INSTITUTE OF EXTRA MURAL STUDIES

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Overview

 The Institute was originally founded for the purpose of carrying out the programme of Adult Education through economic co-operation for the adult population of Lesotho. To realise this objective a variety of programmes such as the Credit Union scheme for Agriculture, SODEPAX, Co-operative Development, public lectures, training in public administration and courses for businessmen were undertaken. in carrying out these activities, various educational techniques were employed: personal contacts, villages study clubs, mass meeting, leadership courses, conferences, short courses, anniversaries, rallies, publications, radio programmes and development oriented newsletters.

The work of the Institutes has, over the years, been generously assisted by governments and international agencies such as Miserior, Canadian International Development Agency, Oxfam, Dulverton and Leverhulme Trusts, Catholic Relief Services, Word Council of Credit Unions, United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations Development Programme, NOVIB, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, DVV and the ILO.

The purpose of the Institute of Extra-Mural Studies is to bring the University to the people by using the facilities and resources of the University for the Education of the adult population of Lesotho and for their economic, social and cultural development. It endeavours to do this in consultation with the appropriate Government Ministries and Departments, agencies, parastatals academic faculties and private sector institutions. To this end, the Institute aims at encouraging, assisting and co-ordinating the efforts of the academic and departments in all forms of University Extension.

In co-operation with institutions stated above, the aims and objectives of the Institute include:

• Organising courses, seminars, workshops and conferences for specific interest groups, associations, professions and co-operative organisations:
• Educating and organising local businessmen; providing training in general community development, including rural, urban and other non-formal educational and development programmes aimed at enlightening the out-of-school population for economic, social, cultural and spiritual development.
• Organising courses and classes for part-time students interested in obtaining University degrees, diplomas and certificates;
• Promoting research in non-formal education programmes and related fields;
• Disseminating knowledge and promoting scholarship through publications;

To ensure efficient and effective implementation of projects and programmes aimed at achieving above aims and objectives, a policy making Advisory Board has been established for the Institute. This is composed of representatives from the University community, Government and private sector.