Lesotho night school provides education for young shepherds

In the mountainous regions of Lesotho, the Good Shepherd School in Semonkong provides night classes for young men working as shepherds. Driven by poverty and tradition, many school-aged boys spend months alone in the mountains tending livestock, which is a cornerstone of the national economy. Wool and mohair represent nearly 60% of the country's agricultural exports and support approximately 25% of the rural population.

According to a 2018 World Bank analysis, nearly half of all boys in Lesotho have been engaged in herding. For many, this labor comes at the cost of formal education. Students like Kabelo Mohai and Lepeli Maapesa trek for up to two hours through difficult terrain and cold temperatures after sunset to attend these evening sessions, seeking a second chance at schooling.