Lesotho, one of the poorest nations in the world, places a tremendous value on education. In fact, Lesotho actually spends a higher proportion of its GDP (13%) on education than any country in the world. Despite this investment, free education is only available for students through primary school. As a result, only 24% of Lesotho’s learners are able to receive a secondary or high school education.

Though completely surrounded by South Africa, this tiny, land-locked country is an independent monarchy with a parliamentary government. Predominantly an agrarian culture, Lesotho is so impoverished that many men leave home for extended periods, to work in the South African mines just to provide for their families. In such an environment, education is regarded as they only way for the next generation to break the desperate cycle of poverty. One of the brightest examples of the life-altering power of education is found at Hope English Medium School in Mafeteng, Lesotho. With a current enrollment of 1,200 eager students, Hope School, offers an inspiring story of determination and hard work.

Hope School was originally formed as an extension of the Mount Tabor High School, a residential campus 26 miles to the north that was founded by David and Gretchen Kast in 1968. Hope School began at a simple “grass roots” level with very limited funding. It was spearheaded by a group of passionate teachers who predominantly volunteered their services to satisfy the educational hunger of the eager students. One of the unique features of Hope School is that it is an English-Medium campus. In other words, all subjects are taught in English. Lesotho’s secondary schools cover a five-year program and students must pass the nationally-administered Cambridge Overseas School Certificate to progress further.

The students of Hope School are motivated by a dedicated staff of 30 teachers. Unfortunately, Lesotho’s Department of Education currently funds only two of those teachers. Consequently, most of the teachers are paid from school fees collected from the students and their parents. Meanwhile, the school – and its dreams – continue to grow and shine.

For years, school-wide assemblies and some classes took place in a bare-bones multi-purpose hall. Despite such limited facilities, Hope School consistently produced excellent academic results. Until recently, most of the classrooms were make-shift corrugated iron structures, that lacked any insulation from the heat or cold. That’s all about to change.

Currently under construction is a double-story Learning Center that will provide eight (8) classrooms, in addition to the administration office, registration office, faculty room and clinic. This month, (even while construction continues on the upper level), students have jubilantly moved into the ground floor classrooms of the Learning Center.

In consideration of Hope School’s limited resources, the Board and administrators are determined to complete the building without incurring any indebtedness. Although this pay-as-you-build approach has slowed construction, it is representative of the financial stewardship which has been a hallmark of the HEMS story. With the help of family and friends, the Kasts have invested over $110,000 into the construction project at Hope School. The estimated cost to complete the Learning Center will be approximately $60,000.

To help make the campus more self-sustaining, Hope School has initiated several student-led programs. These projects encourage the students to develop their agricultural skills, while growing vegetables in on-site gardens and raising livestock, chickens and eggs, both to sell and to supplement their diet.

The life-altering future of Hope School is almost limitless. Adjoining the existing 3.5-acre campus is an available 4.5-acre lot. Negotiations are currently underway to purchase that site for future expansion.

The ultimate vision is to develop a trade school on the property and, eventually to add dormitories, athletic fields, a health clinic, and similar service projects. Given such far-reaching ambitions, it seems particularly fitting that this campus was given the name, HOPE School.