Lesotho Evangelical Church

Lesotho is a country about the size of the state of Maryland with a population of 2.17 million inhabitants.  With half the population below the poverty line, a 45 percent unemployment rate, and with 35 percent of active male wage earners away from home working in neighboring South Africa, Lesotho faces economic challenges.  Lesotho is listed by the United Nations as one of the world's "least developed countries."  Lesotho also struggles with health concerns including a 23.5 percent rate of adult HIV/AIDS infection and a current life expectancy of 48 years. Lesotho is rural and mountainous with 80 percent of the country above a mile in elevation. Winters are especially dry and the county is periodically hit with drought. Lesotho is totally surrounded by South Africa and dependent upon South Africa economically.  Some of Lesotho's water supply is sold to South Africa for much needed national export revenue.

Global Ministries has a long history of partnership with the Lesotho Evangelical Church (LEC) which was founded in 1833.  The LEC has 261,350 members in 112 congregations and maintains 563 schools.  Lesotho is 96 percent Christian. Lesotho has a long history of church-sponsored schools throughout the country. The LEC-sponsored schools have contributed to the 83 percent literacy rate nationwide.

These schools were built primarily through funds raised by their LEC congregations and the communities around these schools.  A reliable clean water supply is a major concern for schools in Lesotho, and almost all schools have a serious water supply problem.  Only a few schools which are located in major towns are connected to a reliable water supply set up by the government.  The vast majority of the schools struggle to acquire water from boreholes or nearby springs.  The LEC has prioritized four of its high schools (Matikoe High School, Morija Girls High School, Siloe High School, and Tsakholo High School) from among many schools in need of assistance, as being in particular need of assistance with their water supplies. 

Each of these schools is experiencing problems with their water supply.  Recurring drought in Lesotho has caused many old boreholes to become unreliable.  In some cases new and deeper boreholes need to be drilled.  At other schools, rusted and old pipes, which connect the schools with local springs, must be replaced.  In addition, the schools have expanded greatly since the original water supplies were installed, so some water supply systems need to be expanded.  As well as supplying water to students, teachers, and staff during the day, a significant number of the students board at the schools; thus the demand on the water systems of the schools is quite heavy.  Currently the schools are turning away would be students because of low water availability. 

There is a significant amount of work that needs to be done on the water systems of these schools.  The cost of revitalizing the water systems at these schools has been estimated as follows:

• Matikoe High School - $8,250
• Morija Girls High School - $ 12,200
• Siloe High School - $8,675
• Tsakholo High School - $6,070

The LEC is actively engaging in local fundraising to meet these needs.  Depending on the amount of funds available, the work will be prioritized so that the most critical needs can be addressed with whatever funds are available.  Whatever assistance can be provided will be greatly appreciated and will strengthen the ministry of the LEC.

Even if it is not possible to fully fund one or more of the water projects your gift will help provide healthy drinking water for Lesotho school children. 

• $3,900 will cover the cost of drilling a new borehole
• $1,150 will provide a new 10,000 liter water tank
• $500 will provide wiring and electrical needs for the water pumps
• $250 will replace a section of new piping
• $100 will provide new toilets
• $50 will provide new faucets