…as Beijing deepens education, skills development ties with Lesotho
Moroke Sekoboto
NINE Basotho students are heading to China to pursue studies in artificial intelligence, agriculture, medicine, engineering and finance as educational cooperation between Lesotho and China continues to expand.
Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun bade farewell to the students at a reception at the Chinese Embassy this week, urging them to make full use of the opportunity while serving as ambassadors for their country.
Mr Yang said education was a long-term investment in people and national development, extending beyond the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills to developing character, creativity and a sense of responsibility.
“Education is the foundation for building a strong country and realising national rejuvenation,” Mr Yang said, quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said China’s own development had demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in education, science, technology and human capital.
“Over the past decades, we have advanced the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent,” Mr Yang said.
“China has made remarkable progress in education, science and technology, infrastructure and people’s living standards. Behind these achievements is not only investment in physical infrastructure but also sustained investment in people — in education, skills, knowledge and innovation.”
Mr Yang encouraged the students to use their stay in China to understand the country’s development experience and consider lessons that could be relevant to Lesotho.
“There is no single model of modernisation, and every country must choose a path suited to its own conditions. But there are certainly experiences worth studying, reflecting upon and adapting,” he said.
Thousands benefit
Mr Yang said education and skills development had become an important pillar of China-Lesotho relations, with thousands of Basotho benefiting from scholarships, vocational training, professional exchanges and Chinese-language programmes.
Over the past three years, 1 689 Basotho youths had participated either physically or online in study and training programmes offered by China, he said.
More than 250 Basotho had either travelled to China this year or were scheduled to do so for education and training.
At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, China announced 60 000 training opportunities for Africans as part of expanded cooperation in education, vocational training, science, technology and digital skills.
“These are not simply numbers or programmes,” Mr Yang said.
“They reflect a broader conviction that the most lasting way to strengthen China-Africa relations is to bring our peoples closer together, especially our young people.”
He said cooperation was not limited to sending Basotho to China.
The Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology at the National University of Lesotho and the Confucius Classroom at Machabeng College were helping Basotho acquire Chinese-language skills and learn more about Chinese culture.
Mr Yang said education formed part of broader cooperation between Lesotho and China spanning infrastructure, health, agriculture, trade and emerging technologies.
He also highlighted Lesotho’s participation as a founding member of the World AI Cooperation Organisation as evidence of the country’s interest in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The students’ departure comes during what China has designated the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, coinciding with Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary.
‘Be good ambassadors’
Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary Rats’iu Majara thanked China for its continued educational support to Lesotho.
He urged the departing students to make the most of their studies, exchange cultures with their hosts and represent Lesotho well while abroad.
Mr Majara said education and human development remained critical to the country’s progress.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Lehlohonolo Mahao described the scholarships as both an investment in their education and a bridge between the peoples of Lesotho and China.
“For a country like mine, Lesotho, China’s support has been transformative — opening doors to knowledge, skills and opportunities that empower us to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth,” Mr Mahao said.
He urged his fellow students to use the opportunity not only to obtain qualifications but also to acquire knowledge and experience they could ultimately deploy in Lesotho.
“As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of a powerful statement: if you want to see the true meaning of civilisation, go to China,” Mr Mahao said.
“Indeed, China’s rich history and modern achievements inspire us to dream bigger and work harder.”
