MASERU – Although students have already been attending classes since January, Soteria International School on Tuesday officially marked its launch with a ceremony held at Masilo House in Hillsview, Maseru. The event signaled the school’s formal entry into Lesotho’s education landscape and its commitment to a learning model centred on what it calls “applied learning.”
The launch introduced a fresh approach to education that aims to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and practical, real-world skills. School leaders say the model is designed to equip young learners with both academic knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in everyday life.
At present, Soteria International School caters for young learners between the ages of three and five. The youngest pupils are enrolled in Pre-school, while older learners are placed in Levels 1, 2 and 3, broadly equivalent to Grades 1 to 3 in the traditional system. The school’s “Level” structure is intended to track children’s development more closely as they progress through the early stages of their education.
Unlike traditional schooling systems that rely heavily on memorisation, Soteria places emphasis on hands-on learning. According to school leadership, students are encouraged to engage directly with projects and activities that allow them to translate theoretical concepts into practical experiences.
“Students do not learn in isolation. They are given opportunities to turn theory into real projects. The goal is to build practical skills while encouraging creativity and innovation,” school representatives said during the launch.
The school says its broader mission is to develop leadership qualities from an early age while creating an environment where children can explore and develop their talents.
Academically, Soteria follows the internationally recognised Cambridge curriculum. However, the school has also introduced additional focus areas aimed at strengthening essential life skills.
Principal Nontobheko Magaga told journalists that the school intends to prepare learners not only academically but also for the demands of an evolving global economy. As part of this approach, students will be introduced to basic financial literacy concepts such as budgeting, saving and investing alongside their core academic subjects.
Magaga added that while the current campus already offers a modern and stimulating learning environment, the institution plans to continue expanding its facilities and programmes as it grows. She described the launch as only the beginning of the school’s long-term vision to build a distinctive education model in Maseru.
