World Vision Lesotho and LMPS Launch Boy Child Mentorship Programme to Develop Future Leaders

World Vision International Lesotho, in partnership with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), has officially launched a week-long Boy Child Mentorship Programme through a Training of Trainers initiative aimed at empowering young boys with essential life skills and leadership qualities. The programme has brought together 97 boys from World Vision’s Area Development Programmes across Lesotho, creating an opportunity for participants to learn, grow and prepare to become positive influences within their communities. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to investing in young people by equipping them with the knowledge and values needed to address social challenges while promoting respect, equality and child protection. As communities continue to seek sustainable ways of supporting young people, programmes such as this provide an important platform for leadership development and personal growth. The mentorship programme also demonstrates how collaboration between development organizations and law enforcement can contribute to building safer and stronger communities.

The Training of Trainers model is designed to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the participants attending the week-long programme. Rather than simply receiving information for their own benefit, the boys are being prepared to share what they learn with their peers and communities. This approach helps multiply the programme’s impact by developing young leaders who can educate and inspire others long after the training has concluded. By encouraging participants to become mentors themselves, the initiative promotes a culture of shared responsibility and community leadership. This strategy ensures that valuable lessons continue reaching more young people throughout Lesotho.

A key focus of the programme is strengthening participants’ understanding of child rights and child protection. The boys are learning about the rights that every child is entitled to enjoy, including protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. They are also being encouraged to understand their role in promoting safe environments where children are respected and protected. Educating young people about child rights empowers them to recognize harmful situations and contribute to creating communities that prioritize the wellbeing of every child. By building this knowledge at an early age, the programme is helping develop future leaders who value dignity, fairness and justice.

The mentorship programme also provides important education on gender-based violence and violence against children, two issues that continue to affect communities across many parts of the world. Participants are learning about the causes and consequences of violence while exploring ways to promote respectful relationships and peaceful conflict resolution. Through open discussions and practical learning, the programme encourages boys to reject harmful behaviours and stereotypes that contribute to violence and discrimination. Instead, they are being guided to become advocates for equality, mutual respect and non-violence in their schools, families and communities. This education lays the foundation for healthier relationships and safer environments for everyone.

Another important component of the training focuses on crime prevention and community policing. Delivered in collaboration with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, these sessions introduce participants to the importance of law enforcement, public safety and community cooperation. The boys are learning how citizens and police can work together to prevent crime, build trust and create secure neighbourhoods. They are also gaining a better understanding of responsible citizenship and the role young people can play in supporting peaceful communities. These lessons encourage participants to view themselves as active contributors to public safety rather than passive observers.

Life skills and leadership development form another major pillar of the Boy Child Mentorship Programme. Throughout the training, participants are developing practical skills such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork and self-confidence. These abilities are essential for navigating everyday challenges while preparing young people for future educational and professional opportunities. Leadership training also encourages participants to become responsible role models who inspire positive behaviour among their peers. By strengthening these personal and interpersonal skills, the programme is helping boys build the confidence needed to make constructive choices throughout their lives.

Recognizing the growing influence of technology in young people’s lives, the programme also includes training on digital citizenship and online safety. As more children and teenagers access the internet through mobile devices and social media, understanding how to use digital platforms responsibly has become increasingly important. Participants are learning about online privacy, cyberbullying, digital ethics and strategies for protecting themselves from online risks. The training encourages responsible online behaviour while promoting respectful communication and critical thinking in digital spaces. These lessons equip participants with the knowledge needed to navigate today’s connected world safely and responsibly.

The collaboration between World Vision International Lesotho and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service demonstrates the value of partnerships in addressing issues affecting young people. By combining the expertise of a child-focused humanitarian organization with the experience of law enforcement professionals, the programme delivers a well-rounded learning experience that addresses both personal development and community safety. Such partnerships strengthen the effectiveness of youth empowerment initiatives while creating opportunities for institutions to work together toward shared national goals. Investing in young people through collaborative programmes also contributes to long-term social development by reducing vulnerability and promoting responsible citizenship. The involvement of multiple stakeholders reinforces the message that protecting and empowering children is a shared responsibility.

The Boy Child Mentorship Programme is more than a week of training because it represents an investment in the future of Lesotho. By equipping 97 boys with knowledge about child rights, gender equality, violence prevention, leadership, crime prevention and digital safety, the initiative is preparing them to become positive role models within their schools and communities. These young participants are expected to carry forward the lessons they have learned, inspiring other boys to embrace respect, responsibility and positive leadership. As they grow into adulthood, the values developed during this programme can contribute to stronger families, safer communities and a more inclusive society. Through initiatives like this, World Vision International Lesotho and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service are helping raise a generation of boys who are ready to become agents of positive change and champions of equality, child protection and community development.