The grounds of Hlotse Agriculture College in Leribe buzzed with energy on a bright Friday morning as high school students from across the district gathered for a unique and inspiring occasion.
Far more than just a fun day out, the event was a vibrant celebration of agriculture, youth, and the promise of a thriving future rooted in the soil.
Hosted by the Leribe Agriculture Teachers Association, the High School Agriculture Fair brought together more than 35 schools for a day filled with learning, competition, and community spirit.
“We came together as agriculture teachers to show students that agriculture is not just something to study, it’s something to live on,” said Pokane Mosotho, Chairperson of the association.
He added, “The fair aimed to motivate students to see that there’s both business and life in agriculture.”
Beyond promoting the importance of agriculture, Mosotho noted that the event was also designed to uplift and inspire learners as they prepare for their final exams.
“Aside from motivating students, we also use this time to entertain and uplift them before they head into their final exams. That’s part of the reason Leribe continues to see a good pass rate in the subject,” he said.
With generous support from sponsors—Tarps4Lesotho, Monakeli Farm, Sentinel Farms, Alice Wa Le Farmer, Foso Hardware PTY LTD, and Seahlolo Newspaper—the event offered a wide range of engaging activities. These included a vibrant farmer exhibition, an interactive quiz competition, and awards recognising academic excellence.
One of the key highlights was the Agriculture Quiz Competition, which tested students’ knowledge across junior and senior levels. Students competed, three in each category, representing different schools and putting their classroom knowledge to the test in a real-world setting.
Quiz Competition Results:
Junior Level:
- Educo Hub High School of Science & Technology
- Likhatleng High School
- Mahobong High School
Senior Level:
- Mahobong High School
- Khethisa High School
- Mathethisa High School
The atmosphere following the quiz was electric.
Students and teachers danced in celebration, with sounds of whistles, ululations, and joyful laughter filling the air.
“The quiz was easier than I thought, although the calculations part was a bit challenging, but I made it,” said Lindiwe Mocumbi from Educo Hub, who claimed first place in the junior quiz.
“We really do benefit from events like this. Seeing the tools we learn about in class and understanding how they work in real life is such a bonus. I hope we continue having more of these events,” Mocumbi added.
Farming for the Future: The Farmers’ Pitso
Another critical element of the fair was the Farmers’ Pitso, which brought together local producers to share their experiences with students.
From livestock keepers to juice makers, the exhibition offered students a first-hand experience at what a future in agriculture could look like.
The most inspiring part? Many of the exhibitors were young entrepreneurs themselves.
“We were invited by Farmers’ Pitso to showcase our products to students and educate them about our business,” said ‘Matikane Ntsoti of Matebele Enterprise, known for producing raspberry and cactus juice.
Showing joy, she said, “Students have been flooding our stall with questions. It’s been incredible to see how eager they are to learn.”
‘Makhabisi Nts’enya of Atlehang Foods also expressed excitement at participating. “Being invited to motivate students through showcasing our products and handing out small gifts during the quiz competition meant a lot. We’re showing them that business in agriculture is not just possible; it’s thriving.”
Through guided tours of the farmer stalls, live demonstrations, and tastings of fresh produce, students got a hands-on experience that brought textbook theories to life.
As the day drew to a close, it was clear that the event had accomplished more than just showcasing talent or delivering knowledge. It planted seeds of curiosity, confidence, and ambition in every student who attended.
“This fair is just the beginning. We’ve seen the importance of hosting such events and the impact they have on our students. There are more to come,” Mosotho said.
