Maseru, 28th August 2026 – Telecommunications giant Econet Telecom Lesotho, in partnership

with GEM Institute and UNESCO, yesterday launched the 2026 ACT 4 Climate Change Fruit-UP

School Drive at Qhomane LECSA High School, Ha Mofoka in Koro-Koro, continuing a five-year

partnership aimed at advancing practical climate action among young Basotho.

This year’s initiative will see more than 500 fruit trees planted across 14 schools in six districts,

expanding a programme that uses schools as important spaces for environmental education, climate
action and skills development.

Speaking on behalf of Econet Telecom Lesotho, Mr Retselisitsoe Nkhahle ETL’s Public Relations

Specialist said the initiative reflects Econet’s belief that its responsibility to Lesotho extends beyond
providing connectivity.

“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,” Nkhahle said.

He noted that Fruit-UP takes climate change beyond theory by giving learners an opportunity to

participate directly in environmental conservation, while creating greener school environments and

resources that can benefit schools and their surrounding communities over time.

Since the partnership began in 2021, Econet and GEM Institute have planted 3,397 fruit trees and

reached 54 schools across all 10 districts of Lesotho, directly engaging more than 3,000 learners in
practical climate action.

Speaking on behalf of GEM Institute, Ms. Tšepang Khau thanked Econet for walking alongside the

organisation over the past five years and contributing towards the impact achieved in schools across
Lesotho.

“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.”

GEM Institute further highlighted its ambition to help Basotho recognise the potential of indigenous

plants for health, innovation and economic opportunities, while thanking UNESCO, Econet,

participating schools, teachers and learners for contributing towards a greener future for Lesotho.

Representing UNESCO, Ms Mankopane Nkhono reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support for

GEM Institute’s climate change initiatives, noting that UNESCO has supported the programme since
2021.

She said the initiative has played an important role in engaging young people, particularly learners, in

building environmental awareness, responsibility and entrepreneurial skills, while encouraging them
to become active participants in addressing climate change.

Welcoming the initiative to Qhomane LECSA High School, the Principal Mr Nkherepe David

Mopeli expressed appreciation to Econet Telecom Lesotho, GEM Institute and UNESCO for
extending the programme to the school.

The school received 50 apple and peach trees, which will be planted and cared for by the school
community as part of the programme.

The 2026 Fruit-UP School Drive builds on five years of collaboration, with increased emphasis on

climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and practical skills development among young people.

Nkhahle encouraged learners to take ownership of the trees beyond the launch and see them as part of

their own contribution towards 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.”