Maseru, June 06 — The Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association (LSMTA) has officially unveiled a six-member team that will represent Lesotho at the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) to be held in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, from June 26 to July 4.
Speaking at the event, LSMTA President Mr. Keketso Leteba said the association is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and enhancing the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Entrepreneurship and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects in Lesotho.
He said the association seeks to produce innovative learners through STEAM clubs, science fairs, projects, mathematics and science competitions, as well as robotics programmes. Its target groups include both teachers and learners from primary to high school level.
Mr. Leteba said the organisation’s activities are aimed at developing problem-solving skills among learners and preparing them to compete on international platforms.
He explained that PAMO is a competition for outstanding mathematics students from across Africa and currently involves 31 countries.
He said it was established in 1986 and the Olympiad provides a platform for learners to demonstrate their mathematical abilities at a continental level.
He noted that one of the challenges encountered during preparations was that some students did not possess passports, but efforts were made to ensure that the selected participants would be able to travel.
Team Leader of PAMO, Mr. Teboho Khalieli said preparations for the competition began in September last year following Lesotho’s participation in the 2025 Olympiad in Gaborone, Botswana.
He said the association initially selected 24 high-performing mathematics learners from different schools across the country for training. Although some dropped out along the way, the remaining students continued to participate in online weekend training sessions and other learning activities.
He said additional learners from Lesotho China Fellowship Collegiate were later invited to join the programme, strengthening the training pool.
He mentioned that according to PAMO regulations, countries may send a maximum of six contestants, comprising an equal number of boys and girls.
Mr. Khalieli said the final team was selected from a group of 13 dedicated and hardworking students who remained committed throughout the training process.
He encouraged the learners to uphold honesty and integrity, saying academic success should be achieved through hard work rather than dishonesty.
LSMTA Mathematics Representative, Mr. Majalefa Morapeli acknowledged that the journey had been challenging, particularly because the programme was not fully funded. However, he praised the students for their dedication and perseverance.
He said the learners learned valuable lessons throughout the training process and expressed confidence that they would represent Lesotho well at the continental competition.
Former PAMO silver medallist, Mr. Sepinare Lenkoe encouraged the team to approach the competition with confidence, describing mathematics as a universal language that transcends social and economic backgrounds.
He said success in mathematics depends on understanding and applying principles consistently through practice. He urged the learners to trust the knowledge and skills they have acquired during training.
The six students selected to represent Lesotho will compete against some of the continent’s best young mathematicians as they seek to raise the country’s profile in mathematics and academic excellence.
Ends/ MAMAJ/tl
