THE ELUSIVE GOAL OF UNIVERSAL FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF LESOTHO

In an age when it is still not difficult to find vestiges of Afro-pessimism, it is not always appreciated that Africa has been the scene of the biggest education expansion project in human history. While the achievements of the post-independence education expansion drive have been nothing short of spectacular,' the remaining challenges are likewise formidable. One pivotal challenge is the realization of the ideal of universal and free primary education. The aim of this article is to report on research that was done on the realization of free primary education for all in one country, namely Lesotho. The article commences with an outline of the state of education (achievements and challenges) in the Sub-Saharan African region and the state of universal, free primary education, followed by a depiction of the context of and education in Lesotho. The research method is then explained and the findings presented. Conclusions regarding the pursuance of free primary education in Lesotho are then drawn within the Sub-Saharan Africa education perspective. Adapted from the source document.