Transforming Education in Mokhotlong: The Impact of World Vision’s Gift-in-Kind Programme

By Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer

In the remote highlands of Mokhotlong district, children wake up each morning with dreams of a better future. For many in Menoaneng Area Development Program, education is their only pathway out of poverty. Yet for years, something as simple as a school bag stood between them and their ability to fully participate in class.

Most children in this rural community attend government schools. However, a lack of basic school materials and hygiene essentials has quietly but significantly affected their performance, attendance, and confidence.

For 12-year-old Nthabiseng, going to school was once a daily struggle. “My school bag was torn, and I would often lose my pens. My days at school were dull because I always had to borrow a pen,” she shares. The tear in her bag meant stationery slipped out unnoticed. On rainy days, her books were at risk. Without a pen, she had to wait for classmates to finish their work before borrowing one. By then, she had already missed key parts of the lesson.

“I was not even excited to wake up and go to school,” she admits softly.

Nthabiseng’s story is not unique.

Bohloeki (13) holds the torn school bag he had been using, which often exposed his books and stationery to damage

Thirteen-year-old Bohloeki faced similar challenges. His school bag had a large hole at the top. “During rainfall, my books would get wet and destroyed because rain could easily get inside,” he explains.

Even for children whose bags were still intact, broken zips left their belongings exposed. Exercise books became soaked during storms. Pages tore. Homework was ruined. Over time, frustration replaced motivation.

Learners gathered on distribution day to receive school supplies provided through World Vision’s Gift-in-Kind Programme

Teacher Mpai from one of the schools explains the broader impact:

“These challenges often made children miss school during rainy days because they were trying to protect their books. Even their performance was affected when they did not have proper materials to complete their work on time.” The challenges extended beyond school bags. For some learners, clothing and hygiene were daily concerns.

Lerato, another learner, shares her reality: “I only have two T-shirts at home. My mother cannot afford to buy me clothes.”

Without adequate clothing or consistent access to soap, some children arrived at school in dirty uniforms. This affected their self-esteem and sometimes exposed them to teasing from peers, further diminishing their confidence.

A Timely Intervention

Kabelo, World Vision Lesotho Cluster Manager, presents Lerato with her new gifts, bringing smiles and renewed confidence

Recognizing these barriers, World Vision International Lesotho stepped in through its Gift-in-Kind Program to address the urgent needs of vulnerable learners. A total of 388 children from Libibing and Maboloka Primary Schools received support — 191 from Libibing and 197 from Maboloka. Each child received a quality school bag, a T-shirt, and milled soap.

While these items may seem simple, their impact is profound. The new school bags are durable and lined with protective material to keep books dry during rainfall. The zips are strong. The fabric is sturdy enough to last for years.

For Nthabiseng, the gift meant more than just a bag.

“I thank World Vision for giving me such a quality school bag. It will last me up to three years, and now my books and pens will be safe,” she says with a bright smile. “I am excited to wake up and go to school.”

Her confidence has been restored. She no longer worries about borrowing pens or losing her materials. She can now focus fully in class.

Bohloeki (in between )and fellow learners beam with excitement as they hold the gifts

Bohloeki echoes his excitement:

“Now I will not be worried when it rains. My books will be protected.” 

For him, the fear of damaged books and incomplete homework is a thing of the past. He can concentrate without distraction.

Lerato’s joy was just as visible when she tried on her new T-shirt. “I am so happy for this beautiful T-shirt. It fits me so well, and now I can change clothes,” she says proudly. For a child who owned only two T-shirts, this gift restores dignity and a sense of belonging among her peers.

Lerato, 12, smiles with pride and confidence in her new T-shirt from World Vision

Beyond Supplies: Restoring Hope

Teacher Mpai expressed deep gratitude for the intervention: “We are indeed grateful to World Vision. With this support addressing their needs, we are hopeful that school attendance will improve. Their books and stationery will now be kept safe, and learning will be easier.”

The inclusion of milled soap also addresses hygiene challenges. With improved access to soap, children can attend school in clean uniforms, boosting their confidence and overall well-being. This intervention goes beyond providing materials. It restores dignity. It rebuilds confidence. It removes barriers that silently hold children back from reaching their full potential.

Equipped for learning, learners walk to school confidently with their new school bags

In the mountains of Mokhotlong, a simple school bag is no longer just a carrier of books — it is a symbol of hope, protection, and a renewed desire to learn.

For 388 children, the journey to school now carries less worry and more promise. 

And sometimes, that is all a child needs to thrive.