…beyond the mountains
Hopolang Mokhopi
IN the freezing highlands of Matsoaing in Mokhotlong, 19-year-old Toma Sefeane wakes long before the first light touches the mountain peaks.
While most teenagers are still asleep, he quietly steps outside, gathers his stick and blanket, and leads 12 cattle up the steep slopes toward the grazing fields.
This is his daily routine.
Toma is not just a shepherd. He is also a brother, a guardian, and the head of his household.
His life changed when he was still a child himself.
The Sunday Express met Toma this past week during the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-led Mokhotlong Partnerships Programme focusing on youth empowerment and gender-based violence awareness. The initiative brought together partners including Vodacom Foundation Lesotho, Letšeng Diamond and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to reach vulnerable communities across the district.
But long before development partners arrived in Matsoaing, Toma had already been fighting his own quiet battle for survival.
Childhood cut short
Toma left school in Standard 6 — not because he lacked interest, but because life forced him to make a choice between education and survival.
His older brother, who had been herding the family’s livestock, got married and left home. Soon afterwards, Toma’s parents left for Natal in South Africa to look for work.
That left four boys alone at home.
Toma, the eldest remaining brother, suddenly found himself responsible for the family’s livestock and his three younger brothers, aged seven, 10 and 12.
“I realised that there was no one to remain with the animals. So I decided to take responsibility,” he says softly.
Responsibility arrived quickly — and without warning.
A year ago, Toma officially became the family’s shepherd. But in reality, his role extends far beyond the mountains.
Every morning begins the same way.
“I wake up early and take the cattle to the mountains. Then I leave them with other shepherds for a short time so that I can return home to prepare my brothers for school.”
He makes sure they are washed, dressed and fed before they leave.
Only then does he return to the mountains to continue herding the cattle.
At just 19, Toma carries the weight of adulthood on his shoulders. Yet somewhere inside him lives the dream of the boy who once sat in a classroom.
He still wants to become a teacher.
“I still have the passion to continue with my studies,” he says, his voice steady with quiet determination. “If I get the opportunity, I would go back to school.”
Fighting for education — even at home
Ironically, the young man who sacrificed his own education now fights daily to ensure his younger brothers remain in school.
His 12-year-old brother, currently in Grade 6, sometimes refuses to attend class.
“I even reported him to the teachers,” Toma says with a small smile.
“They told me to escort him to school. But sometimes I am busy with work.”
On some days, the boy slips away before reaching the school gates.
“He hides on the way and does not reach school.”
When that happens, Toma does not shout. Instead, he sits his brother down and patiently explains why education matters.
“I want them to have a bright future,” he says.
Perhaps, in those moments, he is also speaking to the younger version of himself — the boy who once carried schoolbooks instead of a shepherd’s stick.
A second chance at learning
Recently, a small spark of hope returned to Toma’s life through the Matsoaing Shepherd School — a programme designed to give herdboys a chance at education.
Through workshops organised by UNFPA and its partners, shepherds are also being trained on sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence and essential life skills.
For Toma, the school is more than just a place of learning. It is proof that his dreams are not entirely out of reach.
“This school has taught me many things I did not know. We are taught not to abuse others and how to live well with people.”
English, however, remains a challenge.
“Nowadays English is used more than Sesotho. When my brothers are given English homework, I struggle to help them.”
Still, he tries.
“But I can help them with Sesotho and Mathematics,” he says.
A dream that refuses to die
And despite the difficulties, giving up is not an option.
As the sun slowly sets over the mountains of Matsoaing, Toma gathers the cattle and guides them back toward the kraal.
The wind grows colder and the valleys fall silent. Another long day ends.
But inside him, something continues to burn quietly — a dream. He may have left school in Standard 6, but education has not left him.
For now, he stands on the slopes of the mountains, watching over cattle. But perhaps one day, Toma will stand somewhere else — at the front of a classroom.
And when that day comes, the boy who once sacrificed school for survival will prove that even in the most remote corners of Lesotho, dreams can endure.
Reaching the forgotten
According to UNFPA National Programme Analyst for Adolescents and Youth, Maseretse Ratia, the programme was designed to reach young people in remote areas like Mokhotlong — particularly shepherds.
“They are a crucial part of society. But there is still a gap in sexual and reproductive health knowledge,” Ms Ratia says.
The district has recorded high rates of teenage pregnancy and early child marriage.
Through the training sessions, young herdboys are taught about consent, gender equality, preventing gender-based violence and understanding their rights.
Vodacom’s Senior Specialist for Corporate Social Investment, Pinkie Mokoena, says their involvement was prompted by concern.
“Our leadership visited this area and saw alarming rates of early teenage pregnancy and sexual offences. We do not want to see children dropping out of school because of early marriage.”
The foundation supported the programme with funding, computers, food supplies and hygiene packages, and pledged continued support for the initiative.
Restoring dignity
Sister Elizabeth Lerotholi, who works closely with shepherd communities, says herdboys are often misunderstood and overlooked.
“Shepherds play a crucial role in Lesotho’s economy because they take care of livestock,” Sister Lerotholi explains.
Yet many have faced discrimination simply because they lack formal education.
“Some were accused of stealing animals simply because they could not read or write.”
She believes literacy and empowerment programmes can help restore their dignity and open doors that once seemed closed.