Launching the One Day Education Centre

Education has always been a priority at One Day, but over time we recognised that the needs of our children were becoming more complex. Many children arrive in our care having experienced significant disruption to their schooling. Some have fallen behind academically. Others have missed years of formal education altogether.

One young person came to us at secondary school age without having completed primary education. Intensive support was required to help him build foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Through consistent tutoring, structured study time, and encouragement, he is now progressing well in secondary school. He works hard, carries ambition for his future, and approaches his studies with growing confidence.

Stories like this shaped the launch of the One Day Education Centre.

Responding to Educational Gaps

For years, we have provided after-school support for children who needed additional help. A local teacher from the village, Mme Makarabello, has faithfully assisted many of our children in strengthening core academic skills. Her steady commitment has made a significant difference, particularly for those who arrived behind their peers.

As the number of teenagers increased and exam years approached, it became clear that informal support needed to evolve into something more structured. The Education Centre was created as a dedicated space for focused learning, exam preparation, and academic catch-up.

Desks were arranged intentionally. Computers from previous container shipments were installed. Shelving was added for textbooks and study materials. What was once shared space within homes became a designated study environment.

Books, Resources, and a Growing Library

Over the years, visiting teams have brought educational resources and books from Ireland. Some teams helped establish a small library area where children can borrow books and develop reading habits outside of school requirements.

This library space has become a quiet corner for imagination and discovery. Younger children sit with picture books. Older students read novels and reference materials. For some, it is the first time they have owned or borrowed a book that was not a school-issued text.

The Education Centre builds on that foundation. It provides structure around these resources, ensuring that reading and study are woven into daily routine.

Preparing for Secondary School and Beyond

Passing secondary school examinations significantly impacts future opportunity in Lesotho. Without strong academic grounding, many young people face limited options. Our commitment is to ensure that while children are with us, we invest seriously in their education.

The Education Centre will offer scheduled tutoring sessions, supervised homework time, and digital research access. Teenagers can practise typing, complete assignments, and prepare for exams with guidance nearby. Younger children can receive reinforcement in reading and maths when gaps appear.

Education as Responsibility

We believe each child carries God-given ability and potential. Providing consistent academic support is part of stewarding that potential responsibly. Education opens doors to further training, employment, and independence.

The Education Centre is not a fantastic addition to the mountain. It reinforces habits of perseverance, consistency, and focus. It creates a space where children who once fell behind can catch up, and where those who are progressing can aim higher.

We are grateful for Mme Makarabello’s faithful tutoring, for the teams who brought books and resources, and for the children who show up each day ready to work. Each evening of study is a small but significant step toward a more secure future.