One of four children raised by a single mother, Manthailane is the only sibling to have graduated from high school. She was sponsored by Help Lesotho for both her school fees and annual attendance at Help Lesotho’s Leadership Camp.
Born into a family that faced significant hardships, Manthailane’s father passed away when she was only nine. Her mother, strict but supportive, worked hard to instill discipline and values in her children. “I grew up with a stern mother; I had her voice in my head so I didn’t go out or get caught up in things that others were doing,” she says.
For Manthailane, the opportunity to attend high school was life-changing, and she is forever grateful to her sponsors. “I have them in my heart. They gave me an opportunity no one else would,” she says.
High school not only provided her with an education but also with life-shaping experiences.
Her connection to the Pitseng Centre, played an important role in her inspiring journey. “Pitseng Centre is so important. It is home.” she says.
Education became Manthailane’s pathway to success. After graduating high school, she secured a government sponsorship and enrolled at the National University of Lesotho, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Biology and Chemistry. “I had to be so disciplined. It was very hard to balance everything,” she says.
Manthailane faced immense challenges during her four years at university, living alone in a hostel and managing on a tight budget. Overwhelmed by the pressures of school, she turned to Help Lesotho’s Pitseng Centre for support, a place she knows she can always rely on.
In 2024, Manthailane earned her bachelor’s degree and is now exploring going to medical school to pursue a career in dermatology focusing on burn victims. “Faces are the first thing you see. I want to help people who are burned and scarred so people can focus on what’s on the inside.”
Despite her accomplishments, self-doubt lingers. “I have anxiety about failing. Am I going to make it? Am I doing the right thing?” To manage these feelings, she starts her mornings with running, meditation, and tending to her garden. “When I do these things, I feel amazing.” Her garden, abundant with spinach, reflects her resourcefulness. She grows it not only for nutrition but also to maintain her iron levels, a lesson learned after she was unable to donate blood when her sister needed a C-section.
Manthailane’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact education can have. Her journey is proof that when provided the necessary support, anyone can rise to achieve their dreams.
