Empowering Early Childhood Learning in Lesotho with Thuto and Leseli

In the scenic kingdom of Lesotho, two important characters are stepping forward to support causes close to the hearts of Basotho. Beyond their playful appearance, we created Thuto and Leseli to befriend children and educate them in a relatable manner. The two mascots are focused on promoting literacy, advocating for environmental responsibility, educating children on tolerance, bullying, and enhancing STEAM education in the country. 

Environmental Advocacy

Lesotho faces various environmental challenges, such as pollution, soil erosion, and climate change. This is why we found it very important as EBS to develop characters that raise awareness on environmental health and specifically focus on the 3Rs; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. 

Through educational content and activities, Thuto and Leseli share practical ways to protect the environment and minimise waste. The two characters speak to both adults and children about adapting sustainable practices that are needed to preserve Lesotho’s natural heritage. 

Thuto and Leseli are also looking to collaborate and celebrate local eco-heroes. They will showcase their efforts in protecting the environment, highlight inspiring stories and motivate others to become agents of change in their communities. 

 Literacy Champions

Lesotho, like many African countries, is actively working to improve its readership, particularly in rural areas. This is why EBS found it important to have characters that advocate for literacy and aim to bridge the gap in reading and writing skills. 

Through educational content and literacy campaigns, Thuto and Leseli have the power to ignite a love for reading among Basotho children. By promoting Sesotho books that resonate with them, the two mascots intend to make reading relatable and meaningful to young readers. It has also been proven that introducing children to literature in their native language alongside English can also enhance cultural pride.

Beyond the pages, Thuto and Leseli actively engage with parents and children through digital platforms, school visits, and community events. EBS also intends to introduce Literacy Festivals in the country and collaborate with schools and parents to instil confidence and a passion for lifelong learning at school and home. 

Promoting Social Harmony and Tolerance

Lesotho’s rich cultural heritage, different religious groups and political landscapes are some of the elements that make our country great. However, these can also present challenges that can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Through their interactions, Thuto and Leseli play an important role in teaching and helping children embrace diversity and build an environment of respect and inclusion.  

Not only will these characters be sharing knowledge on the importance of engaging with different perspectives, but also be guiding children in learning and developing skills needed for peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution. 

Teaching children about tolerance, can also improve and create a positive learning environment. Through educational campaigns and collaborations with schools, our pioneers aim to educate teachers and students on the importance of creating a safe and supportive community. These campaigns are focused on reducing bullying and discrimination in schools and encouraging educational and personal development.

Enhancing STEAM Education

Thuto and Leseli are on a mission to grow STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, making it a core part of learning for children in Lesotho. 

The two pioneers are dedicated to supporting educators by offering innovative teaching tools that make STEAM education both engaging and effective. Their efforts extend beyond the classroom, as they intend to participate in community events and utilise digital platforms to spread awareness about the importance of STEAM education.

One of the significant contributions of Thuto and Leseli is their commitment to providing practical resources for coding and robotics, and collaborating with organisations that already drive technological initiatives in the country.