Building Capacity for Better Education Data Management and Use in Lesotho

JM Education and Research Centre (JMERC) in partnership with the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), African Union Pan-African Institute of Education for Development (AU-IPED) under the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE-KIX), conducted training for district education officers in Berea, Botha-Bothe and Leribe districts in Lesotho. The training aimed to strengthen education data management and promote the use of reliable evidence to inform education planning, monitoring and accountability.

The training responds to the need to improve the quality, consistency and effective use of education data within national education systems. While Lesotho has made progress in improving data availability through Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and related digital platforms, challenges in data management skills, the application of standardised procedures and the analysis of information can limit the value of data for decision-making. Strengthening capacity at the district level is therefore essential to ensuring that education data is accurate, timely and useful.

During the training, participants developed practical skills in data collection, validation, entry, analysis and reporting using the national EMIS/DHIS2 platform. The sessions also provided opportunities for district education officers to discuss common data management challenges, exchange experiences, identify good practices and explore practical solutions. The hands-on approach was designed to strengthen participants' ability to apply national EMIS requirements and relevant regional standards in their day-to-day responsibilities.

Beyond technical skills, the initiative recognises the importance of data literacy and collaboration in translating information into action. Education data is most valuable when it informs decisions on planning, budgeting, policy formulation and monitoring. By strengthening the capacity of district officers and encouraging knowledge sharing, the partnership seeks to support more consistent data practices, strengthen accountability and promote evidence-informed decision-making across the education sector.

The training forms part of broader efforts under GPE-KIX to strengthen education systems through knowledge generation, capacity development and the exchange of practical experiences across countries. Through the JMERC–UNESCO IICBA partnership, the initiative contributes to building sustainable institutional capacity and generating lessons that can support continued learning and knowledge sharing across the KIX Africa 19 cluster. Ultimately, stronger education data systems can help education stakeholders make better-informed decisions and improve the planning and delivery of education services.