The 2023 school leaving examinations results have been released, and they show a downward spiral in the pass rate.
As expected, not everyone is impressed with the 53.1 percent pass rate. And, in a bid to find the cause of this seemingly unstoppable decline, those involved in the education sector are blaming the new school curriculum.
The new curriculum was introduced with the aim of making examinations relevant to the Lesotho context. It was a shift in education policy intentions from an ‘undemocratic and examination-oriented education system’ to a more process-oriented curriculum, with a greater integration of assessment with teaching and learning.
Detractors are adamant that if implemented properly, the new integrated curriculum “is one of the best on earth” because it is a learner-centred curriculum where the teacher is a facilitator.
They however, reiterate that a critical shortage of facilities and educational resources in schools especially at free primary educations also contributes to the poor quality of education.
Of course, the current trend indicates a downward trajectory in the pass rate, and this is worrisome.
It is obvious that something, somewhere is not being done right. We, therefore, appeal to those involved to identify the problems in our education system, because that is the only way they can find a lasting solution. This mammoth task cannot be left to the government alone; all stakeholders including educationists and parents must also play a part to ensure that the standard of our education improves for the benefit of our children, who are the leaders of the future. The time to act if now. We can’t postpone it for another day. After all, like a local revered educationist says, the development of each and every society, socially, economically and environmentally, and the flourishing of communities, depends on education.
