Lesotho Launches High-Level Youth Empowerment Mission in Mokhotlong

Numerous challenges facing youth were identified during a high-level mission organized by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Mokhotlong on Thursday. The mission aimed to assess youth facilities, engage directly with young people, and explore initiatives to support their growth and empowerment.

The delegation toured key facilities, including the Youth Centre and Adolescent Health Corner, with the goal of transforming them into effective information hubs for youth development. The team also visited herders at the Matsoaing School of Shepherds to understand their needs regarding Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and other critical issues.

The mission was led by Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Pitso Lesaoana, alongside UNFPA Representative in Lesotho, Mr. John Mosoti. Senior executives from Vodacom Lesotho, Lets’eng Diamonds Mine, and Polihali Operations Branch of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority participated, including Mr. Mohale Ralebitso, Mr. Motsoane Thinyane, and Mr. Gerard Mokone. SolidarMed Lesotho was represented by Country Director Ms. Mamello Letsie.

During the tour, officials observed that the Youth Centre was in a dilapidated state and required revitalization to become a functional space for youth engagement. The mission concluded with a roundtable discussion, allowing youth to voice their challenges and express areas where they require support.

Minister Lesaoana expressed gratitude to the private sector leaders for their presence, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering young people to become agents of change. He urged youth to take initiative and actively participate in their own development.

Youth representatives highlighted specific needs. Realeboha Ts’ehlana of Thaba Bosiu called for the resuscitation of the Youth Centre and sporting facilities to enhance participation and talent development. He also stressed the importance of free internet access, citing limited access to timely information as a barrier to opportunities. Ts’ehlana further requested training in agriculture to enable commercial farming initiatives.

Boinako Mosebi of Matamong emphasized the need to improve the education system to make it relevant beyond classroom learning. Other pressing concerns raised included high rates of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence.

Chief Executive Officers from Vodacom Lesotho and Lets’eng Diamonds Mine pledged support for youth empowerment initiatives while urging young people to take charge of their own growth. UNFPA Representative Mr. Mosoti thanked the private sector leaders for participating and reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to programs that improve the lives of Basotho youth.

This mission marked the first of its kind in Mokhotlong involving the physical presence of top private sector management. It represents a strategic step toward coordinated efforts between government, private sector, and international partners to create opportunities, strengthen facilities, and address key challenges affecting Lesotho’s youth.