Seahlolo Newspaper once again demonstrated its commitment to building the future of Lesotho’s farming by honoring schools that excel in agriculture during the Farmers’ Pitso Awards earlier this month.
A total of M10,000 was awarded to support school gardening tools, with Qhomane High School taking first prize, Mohale’s Hoek High School second, and Ratsoeu High School third.
This was not the first time Seahlolo put schools at the center of agricultural transformation. At the 2024 Farmers’ Pitso Awards, the newspaper invested in schools by supporting irrigation systems, proving that for Seahlolo, recognition is never just symbolic.
As the newspaper Managing Editor, Lerato Matheka, put it, “Recognising best schools in farming is not just a prize giving. It is about investing in the next generation of agric-leaders and sending a clear message: effort is seen, excellence is rewarded.”
“If agriculture can be seen and taken serious by the country, Lesotho will not have a reason to be ranking amongst hungry nations, thus we are the change we want to see hence our support of schools in agriculture,” Matheka stressed.
The impact of this recognition was most visible at Qhomane High School where Agriculture teacher Matsepo Keketsi could hardly contain her excitement as she described the moment their name was called.
“When I heard my school being called on stage as the first prize winner, I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy. It was proof of the hard work and dedication of me and other teachers of Qhomane High School,” she said.
The victory, she explained, was not just for the staff but for the students whose joy made her proud.
“What made me happy was when my students were also happy. I was proud to see them in that mood, it was really a moment of great pride for our school.”
Keketsi emphasised that the award was the result of teamwork, determination, and genuine student interest in agriculture.
“Teachers’ support and guidance encouraged students to participate in the competition, and students also have a genuine interest in agriculture,” she said.
The school’s agriculture programshe revealed includes crop science, animal science, agribusiness, and agricultural engineering.
“The main focus is to create a platform for students who would like to pursue their careers in the agriculture industry,” she added.
Receiving the prize, she explained, will go directly into strengthening the school garden, with students participating in its maintenance and management.
She stressed that the school has agriculture as one of its core subject.
“We work hard to make students see farming as a career, not as punishment and we have stopped that hobby of punishing students with farm work. The school integrates classroom learning with practical exposure by organising educational trips to observe and learn from professionals in the farming industry.
“ Teachers also engage students in planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, ensuring they gain real skills alongside academic knowledge.”
Keketsi admitted that winning was not easy because the competition was based on voting. She said the school mobilised students and their families to take part.
“Teachers familiarised students with voting rules and procedures to be followed, and students were so excited and promised to recommend their parents to vote for their school. This award is for all who participated in voting,” she explained.
For her, the recognition represents not only an achievement but also a legacy for Qhomane’s agricultural program.
“This recognition will be among the greatest achievements the school has ever had. The award will motivate students to work harder and it will also bring recognition to the agricultural program, attracting more students.”
The vision behind Seahlolo Newspaper’s investment in schools according to Matheka is ‘to build a generation of young Basotho who see farming as a career of dignity and opportunity.’
“By nurturing youth with tools, knowledge, and opportunities, Seahlolo is helping to prepare leaders who will one day address Lesotho’s food insecurity and redefine farming as an admired career path,” she said.
She added, “When young people are nurtured and encouraged, they grow into confident, skilled individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Prioritising this investment in youth becomes the foundation upon which a resilient, dynamic, and thriving Lesotho can be built.
“By honoring schools at the Farmers’ Pitso Awards, we are not only telling the stories of the nation but actively shaping them,” Matheka said.
