Men and women across Lesotho participating in initiation practices are attending a two-day capacity-building workshop, facilitated by the Moshoeshoe Cultural Festival Association. This initiative comes in response to various challenges faced by initiation practices in the country, including their ban in some regions.
During the official launch, the Principal Chief of Koeneng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, addressed the gathering, highlighting the historical challenges surrounding initiation practices. He emphasized that for too long, the rituals have been mishandled and plagued by defaults. Chief Lesaoana Peete underscored that platforms like this workshop should provide an opportunity for reflection and growth, allowing practitioners to assess how initiation practices can be better handled for the benefit of the nation.
“Initiation schools should be structured with proper ethics, and these platforms should help instill in Basotho children a deeper love and respect for their culture,” Chief Lesaoana stated. He further called on initiation practitioners to ensure the practices are conducted responsibly to avoid the repetition of wrongful acts that have led to the current controversies surrounding the initiation process.
The capacity-building workshop aims to address concerns around the safety and ethics of initiation practices, ensuring that they align with the cultural values of Basotho while protecting the well-being of participants. By providing education and reflection on best practices, the initiative hopes to foster a healthier and more respectful approach to initiation in the future.
This effort is part of a broader movement to preserve and respect cultural traditions, while ensuring they evolve in a way that benefits the community and upholds ethical standards.
