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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

Professor awarded by Cardiff University for exceptional teaching and research record
2015-10-20

Prof Pieter Duvenage
Cardiff University is one of the best research universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and the world. In 2014, Cardiff was ranked number 2 and 5 among UK universities in the Research Excellence Framework for impact and quality, respectively.

Annually, Cardiff selects and recruits the most outstanding teachers and researchers from across the globe. This year, this institution bestowed on Professor Pieter Duvenage the title of Honorary Professorship in Political Philosophy for his contribution and commitment to philosophical research in South Africa and internationally. Prof Duvenage is Head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Prof Duvenage has authored and co-authored four books, publishing almost 40 accredited articles in journals and books. As a distinguished scholar, he displays immense dedication to the investigation of the political implications of intellectual traditions.

Since 1997, Prof Duvenage has been lecturing philosophy as an associate professor, full professor, or visiting professor at various South African and Australian universities. He was appointed as Head of the Department of Philosophy in 2011, where he continues to explore his interests in Phenomenology, Critical Theory, and South African Intellectual History.

His rich academic history had earned him the prestigious five-year Honorary Professorship at Cardiff’s Department of Politics.  In 2014, the same university invited Prof Duvenage to be a Professorial Fellow of the Collingwood and British Idealism Centre for an indefinite period.

Professor David Boucher, Director of the Collingwood and British Idealism Centre, has played a crucial role in initiating both processes. According to Prof Duvenage, “Professor Boucher is a respected British academic and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg.”

When Boucher announced the good news, Prof Duvenage was very surprised. “The appointment came as a total surprise. I never studied there [at Cardiff University], therefore it was purely through academic networks.”

Considering Cardiff’s reputation and Prof Duvenage’s exceptional skill sets and values, his relationship with the world-leading university in research is bound to blossom.

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