Kabeli, Karabelo Khabele, Kabelo Tiheli and Sebabatso Lesuoa.
Delta Philanthropies United Kingdom chief executive officer, Tanya Masiyiwa, said the 10 beneficiaries were selected due to their academic exceptional excellence and their leadership and community building potential for demonstrating high performance in school.
“We looked at what you have already done and not what you are going to do in the hope that you will do even more for your nation. We looked at your highest level of moral, spiritual and personal integrity because skills are not enough for one to be an incredible leader. Therefore, we chose those who showed us great character
“We are nurturing patriotic people who are committed to making a difference in this nation and we want to cultivate confident, God- fearing strong leaders with a spirit of humanity and love of the community,” she explained.
She showed her heartfelt gratitude to the royal family for allowing the foundation to use the Moshoeshoe name for the scholarship.
She said the foundation’s choice of name was inspired by King Moshoeshoe I incredible leadership and hopes that the recipients will be inspired by his legacy of unity and strength and that they take the scholarship in a manner that honours King Moshoeshoe’s name.
The HigherLife Foundation Co-founder Tsitsi Masiyiwa said they were launching the scholarship to ensure that Africa prosper in a strive to help communities thrive while empowering individuals to fulfil their God-given purpose.
Therefore, education and development skills are critical investments in order to achieve their goal.
While officiating at the event, King Letsie III saw it appropriate that the event was taking place in the shadows of Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village which is a historical place.
He said the scholarship came at a time the country is in dire need of selfless and compassionate leadership as displayed by King Moshoeshoe I.
Therefore, he hoped that through that scholarship awards the benefitting youth will acquire relevant skills and leadership traits that will empower them to make significant contributions in building a country and a society they yearn for.
He said the scholarship offers were also set to construct a peaceful and prosperous country which is just, caring and compassionate.
“I would like to convey the nations’ deep gratitude to the Econet Telecom Lesotho and to HigherLife Foundation for this generous gesture of goodwill that will contribute to one of the key pillars of our country’s development, the education pillar.
“We believe that this initiative will help develop skills in Mathematics and Science in order to redress the crippling skills deficit in the critical areas of Engineering, Health Sciences and Natural Sciences in our country,” he said.
One of the recipients, Lesuoa said she is short of words to the HigherLife Foundation for awarding her and her co-recipients the enormous opportunity and promised they will work hard to achieve success.
Econet Telecom Lesotho chief executive officer Dennis Platjies indicated that every year the telecommunications company sets aside two percent of its annual revenue towards the HigherLife Foundation activities.
He also indicated that over 1000 Basotho Students have benefited from Higherlife Foundation since its existence in 2011.
