NUL Faculty of Education recently conducted a successful career guidance and outreach for Grade 10 and 11 learners at St. Paul High School in Butha-Buthe on 4 April 2025.

The outreach initiative, led by Rev. Dr. Isaiah Makhetha and Mr. Thuto Polonyana from the Department of Educational Foundations focused more on assisting learners in making informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

The programme also focused on three key areas namely; providing career guidance to the learners, sharing information on the academic programmes offered at NUL, and presenting postgraduate opportunities available to the school’s academic staff. The presentations also highlighted the wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, designed to meet the evolving needs of Lesotho and the region.

Speaking during the session, Rev. Dr. Makhetha underscored the importance of early career planning, indicating that it is vital for learners to start thinking about their future paths while still in high school, adding that the University is there to provide the necessary information and guidance to support learners in their journey.

St. Paul learners actively participated in the sessions, expressing enthusiasm and curiosity about University life, career options, and the pathways to achieving their goals. The academic staff at St. Paul also welcomed the opportunity to engage with NUL on postgraduate prospects.

Mr. Polonyana noted that the positive reception of the initiative points to the need for expanded efforts. “The interest shown by both learners and teachers is an indication that we must strengthen our outreach, not only here but in other districts as well. We are considering using platforms such as television, radio, and more face-to-face engagements to reach a wider audience,” he stated.

The outreach initiative forms part of NUL’s broader community service mandate, aimed at strengthening ties with schools across Lesotho and supporting the educational development of young people.