This study examined the factors that impact on positive pupil performance in the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) in the Botha-Bothe district primary schools of Lesotho. Given the pupil performance in Lesotho districts the study aimed to find out what factors lead to high pupil performance in Botha-Bothe district, as well as why some schools in the same district perform better than others, and how low performing schools and school developers can learn from the high performing schools. This study used a descriptive survey research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data from the Ministry of Education District officials, primary school principals and primary school teachers. A descriptive survey design used involved questionnaires interviews, and document analysis to collect data for the study. The research findings in this study revealed that the Ministry of Education Officials, principals and teachers specifically identified the following factors to have positive impact on pupil performance: • A teacher with positive relationships • Effective teaching and learning processes • Purposeful leadership by the principal • The way in which the teacher and pupils interact with each other. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

This study attempts to broaden the knowledge and understanding of issues of sexual harassment experienced by girls in a high school in Lesotho. It does this by focussing on Form D girls in one high school in Maseru, here referred as Fora High School; and consequently how they cope with it. The study locates itself as concerned with gender justice. It assumes that it constitutes a discursive position that contrasts and opposes dominant patriarchal discourses. It sets out also to establish to what extent sexual harassment occurred and how it was perceived by those that experience it. It is a qualitative study that employs narratives and observation as the research methods. To achieve this, a module that introduced concepts of sexuality and sexual harassment preceded the data collection. Although the study was confined to Form D girls and did not include all the girls in this school, findings reveal that girls in this class experienced and observed sexual harassment in this school and more specifically in the classroom than anywhere else. Teachers were the major perpetrators of sexual harassment. Studying the narratives presented as data, physical harassment was the most frequently reported form of harassment. When such behaviours are reported, teachers ignore it and this suggests that they 'normalise' sexual harassment and thus reinforce dominant patriarchal discourses of hegemonic masculinity. Based on the participants' narratives and also arguing from the discursive position of gender justice, recommendations are suggested for this school and others to introduce sexuality and sex education in an attempt to make schools more equitable places for girls. It proposes that educational policies and curricular development more generally be revisited and to ensure that they are addressing sexuality education and therefore sexual violence particularly. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Following the introduction of a new curriculum, Business Education, in Lesotho secondary schools this study focused on investigating teachers’ experiences in implementing the new curriculum in their classrooms as well as the factors associated with the success or failure of its implementation. This qualitative case study was used to provide in-depth insight into the day-to-day implementation of Business Education, successes and failures of teachers (teachers’ experiences). It further gave me an opportunity to delve into the weaknesses and strengths of the cascade model of training teachers, which was offered to teachers during implementing a new curriculum. Data was collected from three secondary schools in Maseru, Lesotho where six teachers were purposively selected from Lesotho Commercial Subjects Teacher Association (LECSTA). The data collection methods used are influenced by interpretivist paradigm and the study used individual interviews with open-ended questions, non-participatory observation and documents reviews of the lesson plan books, scheme of work and record of work done as well as the students’ test scripts. A review of few documents was used to compliment data collected through the first two methods of data collection. A theory of curriculum change was used in the study and ethical issues were considered. The findings of this study revealed that teachers were not adequately trained on how to implement Business Education and not many teachers were involved in the design of the new curriculum. They were not even trained on the teaching methods because the NCDC just assumed that they would not have problems. Teachers also showed that performance of Business Education is not good because teachers hate teaching theory, as a result concentrate more on practical, which leads to students hating it as well. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This study investigated perceptions of teachers and school management on factors influencing poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School in Lesotho. After realizing that the poor academic performance by Form 'E' students was a national crisis, the study aimed to examine factors that influenced poor academic of Form 'E' students. This study adopted a qualitative method through which data was collected from the principal, deputy principal, heads of department and teachers. A qualitative design used interviews, observation and document analysis to collect data for the research. The research findings disclosed that teachers and management perceived that the following factors influence poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School:1. Leadership of Maryland High School is very poor. 2. The running of the school without clearly written or documented policies. 3. The control of the school funds by the chairperson of the School Board instead of the principal. 4. Absence of a library and poorly equipped science laboratory. 5. Teachers are not motivated due to lack of some teaching and learning materials. 6. Heads of department are not involved when decisions pertinent to management are made. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

This study sought to explore teachers' experiences in teaching Mathematics and Science through second language in Standard 4 at rural primary schools in Lesotho. In addressing this purpose, a qualitative case study method of data production was used. The participants were four Standard 4 Mathematics and Science teachers from three selected schools. Qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and lesson observations in the classroom. These were analyzed using a qualitative thematic approach. The study is informed by Vygotsky‟s social constructivist theory and Shulman‟s pedagogical content knowledge theory. The findings revealed that teachers experienced several challenges in teaching Mathematics and Science through second language in a transitional class. The greatest challenge that the participants experienced was the language that is used for instruction in Standard 4. According to the Educational Policy of the Government of Lesotho, English has been approved as the medium of instruction (MOI) from Standard 4 upwards. In Standards 1-3 pupils are taught in their mother tongue (Sesotho); thereafter the MOI changes to English. The participants reported that the shift from Sesotho to English posed a serious problem in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science in Standard 4. They further claimed that most pupils in Standard 4 do not proceed to the next class, since these two subjects are core subjects and the MOI makes passing them problematic. Teachers regularly employed code-switching as a strategy to make meaning for their pupils in their classrooms. It is recommended that the Government of Lesotho should consider changing the medium of instruction to English from Standard 1. It is also recommended that the inspectorate service should be decentralised and that one teacher at primary level should not teach all the subjects but teach according to specialisation. There should also be more regular in-service training of Mathematics and Science teachers. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

With introduction of Free Primary Education in Lesotho, teachers are now leading and managing classrooms with increased numbers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). This study seeks to understand how teachers lead and manage classrooms with OVC. It explores the experiences of teachers who lead and manage classrooms with OVC, and the support they receive from School Management Committees (SMCs) in their leadership and management of classrooms with OVC. Transformational leadership and democratic classroom management theories are used as theories underpinning the study. The study is located within the interpretive paradigm. It employs a qualitative approach. The data was collected from three primary schools in the Leribe dissemination centre in Lesotho. One community school and two church schools were sampled. Nine participants (3 from each school) were purposively selected. One teacher each was selected from the three different levels of teaching from each primary school. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to generate data. The findings reveal that teachers experience increased existence of poverty among OVC, which is illustrated by severe hunger, lack of basic requirements like food, clothing and educational support. Teachers have formulated different strategies to deal with these issues in their classrooms. When difficult issues arise the principals play an important role in helping the teachers. Unfortunately, there is less support for teachers from other SMC members. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

For most organisations the decision to implement performance management is not about introducing a completely new process. Most organisations start with annual appraisals and learn from them what goes well or bad. Because of being under the rule of Britain, Lesotho inherited some of the systems mostly followed by many Commonwealth countries in the public service; some of which were confidential reporting systems for appraising employees. Investigations were made about the existing system at that time and the findings indicated that most of the people did not like it. They said it was subjective, and that it contributed to low morale, and weakened supervision/employee relations. It was realised that a new system was urgently needed. The new system was introduced which was for an open appraisal. Several attempts were made, but they failed because of lack of resources and poor communication and teamwork in the organization. This report sets out the observations and comments on the new system and the findings are discussed together with the implications of the system. The aim of this research is to investigate all the measures concerning the system whether they are being applied correctly, whether all measurements are effectively implemented and if the system is acceptable in the civil service. Finally, whether it fits the culture of the organization. If its not working the way it was expected to, what are the problems and how can such problems be solved?. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

Autonomy involves more or less the right of the responsible administrative officers, management and presidents to govern the institutes free of outside control. The concept of autonomy implies, in addition to the latitude required for administrative action required by executives, the freedom of the academic departments of the colleges and the research institutes within the institutions to make most of the decisions of academic and professional management. Recent developments in Lesotho higher education have led to substantial changes in the relationship between government and higher education. The mechanisms of steering and regulation of the systems have moved from the model of centralised government in favour of increased institutional autonomy; the introduction of quality assessment systems, and an increased demand for institutional accountability. Providing autonomy to institutions in Lesotho has a potential of delivering quality service because there is free choice, which involves providing a wider range of options both for students and learning institutions. Institutions are free to choose any strategy that may bring quality service for the students. The aim of this study is to carry out an evaluation of the effectiveness of autonomy strategy in delivering quality service at LCE. In carrying out an analysis of this strategy, Pearce / Robinson guiding theoretical strategic decision-making process model is used. The Lesotho College of Education (LCE) Mission, external and internal environment are analysed Recommendations are made whether or not autonomy is the viable option for LCE to deliver quality service to students. The data obtained from this study indicates that autonomy is a suitable and an acceptable strategy to pursue, but not feasible as LCE lacks the financial and human resources necessary to fulfil the necessary requirements for autonomy as will be explained in the study. Other recommended strategies are the concentric and diversification strategies. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This research focuses on civil society’s efforts to reduce poverty in Lesotho. The primary focus is on the networks that are formed in this process through a case study of World Vision International in Lesotho. According to the Millennium Development Goals Report (2008:9), the majority of Basotho live in increasing poverty, deprived, among others, of incomes that cover basic necessities like food, shelter and clothing. Although Lesotho is a relatively small Southern African country, it is faced with challenges that include chronic poverty (Bello, Letete, Rapapa and Chokobane, 2008:2). Both the State and civil society are concerned with alleviating this problem. In efforts to reduce poverty in Lesotho, a number of programmes and strategies have been applied, including the Millennium Development Goals operational artefact: Poverty Reduction Strategies. According to the MDG Report (2008:2), the prospects of Lesotho achieving the goal of reducing hunger and poverty by half by the year 2015 ranges from unlikely to potential. In the efforts of reducing poverty, both civil society and government ministries network to achieve this goal. In the current study, eleven organisations in a network, including government ministries, are discussed. Of the eleven organisations, seven are civil society organisations, while the remaining four are government ministries. This study is of a qualitative nature. Primary data was used in the form of structured in-depth interviews. Furthermore, a social network analysis was used for data analysis. The findings of this paper showed evidence of the role played by ‘networking’, in other words, although there was insufficient information concerning the ways in which World Vision International networks with other organisations in Lesotho, the findings from the interviews pointed at the importance of partnering and ‘networking’ with other organisations, as well as the role played by shared resources in the poverty reduction process. This research hopes to add to the literature on poverty in Lesotho generally and the importance of networking for poverty alleviation specifically. Furthermore, this study examines the networked involvement of World Vision Lesotho in development initiatives and poverty reduction approaches in Lesotho. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.