Empowering Young Voices: National Children’s Parliament to Address Key Issues on Education and Child Well-being

Maseru, Lesotho – 18 July 2024 – The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development through the Department of Social Development – Child Protection Services, in partnership with World Vision Lesotho and UNICEF Lesotho, will host the National Children’s Parliament Session on the 19th of July 2024.

“We are thrilled to see the voices of our young leaders being amplified through this important initiative. The National Children's Parliament not only empowers children but also ensures that their insights and solutions are heard and acted upon,” said Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, Minister at the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development.

In Lesotho, the Children’s Parliament is one of many initiatives implemented to create a safe, protective, and violence-free environment for children. Since its commencement, there has been significant improvement in service delivery on issues affecting children, as well as considerations, evaluations, and amendments of child protection laws.

"We at UNICEF believe that children have the right to be heard on matters that affect them, and we are committed to promoting their active participation and engagement– as resources who have unique knowledge of their own and their communities’ and as problem solvers and agents of change who have good ideas and can contribute to innovative solutions. In addition, young people not only provide key input into UNICEF’s priorities, they are also UNICEF’s most crucial partners in achieving results and driving sustainable change.” -  Deepak Bhaskaran - UNICEF Lesotho Country Representative,

This significant event will provide a platform where 50 child advocates will contribute to public debate and influence decisions that affect their lives. It will also create a space for key stakeholders, policymakers, and decision-makers to hear first-hand the concerns for adoption in their mandate, focusing on this year's theme: "Education for All: Challenges Facing Well-being and Development of Children in Lesotho."

“As a child-focused organization, World Vision Lesotho prioritizes the meaningful, safe, and appropriate participation of children and young people. This is essential for sustained child well-being and for creating democratic societies with informed and engaged citizens.” – James Chifwelu, World Vision Lesotho National Director

The Parliamentary Session will be graced by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Ministers from various ministries including Justice and Correctional Services, Finance, Agriculture and Food Security, and Gender, Youth, and Social Development. Other distinguished guests include the Chair of Chairs (Parliamentary Cluster Committee), HRH Princess Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, and Civil Society Organizations.

Event Details:

Date: 19th July 2024 |Time: 09:00am | Venue: Thaba- Bosiu Cultural Village

The event is designed to inspire collective action and support for the initiatives and recommendations presented by the children of Lesotho, emphasizing our collective responsibility to invest in the future by investing in our children. We invite all media outlets to join us in covering this landmark event and to support the voices of Lesotho’s future leaders.

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ENDS

Note to Editors: For more information, contact:
Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, World Vision Lesotho
Email: lerato_brown@wvi.org | Phone: +266 58911020

Thato Mochone, Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships Lead, UNICEF Lesotho
Email: tmochone@unicef.org | Phone: +266 2228000

Mpho Makhetha, Senior Information Education and Communication Office, MGYS
Email: mpho.makhetha@yahoo.com  | Phone: +266 67285305

About the Organizers: The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, in collaboration with World Vision Lesotho and UNICEF Lesotho, is committed to the empowerment and protection of children’s rights, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/lesotho or follow us on X Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

About Ministry of Gender Youth and Social Development

The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MGYSD) provides guidelines for institutionalization of gender equity and equality and serves as the social protection and advocacy arm of the Government of Lesotho, supporting and safeguarding the human rights and welfare of all persons, including vulnerable groups such as the youth, children, older persons and people with disabilities.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children:  Visit www.unicef.org and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube