During the visit on Friday 3 May, both the King and Vice-Chancellor Liz Mossop spoke to reaffirm the commitment of the University and Kingdom of Lesotho to addressing Human Rights and Social Justice challenges, whilst a working lunch hosted by the Vice-Chancellor presented opportunity for delegates to discuss how the partnership can be furthered to greatest effect.
The King and his delegation learnt about the partnership between students from the Helena Kennedy Centre and the charity Africa’s Gift, who have worked to create and distribute eco cook bags in rural communities in Lesotho. This has widened the use of the cook bags which have benefits to health, economic opportunities and the environment.
Renewable energy was a priority for the delegation, the Rt Hon Minister for Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko and Rt Hon Minister for Energy Nqosa Mahao spoke about how clean, accessible energy is a priority for Lesotho and the opportunities that lie ahead in terms of sustainable energy.
Professor Chris Sammon, from Hallam’s Materials and Engineering Research Institute, gave an overview of Sheffield Hallam’s work in renewable energy including current research and work with industry partners.
It was agreed that Sheffield Hallam will also collaborate with Lesotho on issues related to policing and crime, with the potential for Hallam to host some police officers from Lesotho for a knowledge exchange project.
Professor Sital Dhillon, from Sheffield Hallam University’s Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, said: “We are delighted that the King found time in his busy schedule to visit the University, to find out more about our applied work and discuss where there are new opportunities for collaboration.
“This meeting represented the opportunity to celebrate our partnership with Lesotho to date and reaffirm the commitment of all to furthering our policing, social justice and human rights work to forge new partnerships and to also collaborate to aid the development of renewable energy across Lesotho.”
The visit also celebrated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sheffield Hallam University, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and the Malealea Development Trust.
The MoU has so far facilitated joint lectures between Sheffield Hallam and NUL and will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with local enterprises, healthcare providers and law offices in Lesotho and South Africa.
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: "It was an honour to be able to host His Majesty the King and his delegation from Lesotho here at Sheffield Hallam University. It was wonderful to hear about past and ongoing collaborations between our Helena Kennedy Centre and Lesotho. I'm looking forward to seeing this relationship develop in the future as we work together to support communities and working with partners at the National University of Lesotho."
