Counting the costs: Exploring the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in rural schools in Lesotho

Pandemics leave long-term consequences in their wake. The Covid-19 pandemic reached catastrophic levels Africa, similar to what it did the rest of world. Rural schools developing countries, already reeling from extreme poverty and economic vulnerability, have borne most severe brunt pandemic. In this study, we explore effects on rural Lesotho using data semi-structured online interviews with 10 rural-based teachers. We address two questions: "What are Lesotho?" steps been taken mitigate Covid-19-induced school closures Findings show that enforced meant contain spread disrupted learners' lives. Innovations bridged gap between classroom totally remote settings by introducing education that, however, remains elusive for learners.