In a powerful display of educational outreach, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) recently hosted a career guidance and campus tour for students and teachers from Mafube English Medium High School.
For many of the high school learners, who made the journey from Maputsoe in the Leribe district, this was their first time stepping foot onto a university campus, an experience that aimed to transform abstract ideas about higher education into a tangible, inspiring reality.
The visit was more than just a tour; it was a carefully curated experience designed to demystify university life and instill confidence in the students as they stand on the brink of their final examinations.
Academic officers and members of the NUL Marketing Team took the lead, guiding the students through the campus and engaging them in presentations on crucial topics such as admission criteria, choosing the right career path, and the practicalities of university life. The goal was clear: to give these young minds the tools and encouragement needed to begin planning their futures in a serious and deliberate manner.
“My students needed to see and feel the energy of a University. It’s one thing to talk about a campus in a classroom, but it’s a completely different experience to be here and get a ‘physical touch’ of the environment. This visit has made a significant and visible impact on their motivation and perspective.” said Mrs ‘Matumelo Makoa, one of the teachers, after the tour.
This tangible connection was a recurring theme throughout the day. Students were visibly captivated as they walked the grounds, imagining themselves as future scholars. They absorbed information not just from the presentations, but from the very atmosphere of academic pursuit that permeates the campus. The visit aimed to break down the psychological barrier that often exists between high school and University, making the transition feel less intimidating and more achievable.
Discussions were candid and open, with students asking questions about everything from specific courses to campus clubs. They learned about the intricate processes that happen behind the scenes, from the teams responsible for meticulously processing applications and verifying documents to those who support the entire examination process. This transparency helped students understand that the University is a system of dedicated people working to support their success, not a distant and impersonal institution.
A student from Mafube English Medium, Mookho Mpholo, shared her perspective on the day. “Before today, I was just focused on passing my final exams,” she confessed. “NUL was just a name. Now, seeing the labs, the library, and talking to the academic officers has made everything feel so much more real. I’m now thinking about which courses I want to take and what my life could be like here. It’s given me a whole new reason to study hard.”
The visit concluded with a strong sense of purpose on both sides. The students left with renewed motivation and a clearer vision for their futures, understanding that their hard work in high school is a direct pathway to opportunities at NUL. For the university, the event reaffirmed its role not just as a centre of learning, but as a proactive partner in the development and empowerment of the Basotho youth.
Ultimately, this study tour served as a powerful motivator for the students as they prepare for their final examinations. By connecting with these future leaders, NUL is not only strengthening its community but also contributing significantly to the social and economic development of the nation.
