At LeSA, we are deeply committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to our students, particularly during their crucial first-year transition. Our First-Year Mentorship Program is designed to ensure that new students receive the support they need to navigate university life successfully. Through mentorship from upper-year students and faculty, first-years are equipped with valuable academic and social guidance, fostering a sense of community and boosting academic performance.
Have a look at our mentorship team
Beyond campus, our Outreach Programs serve to inspire and inform high school students across Lesotho about the academic opportunities available at our institution. These programs are conducted twice a year, ensuring that we maintain an ongoing presence and relationship with the student community.
Our outreach efforts are conducted in close collaboration with other LeSA bodies (Lesotho Students' Associations) from universities across South Africa. This partnership strengthens the impact of our initiatives, allowing us to provide a broader support system to prospective students and to share knowledge and resources across institutions. Together, we engage in outreach efforts designed to raise awareness about academic pathways, the application process, and the various financial opportunities available for students.
We organise two key outreach sessions each year, each focused on a different aspect of the university application and preparation process:
The first outreach session is designed to help high school students plan for their academic future. In this session, we provide critical information on how students can start preparing for studies in South Africa, starting from their high school years. We guide students through the essential steps required for university entry, including understanding pre-university studies, application prerequisites, and the academic pathways available. This session also covers crucial topics such as choosing the right courses, securing the necessary qualifications, and preparing for the academic demands of university life. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their academic futures, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process.
The second outreach session focuses on providing personalised support to high school students as they prepare and submit their university applications. This session is a hands-on, practical workshop where students receive step-by-step guidance on completing university application forms. Our experienced team assists with understanding application requirements, selecting the appropriate programs, writing motivation letters, and submitting all necessary documentation. This session is designed to alleviate the stress of the application process by giving students the tools and assistance they need to complete their applications successfully.
A key partner in these outreach efforts is the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, which has generously provided facilities and resources for our outreach events. The foundation's support has been instrumental in ensuring that our programs run smoothly and reach as many students as possible. Their contribution enables us to hold these outreach sessions in conducive, accessible environments, allowing students to receive quality guidance and hands-on support.
In addition to these outreach efforts, we also focus on fostering strong, long-term relationships with our alumni. Many of our alumni have gone on to excel in industry and academia, and they continue to support current students through career guidance and mentorship. These alumni offer invaluable insights into career development, provide advice on professional networking, and guide students as they transition into their careers or pursue further academic studies. Through events, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, our alumni play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
By maintaining a robust mentorship network and extensive outreach programs, we aim to empower students at every stage of their academic journey, from high school to university and beyond. Our efforts are centred on ensuring that all students, especially those from Lesotho, have access to the resources and support they need to pursue their academic aspirations and succeed in their chosen careers.
Lesotho, while rich in potential, lacks many opportunities available in more developed countries. As individuals who have had the privilege of exposure to the global stage, it is our responsibility and privilege to give back to our community. Through our efforts, we aim to bridge the gap and provide the guidance, tools, and opportunities that can transform the futures of students in Lesotho.