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Advancing Vision 130 through online teacher training in Lesotho

27 February 2025 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

Teacher Training in Lesotho 2025 — Various stakeholders participated in the two-day workshop from 16 to 17 January 2025 as part of the Online Teacher Training in Mathematics and Science on Content project. The initiative aims to equip secondary school mathematics and science teachers across Lesotho with essential skills.

The Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS) has taken a significant step in regional engagement and educational transformation through its partnership with Lesotho’s Ministry of Education and Training. In October 2023, the faculty, through its Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education Department, embarked on an R11 million project to provide online training for 235 mathematics and science teachers in secondary schools across Lesotho.

The Online Teacher Training in Mathematics and Science Content project will mark its final stage on 28 February 2025, following a two-day workshop from 16 to 17 January 2025. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to reflect on its impact and explore opportunities for further collaboration in teacher development. This project aligns with the UFS’s Vision 130 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to research-led, student-centred, and socially responsive education.

“This initiative is an example of our dedication to leveraging digital learning tools to address regional education challenges,” said Dr Kwazi Magwenzi, Director of Projects and Innovation at the UFS Faculty of Education. “By equipping teachers with enhanced pedagogical skills, we are contributing to long-term improvements in the quality of education in Lesotho.”

Strengthening regional collaboration and societal development

Over the past few years, the faculty has also strengthened its role in delivering high-quality education programmes, such as the Southern African region’s SANRAL Mathematics and Science PhD Programme. Through close collaboration with industry partners, public institutions, and the private sector, the faculty has extended its reach to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), ensuring its teacher development programmes remain relevant and impactful.

“One of our key objectives is to address pressing societal needs actively,” Dr Magwenzi added. “Our commitment to regional engagement means leveraging our expertise to contribute meaningfully to the development of the African continent, particularly in Southern Africa. As our close neighbour, Lesotho was a natural focus for this initiative.”

Expanding the faculty’s footprint in the region

The success of this initiative has laid the foundation for expanding the UFS’s regional footprint through additional short courses tailored to societal needs. The faculty envisions extending its expertise to other regions, further solidifying its position as a leader in education and research.

“As we conclude this phase of the project, we are inspired to build on these achievements,” said Prof Maria Tsakeni, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education. “This initiative has demonstrated the power of strategic partnerships and innovative learning models. Moving forward, we aim to design more programmes that contribute to the educational and economic growth of the region.”

By fostering regional collaboration, enhancing teacher competencies, and driving educational innovation, the Faculty of Education at the UFS continues to shape the future of education in Africa. This initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and societal transformation.

News Archive

Faculty of Law congratulated on 100 years of Iurisprudentia

2009-11-05

Prof. Johan Henning, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the UFS and Prof. Barry Rider from the Jesus College at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Photo: Stephen Collett

This year the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating a century of excellence in legal education under the theme “Iurisprudentia 100”. A number of prominent leaders in the international legal arena congratulated the faculty on this milestone achievement.

Prof. Harry Rajak, Emeritus Professor from the Sussex Law School at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom communicated his heartiest congratulations to the faculty. “It has been my great privilege and pleasure to have had, for many years now, a close association with the Faculty of Law of the UFS. I have enjoyed several visits to the Law Faculty, during which I have benefited enormously from the vibrant intellectual, scholarly and extremely friendly atmosphere which you have all created, as well as from the enthusiasm and intelligence of your students. I look forward to the continuation for many more years of this important and fruitful connection,” he said.

Prof. Barry Rider from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the Jesus College at Cambridge University in the UK also congratulated and expressed his admiration towards the faculty. “The reputation for excellence in the teaching of law and in its scholarly research that your faculty has attained both in the Republic and internationally is a testament to the outstanding efforts and commitment of so many generations of scholars in Bloemfontein. I have been extraordinarily privileged to be associated with your faculty. The achievements of your faculty are truly impressive,” he said.

The faculty also received wishes of congratulations from Prof. Thomas Hurst, Research Scholar and Professor of Law from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in the United States of America. “The UFS has established itself as a world renowned leader in legal education,” he said.

Mr Anton Trichardt from Londsdale Chambers, Melbourne Australia also conveyed his best wishes to the faculty. “Your Faculty of Law has indeed been an example of excellence in legal education, training and research. The Centre for Business Law and its monograph series has been an unrivalled trend-setter in law,” he said.

Old Mutual also conveyed its wishes of congratulations.

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