Lesotho this week hosts a Sub-Regional Forum on Quality Physical Education, bringing together policymakers, educators, and sports leaders from across the region. The event, which began on October 16 and runs until October 18, is organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, and UNESCO.
The discussions focus on the transformative role of quality physical education and sport in shaping the region’s future. Minister of Education, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, underscored the importance of integrating physical education into national education systems, aligning with UNESCO’s global priorities and the AU Sport Council’s development goals.
He called for increased investment in sports from the grassroots level, emphasizing the need for innovative financing models to improve sports infrastructure and facilities. The Minister also highlighted the role of physical education in addressing social challenges such as substance abuse, excessive social media use, and the breakdown of family structures — all of which threaten youth wellbeing.
The Regional Director and Representative for the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, Dr. Nisha, noted that the forum comes at a time when children are becoming increasingly inactive. She stressed that physical education lays the foundation for an inclusive and quality life. According to UNESCO’s 2024 Global Report on Education, while 97% of countries include physical education in their curriculum, only 20% implement it in ways that meet the standards of quality, equity, and inclusion.
At the end of the forum, a report will be compiled summarizing the key outcomes and recommendations. Participating countries will then review the report and decide on the actions to be taken at national and regional levels to strengthen the implementation of quality physical education.
