…as world-class campus takes shape
Rethabile Pitso
RIVERSIDE International School, a state-of-the-art educational institution currently under development in Maseru, has invested M157 million in the completion of its first phase.
The project has already attracted widespread attention, with many observers praising the remarkable pace of construction and the high standard of its infrastructure, further strengthening confidence in the school’s vision and execution.
This past weekend, the school hosted an open day for prospective learners and their families to showcase the progress made since physical construction resumed in February this year.
Phase One, which includes the construction of reception and primary school classrooms, as well as the school’s main hall, is nearing completion, with the project expected to be finished by October 2026.
The second phase, which will comprise the high school facilities and sporting grounds designed to international standards, is scheduled to commence early next year.
Since its launch, Riverside has emphasised delivering a state-of-the-art curriculum alongside sporting programmes aimed at preparing learners to compete on the global stage. The school says it will offer a tailor-made curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils while promoting inclusivity and diversity in a conducive learning environment.
In just five months, significant progress has been made on the physical infrastructure. Construction of classrooms for the lower grades has already been completed, while work on a double-storey building for the upper grades is still underway, with completion projected for October this year.
The open day also provided an opportunity for parents seeking to enrol their children for the school’s official intake in January 2027. Riverside is also offering a three-month bridging programme, beginning on August 31, to help learners integrate into the school’s curriculum ahead of the new academic year.
The architect behind the project, Lesotho Steel Products’ Anne Marie Strydom, said the school’s distinctive design was intentionally developed to create a learning institution capable of attracting families seeking premium education within Lesotho.
“It has taken a good 12 years for this idea to be executed, but the wait has enabled us to come up with a much better and more accommodating design. Had it been executed 10 years ago, it would probably have ranked among the regular facilities we see at most schools in Lesotho.
“This has given us the opportunity to deliver a more advanced, technology-based institution, complete with specialised facilities such as arts and robotics classrooms, to develop skills required in today’s Artificial Intelligence-driven world. We have introduced amenities and subjects that are not typically offered, with the aim of maximising children’s learning experiences and preparing them for the future,” she continued.
“Our classrooms are not conventional. The desks are flexible and can be arranged in different ways to encourage interaction. Each classroom has a reading corner for pupils who prefer to learn while seated on the floor. We encourage learners to be themselves while still maintaining discipline.
“We have also designed spacious classrooms that flow naturally into different learning areas because learning is no longer confined to four walls. The curriculum and modern teaching methods require pupils to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
“Some classrooms can also be opened into one another to accommodate examinations,” she said.
According to Ms Strydom, the first phase alone has cost M157 million.
“The first phase, which includes all the groundwork completed so far, together with the school hall that will accommodate 800 people, has cost approximately M157 million, inclusive of furniture.
“The furniture alone cost around M4 million, but it is of the highest quality. The chairs and desks have been specially designed to suit learners and promote flexibility, rather than confining every child to a fixed seating arrangement, as happens in many schools,” she said.
Security has also been prioritised, with controlled access points at all main entrances to ensure that only authorised individuals are permitted onto the school premises.
Speaking during the open day, Principal Elmarie Potgieter said Riverside intends to restore confidence in private education by delivering on its promises.
“Judging by the feedback we have received from parents, we realise that many people have been disappointed in the past by institutions that promised high-quality education but ultimately failed to deliver.
“What we aim to do is be more than just a school—we want to build confidence in Lesotho. We want to challenge the perception that opportunities outside Lesotho are always better by building local capacity.
“Our goal is to develop future Olympians, entrepreneurs and innovators equipped with the skills required in an artificial intelligence-driven world. Jobs are changing rapidly, and learners need the skills to adapt. Our focus is on developing critical thinking, financial literacy, social and emotional intelligence, and practical workplace skills, rather than simply teaching children to pass examinations,” she said.
She added that while the school follows the Cambridge curriculum, it goes beyond its academic requirements.
“We regard Cambridge not as the ceiling but as the foundation upon which we build additional skills. For example, while robotics is often offered as an extracurricular activity elsewhere, at Riverside it forms part of the curriculum. Through our robotics laboratory, learners will develop design thinking and problem-solving skills that can ultimately contribute to solving challenges within their communities,” she said.
Parents who attended the open day expressed confidence in the school’s vision, saying the visible progress on construction reassured them that Riverside was committed to delivering on its promises.
“We have been left with empty promises by many schools that came with ambitious plans but later failed to deliver. I was encouraged to see the progress of this building because it shows they are serious and here to stay. They have also kept us informed about every milestone they have achieved.
“I have also been impressed by the programmes they are offering. I believe this could provide a strong foundation for my child. The school is conveniently located, and we have also been assured that strong security measures will be in place,” said one of the parents, Lerekonyana Lichaba.
