ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the more obvious principles and techniques by which the Basuto train their children. It discusses the informal and formal education of the Basuto child, girls' education, and the school. A remarkable feature of the informal system of education is the almost complete absence of harshness, towards the child, at this period. Little effort is made to teach the child to conform to the traditional standards of behaviour until he is weaned. Important headmen may, with the chief's permission, hold their own initiation schools concurrently with, or subsequently to, his and these are attended by the sons of their friends and followers. This is one way in which difficulties over clan seniority are avoided. A hundred years ago, initiation was probably the most important ceremonial institution of the Basuto, but to-day it is rapidly breaking down.
