Tankiso Lechesa - MSc Tropical Forestry (Distance Learning)

Now works as: Principal Forestry Officer- National Beekeeping Office

Now works for: Ministry of Forestry Range and Soil Conservation, Lesotho

I first Heard about Bangor university from my friend who graduated around 2014. Being a Distance Learning Student at Bangor University was very interesting due to the teaching methods that was applied such as videos, group discussions and study tours. These teaching methods brought students and the lecturing team very close and created mutual relationships amongst them. 

Ever since I became a student at Bangor University I have been very successful in my field of work. I have been promoted twice since I started my MSc Tropical Forestry course, the first promotion I received during my first year of study (2016) when I was promoted from a position of District Forestry Officer to the position of Senior District Forestry Officer. At that time I was studying the Silviculture module and the knowledge I obtained from that module helped to me to pass the interview for this position. My role was to plan for all silvicultural activities at district level and to secure budget and resources for the success of the implementation of Forestry department activities.

The second promotion came in November 2019, a few months after completing my studies. I was promoted to a national position in Lesotho where I am leading the Beekeeping section in the country as a Principal Forestry Officer. My responsibilities are to upscale beekeeping industry in the country, develop honey and propolis standards. The main challenge I am facing in this new assignment is to upgrade my knowledge on Queen breeding, bee pests and disease control. The modules which I found very helpful for acquiring this position were the Dissertation, Agroforestry and Inventory modules. Currently I am mobilising the government and development partners in Lesotho to assist the beekeeping  section to conduct inventory on bee forage found in Lesotho.