…over American Corner at State Library
Rethabile Pitso
THE Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) has renewed its partnership with the United States Embassy in Maseru for the continued use of the American Corner, a space housed within the State Library and Archives for US-led programmes and activities.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week at the American Corner.
Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony on Monday, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Jessica Tesoriero, highlighted key milestones of the long-standing partnership.
MICSTI Principal Secretary, Kanono Ramashamole, and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Thomas Hines, signed the agreement, which will run until 2028.
Ms Tesoriero said the renewal marks an important milestone in efforts to expand Basotho access to educational opportunities in the United States.
“More than 10,000 Basotho interacted with the American Corner in 2025, either through visits or by attending trainings and outreach events coordinated through the space.
“Last year, American Corner Coordinator, Keneuoe Mphutlane, travelled to all 10 districts at least twice, conducting trainings and events,” she said.
She explained that EducationUSA, a network under the US Department of State, is part of the American Corner and is designed to connect people outside the US with educational opportunities such as the Fulbright, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and Mandela Fellowship programmes.
“Through the YALI network, there are courses hosted here, including real-time online sessions that allow people to benefit even if they do not have access at home.
“Keneuoe also facilitates regular knowledge-sharing sessions with individuals who have previously participated in these programmes to help transfer skills back to Basotho,” she said.
Despite some programmes not being active this year, Ms Tesoriero expressed optimism about ongoing opportunities.
“The Fulbright exchange programme is continuing. Applications for this year closed a few weeks ago, and we are currently reviewing them. We hope to send talented Basotho to pursue master’s studies in the US so they can acquire specialised skills and bring them back home,” she said.
She added that an American-affiliated space was opened in Thaba-Tseka last year at a youth centre, expanding access to resources and programmes.
“This space is still new but growing. It provides both virtual and in-person opportunities, and we also record sessions here for those who cannot attend physically.
“For example, we recently held a Fulbright information session explaining the application process, and that content has been made available online for future access,” she said.
The American Corner remains open to people of all ages and aims to create opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.
“As the US Embassy, we seek to promote economic development through partnerships. Many activities hosted here focus on that goal.
“There was a pitching event held here last month, with participation from CAFI representatives, alongside ongoing mentorship programmes.
“The Coordinator also offers one-on-one mentorship for small business owners, while we bring in US experts and alumni to share best practices and lessons learned,” she added.
