MICSTI, MGYSSD, and UNDP Launch Sebabatso and STEAM Roadshows at Leribe Youth Resource Centre

The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Development (MGYSSD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho, has officially launched the Sebabatso and STEAM roadshows at the Leribe Youth Resource Centre. The initiative aims to empower young people through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) while promoting gender equality and youth development.

The roadshows are part of a broader campaign to ignite innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among Basotho youth, especially young women and girls. By bringing the Sebabatso programme together with STEAM-focused activities, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between education, technology, and opportunity in underserved communities.

At the launch event, government officials, educators, UNDP representatives, and community leaders gathered to support the transformative agenda of the programme. The roadshows are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences, mentorship sessions, career guidance, and interactive exhibits that expose young people to emerging technologies and creative industries.

Speaking at the event, a representative from MICSTI noted, “Our goal is to cultivate a future-ready generation that can lead Lesotho’s digital transformation. Through this partnership, we are empowering youth to embrace STEAM fields and become agents of change in their communities.”

The Sebabatso initiative, spearheaded by MGYSSD, focuses on building confidence, leadership, and life skills among adolescent girls. By integrating STEAM into Sebabatso’s outreach, the programme aims to dismantle stereotypes and open new pathways for girls to thrive in science and technology.

UNDP Lesotho’s involvement reinforces the global commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The UNDP Country Representative praised the initiative, stating, “These roadshows are an example of how multi-stakeholder partnerships can create meaningful change. We are proud to support this effort to build a more inclusive and innovative Lesotho.”

The roadshows are set to continue across different districts, engaging hundreds of young people through workshops, exhibitions, and digital skills training. The programme also includes opportunities for participants to showcase their innovations and connect with mentors in academia and industry.

By combining the strengths of MICSTI, MGYSSD, and UNDP Lesotho, the Sebabatso and STEAM roadshows represent a bold step toward equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. The Leribe launch marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and create opportunities for all.