Lesotho convenes first joint education sector review in years, marking a new era of accountability and partnership

Maseru, 14 November 2025 – Lesotho has taken a major step forward in strengthening its education system with the successful convening of the Joint Education Sector Review (JESR), held from 12 to 13 November at AVANI Maseru. This milestone event is the first JESR in many years and reflects renewed commitment by the Ministry of Education and Training to sector-wide accountability, evidence-based planning, and inclusive dialogue with partners. 

The Review was supported by UNICEF through the Global Partnership for Education System Capacity Grant. The grant is helping Lesotho reinforce sector systems, strengthen coordination, and lay the groundwork for long-term transformation across the education landscape. UNICEF extends appreciation to GPE for its continued investment in the children of Lesotho. 

The Ministry led a comprehensive national data collection exercise, demonstrating strong ownership and capacity. The process, driven by the Ministry of Education and Training, provided the evidence base for the Review and set the tone for transparent, data-driven engagement. The JESR assessed progress made under the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2016 to 2026, reviewed performance indicators and financing trends, and reflected on implementation successes and remaining challenges. It also marked the beginning of preparations for the next Education Sector Plan, which UNICEF will continue to support under the System Capacity Grant. 

Speaking at the close of the Review, UNICEF Representative Deepak Bhaskaran commended the Ministry for its leadership and commitment to the sector’s long-term vision. He noted that while the sector has recorded important gains, significant gaps remain, particularly in foundational learning, early childhood education, digitalization, and child protection. 

Mr Bhaskaran highlighted four priority areas for the coming years:

• First, increased domestic financing to expand early childhood education and accelerate digital transformation so technology becomes a tool for equity and innovation.
• Second, a renewed focus on foundational literacy and numeracy to tackle learning poverty and ensure every child acquires essential skills.
• Third, a strong emphasis on child protection, ensuring that every child is safe in school and at home and that education continues to be a pathway to dignity and opportunity.
• Fourth, support for equipping every learner with 21st century skills, including digital competencies, critical thinking, problem solving, and green skills that prepare young people to participate in a climate resilient economy. 

 
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry, development partners, civil society, and communities to strengthen systems, deepen reforms, and ensure that children remain at the heart of education policy and investment. 

The 2025 JESR has set a powerful foundation for the next decade of education in Lesotho, defined by quality, resilience, and opportunity for every child.