Lesotho: How herding and rural responsibilities limit boys' education in Lesotho

The article examines child labour in Lesotho’s rural and mountainous areas, where livestock herding continues to disrupt boys’ access to education despite strong national laws and international child protection commitments. 

Using accounts from children, parents, educators, community leaders, academics, and officials, the story links school dropout to poverty, cultural expectations, weak enforcement, and limited access to schools, while outlining ongoing government and civil society interventions. 

The article explains why the issue matters for national development, arguing that continued herding of children undermines education outcomes, entrenches inequality, and violates children’s rights. 

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY

https://www.lena.gov.ls/herding-away-their-childhoods/

This article, first published by Lesotho News Agency, is part of the  Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.