Considering Christian Religious Education in Countering Moral Decadence Among Secondary School Students in Lesotho

The Case of manomoro

Abstract

This conceptual paper delves into the pivotal role of Christian Religious Education (CRE) in effectively mitigating the pervasive issue of moral decadence that has taken root in Lesotho. By thoroughly examining the multifaceted dimensions of CRE, encompassing its objectives, suggested learning experiences and pedagogical approaches of CRE syllabi, this paper posits that the subject possesses the inherent potential to address this bothering issue of immoral paths associated with gang groups of manomoro in Lesotho secondary schools. Through the analysis of CRE grade 9, 10, and 11 syllabi, the paper systematically explores the potential for harnessing the subject's inherent power to counter the moral erosion observed within educational institutions. This paper also evaluates potential factors that might impair the subject's effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate of cultivating virtuous students. It then navigates through the CRE key features and contends that these attributes offer a viable pathway toward achieving sustainable solutions to the moral challenges confronting Lesotho, including the ongoing issue of "manomoro." To optimise the transformative potential of CRE in mitigating moral decadence, the paper urges the Ministry of Education and Training to establish comprehensive assessment mechanisms that would facilitate the monitoring of students' character development and the overall impact of CRE moral decadence in Lesotho secondary schools.