Lesotho to Mark Day of the African Child with Renewed Focus on Prevention and Inclusion

As Lesotho prepares to commemorate the Day of the African Child (DAC) on June 26, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MGYSD) is calling for child protection to be embraced as a daily commitment, with stronger emphasis placed on prevention rather than reaction.

Speaking during a refresher training session for the District Child Protection Team (DCPT) in Qacha’s Nek on Wednesday, MGYSD Child Protection Manager Mrs. ’Mantoa Sejake stressed the urgent need to shift the focus from responding to cases of child vulnerability to addressing the root causes within communities.

“Child protection should be our everyday business,” said Mrs. Sejake, as she highlighted how many children currently placed in orphanages or alternative care settings could have remained in their family homes if early intervention had been prioritized. She urged families, local leaders, and community stakeholders to work together in creating a safer, more supportive environment for children before their situations become crises.

“If we gave ourselves the chance to work on our communities, many children wouldn’t have had to leave their homes,” she explained. “Prevention is very important.”

In her address, Mrs. Sejake also acknowledged the need for greater gender balance in the Ministry’s empowerment programmes, admitting that past efforts have heavily focused on uplifting girls and women, while often neglecting the needs of the boy child.

“We recognize that we failed men when empowering women, but we are working to correct that,” she said. “We want our boys to reach their full potential, just like girls.”

The upcoming national observance of DAC offers a critical moment for reflection and renewed action. Under the Ministry’s guidance, stakeholders across Lesotho are being urged to ensure that children’s rights, safety, and development become an integral part of daily life, supported by inclusive policies and grassroots engagement.

This year’s commemorations are expected to shine a spotlight on the importance of holistic, community-based child protection strategies that prevent harm before it occurs, while also promoting equal opportunities for every child, regardless of gender.