Children in Qacha’s Nek Demand Greater Inclusion and Investment at Pre-Day of the African Child Dialogue

Qacha’s Nek – In a powerful and emotional dialogue held on Tuesday, children from Qacha’s Nek sat face-to-face with senior government officials, calling for accountability, inclusion, and stronger investment in their future. The engagement, hosted ahead of the annual Day of the African Child (DAC), was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MGYSD) through the District Child Protection Team (DCPT), with support from UNICEF Lesotho.

This year’s DAC theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” highlights the ongoing need to prioritize children’s rights in national planning and budgeting frameworks.

One of the most moving moments of the day came from child representative Bohlokoa Jane, who delivered an inspiring speech in her symbolic role as the young District Administrator. “This day reminds us that we have a voice, dreams, and rights. We are grateful for this platform as it proves that we matter and that our voices carry weight in shaping decisions,” she told the attentive audience. She ended her speech with a passionate call: “Let us work together—children and adults—to build a better, safer, and brighter Lesotho for every child.”

The dialogue offered children the rare opportunity to directly engage with key leaders, including the District Administrator, Mr. Habofanoe Pheku, and the area’s Member of Parliament. The event allowed them to share personal experiences, highlight challenges they face, and present suggestions on how their needs can be addressed more effectively at both district and national levels.

District Administrator Pheku admitted that the children’s voices had left a lasting impact on him. “I got emotional listening to you,” he said. “You gave us direction for the future. Of all the events I’ve attended, this was among the most enlightening. I now see the need to involve children even in district budgeting processes.”

The dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lesotho government, in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders, to strengthen child participation in decision-making and ensure that children’s rights remain central in development agendas.

As Lesotho joins the rest of Africa in commemorating the Day of the African Child, events like these are a reminder that when given the platform, children have powerful insights that can shape a better future for all.