Moroke Sekoboto
TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant Econet Telecom Lesotho, in partnership with GEM Institute and UNESCO, has launched the 2026 ACT 4 Climate Change Fruit-Up School Drive, with more than 500 fruit trees set to be planted at 14 schools across six districts.
The initiative was launched on Friday at Qhomane LECSA High School in Ha Mofoka, Koro-Koro, as the partners continued a five-year collaboration aimed at promoting practical climate action among young Basotho.
The programme uses schools as platforms for environmental education, climate action and skills development, with learners taking part in tree planting and the care of the trees.
Econet’s Public Relations Specialist, Retšelisitsoe Nkhahle, said the company’s responsibility went beyond providing telecommunications services.
“At Econet, we strongly believe that the role of a responsible corporate citizen goes beyond providing connectivity. We also have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully towards the communities we serve and the future we want to see for Lesotho,” Mr Nkhahle said.
He said Fruit-Up was designed to take climate change education beyond theory by allowing learners to participate directly in environmental conservation.
The programme is also helping create greener school environments while providing resources that could benefit schools and surrounding communities in the long term.
Since the partnership began in 2021, Econet and GEM Institute have planted 3,397 fruit trees at 54 schools across all 10 districts of Lesotho, directly involving more than 3,000 learners in practical climate action.
Representing GEM Institute, Tšepang Khau thanked Econet for its continued partnership and contribution to the programme’s impact in schools across the country.
“Today we plant trees, take responsibility and act against climate change, one tree at a time. Since 2021, GEM Institute’s ACT 4 Climate Change Programme has been educating young people and building environmental and entrepreneurial skills,” Ms Khau said.
She added that GEM Institute wanted to help Basotho recognise the potential of indigenous plants for health, innovation and economic opportunities.
UNESCO representative Mankopane Nkhono reaffirmed the organisation’s support for GEM Institute’s climate change initiatives, which UNESCO has backed since 2021.
She said the programme had helped engage young people, particularly learners, in developing environmental awareness, responsibility and entrepreneurial skills, while encouraging them to play an active role in addressing climate change.
Qhomane LECSA High School Principal, Nkherepe David Mopeli, welcomed the programme, expressing appreciation to Econet, GEM Institute and UNESCO for extending the initiative to the school. The school received 50 apple and peach trees, which will be planted and cared for by the school community.
The 2026 Fruit-Up School Drive builds on five years of collaboration, with this year’s programme placing greater emphasis on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and practical skills development among young people.
Mr Nkhahle urged learners to take ownership of the trees beyond the launch and regard them as part of their contribution to Lesotho’s environmental future.
“These trees now belong to your story. Nurture them, learn from them, and allow them to remind you that even the smallest actions can grow into something much bigger,” he said.