Bereng Mpaki
STANDARD Lesotho Bank’s Private Banking branch in Maseru recently hosted a career guidance and financial management session for Makola High School Form E pupils.
The initiative, which is part of the bank’s corporate social investment (CSI), also included the donation of sanitary towels to female leaners.
The branch’s employees also planted various types of vegetables in the school’s garden to boost the production of food for vulnerable and orphaned schoolchildren. This meant to ensure that they never attend school on empty stomachs.
Makola High School is a government school in Berea, just outside Marabeng Area, in Khubetsoana. The school was established in 2007 and has approximately 450 students from Form A to Form E.
According to the branch’s relationship manager, Maretšepile Mohoanyane, the school was chosen based on its high number of students who live under poverty conditions. Most of the students are the sole bread winners for their families.
She said they have also learnt that most girls’ studies were disrupted whenever they have their menstrual cycles because they cannot afford sanitary towels and have to stay at home.
Speaking during the career guidance and financial management session at the school, Ms Mohoanyane said it was important for pupils to start saving their monthly allowances towards their tertiary studies.
She said starting to manage little funds will prepare the learners with skills that can help them manage bigger amounts.
“If you cannot manage cents, imagine how difficult it would be for you to manage maloti,” Ms Mohoanyane said.
“You must start saving at least half of your monthly allowances so that when you get to tertiary school, the savings will come in handy for important things like preparation for graduation ceremonies.”
She urged the learners to live within their means to avoid getting trapped by unnecessary debts.
“You should not compare yourselves with other students who may come from well off families as this will force you to fall into debt. If you really feel you want to buy something that is expensive, make sure to save towards it. You must live within your means.”
She also told the learners about the Student Achiever Account which is suitable for learners as it charges a fixed monthly bundle price despite the number of transactions.
In terms of career guidance, Ms Mohoanyane urged the learners to follow their passions and warned them to research extensively before choosing a certain career.
“There are less obvious courses that you can consider as they are highly marketable. This means you will not struggle to find a job upon completion.”
For her part, school head ‘Mamolefi Thupane expressed gratitude to the bank for supporting the school. She said the informative session would going a long way in shaping the children’s future.
“I am out words on how grateful we are for the support that we have received. We have children who miss school during their monthly menstruation periods because they cannot afford sanitary towels. These donations will ensure they do not miss school,” Ms Thupane said.
