Princess Senate Mohato Seiso Calls on Basotho Youth to Embrace Culture, Education and Responsible Living

Princess Senate Mohato Seiso has urged Basotho youth to take pride in their cultural heritage, stressing that culture plays a central role in preserving dignity, identity and unity among Basotho. She delivered this message during a visit to Morifi Community High School on Friday, where she engaged learners on education, patriotism, respect and personal responsibility. The visit formed part of her ongoing outreach programme across districts aimed at strengthening cultural awareness while encouraging academic achievement. She reminded students that every individual has a purpose and should remain confident, respectful and vigilant in their daily lives. Her message focused on building disciplined young people who understand both their roots and their future responsibilities.

During her address, Princess Senate highlighted the importance of education as a foundation for opportunity and problem solving. She explained that education equips young people with knowledge and skills that can help them overcome life challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. At the same time, she cautioned learners not to lose their cultural identity in the face of modern influences, including rapid technological advancement and the growing presence of artificial intelligence. She encouraged students to remain grounded in Basotho traditions while adapting to global changes. She also urged them to avoid social risks such as drug abuse and early marriages, which she said can disrupt education and long-term personal development. Her message combined cultural pride with practical guidance on responsible decision-making.

The Princess also expressed appreciation to Mr. James Motlatsi for his contribution to education development in the Morifi area through the construction of a community school. She noted that such initiatives play a vital role in improving access to education and supporting community development. She encouraged other stakeholders to follow similar examples of investing in education infrastructure for the benefit of young people. Her remarks reflected a broader call for shared responsibility between communities, leaders and private contributors in shaping the future of education. She emphasized that progress in education is not only the responsibility of government but also of individuals and communities who understand its long-term value. This recognition added a community development dimension to her cultural and educational message.

Speaking on behalf of the Phamong Principal Chief, Chieftainess Mats’enolo Theko Letsie Bereng thanked the Royal Family for enabling Princess Senate to visit schools and promote Basotho cultural values among the youth. She noted that many young people are gradually losing touch with their cultural roots due to changing lifestyles and external influences. She requested that similar engagements be extended to the Phamong area, with the presence of Prince Lerotholi Mohato Bereng Seeiso and Princess ’Maseeiso, to further strengthen cultural education. Her remarks highlighted growing concern among traditional leadership structures about cultural preservation. She emphasized that continued royal engagement in communities plays an important role in reinforcing identity and unity among Basotho youth.

Member of Parliament for Mekaling Constituency No. 62, Mr. Thabiso Lekitla, also addressed the gathering and encouraged parents to support cultural education by allowing children to attend initiation schools while continuing formal education. He noted that initiation practices remain an important part of Basotho identity and should be preserved alongside modern schooling. He expressed concern that Western cultural influence is slowly weakening traditional values and practices. His remarks focused on the need to strike a balance between cultural preservation and academic progress. He stressed that both systems can coexist if managed responsibly by families and communities. His contribution reinforced the broader theme of cultural continuity raised during the visit.

Cultural elder ’Mampoi Matete, aged 74 and a recipient of the Ramats’eatsana Award, also shared her perspective during the visit. She explained that school outreach programmes are designed to encourage young people to value their heritage and reconnect with traditional Basotho games such as Mokhibo. She has accompanied Princess Senate on multiple school visits and has been actively involved in cultural education initiatives for many years. She added that the Princess also promotes awareness about the importance of education while discouraging early marriages among young people. Her remarks highlighted the role of cultural custodians in passing knowledge and traditions to younger generations. She emphasized that cultural learning must be intentional and continuous to remain relevant.

Morifi Community High School Principal Mrs. Noangelina Debeshe expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged improved academic performance in the upcoming LGCSE examinations in honour of Princess Senate’s engagement with the school. She noted that the visit had inspired both learners and staff to focus more on discipline, academic improvement and cultural awareness. She said the school community views the visit as a motivational milestone that reinforces the importance of education and character development. Her commitment reflected the positive impact of leadership engagement on school morale and performance. The school leadership also acknowledged the value of combining education with cultural teachings in shaping responsible learners.

Princess Senate’s outreach programme has already reached several districts including Maseru, Berea, Leribe, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek and Mohale’s Hoek, where she has consistently promoted education, culture and youth responsibility. The programme is expected to continue in Mafeteng District on 29 May, where similar engagements will take place. The visits form part of a broader national effort to strengthen cultural identity while encouraging academic excellence among young Basotho. The initiative continues to receive support from traditional leaders, government representatives and community members who see it as a bridge between heritage and modern development. The continued rollout of the programme highlights a sustained commitment to youth empowerment and cultural preservation across Lesotho.