Children's Voices Heard: Lesotho's Children Champion Change at National Parliament
By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer, Lesotho
In a powerful demonstration of youth advocacy, the National Children's Parliament in Lesotho convened, bringing together 50 children from across the nation to articulate crucial issues impacting their education, well-being, and rights. This landmark event, hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development in partnership with UNICEF Lesotho and World Vision Lesotho, exemplifies World Vision's unwavering commitment to creating platforms for children to speak up on issues that directly affect their lives.
World Vision Lesotho has long been at the forefront of empowering young voices, recognizing that children are not just beneficiaries of aid but active participants in shaping their future. This Children's Parliament serves as a testament to their dedication to fostering youth leadership and advocacy.
At the heart of children’s concerns were the dire state of education and critical policy issues, "Education is our key priority," the children emphatically declared. Sello, a passionate youth advocate, painted a vivid picture of the challenges they face daily: "In my school, there is no electricity, windows are broken. It really makes my learning difficult, especially in winter. Sometimes we don't even have food to eat at school." This sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure and resources that make learning an uphill battle. The issue of overcrowded classrooms was also a major concern, with reports of a single teacher handling up to five classes at once.
"Education is our key priority"
Inclusivity in education was another crucial point raised. Malunga Chenene, another youth advocate, made a heartfelt plea for children with disabilities, urging the government to ensure that schools are accessible and inclusive. "People with disabilities deserve quality education too. They should not be left out. I urge the government to make sure schools are accessible and friendly for children with disabilities," Malunga stated.
"I urge the government to make sure schools are accessible and friendly for children with disabilities"- Chenene, 16 years old
Girls' issues, particularly menstrual hygiene, were also brought to the forefront. The children pleaded with the government to provide free sanitary pads both at schools and household levels, acknowledging that many girls lack the financial means to purchase these essential products. Additionally, the growing menace of drug and substance abuse was highlighted, with a call for stricter laws to protect children from these harmful influences.
Online safety was another significant concern. The children voiced their fears about the risks of human trafficking facilitated through social media and recommended the establishment of protective laws and support systems for victims. "The government should set up a Trust Fund to help and support children who have been victims of human trafficking," Tsepiso shared.
"The government should set up a Trust Fund to help and support children who have been victims of human trafficking," Tsepiso, 15 years old
The children also addressed he government's recent declaration of a food insecurity crisis, exacerbated by drought and climate change in Lesotho. They expressed their worries about the impact of food shortages on their ability to concentrate and perform in school. While acknowledging the efforts of officials in teaching communities about agriculture, they questioned whether there were adequate training and strategies in place to combat the effects of climate change on farming.
In a significant move towards policy advocacy, the children called for the swift enactment of crucial legislation. They emphasized the urgent need for the Children's Protection and Welfare Bill to address pressing issues such as child marriage and child labour. The children also advocated for the Initiation School Bill, recognizing its importance in safeguarding their rights and well-being during traditional practices.
"We need laws that protect us," said Ts’episo, a 15-year-old youth parliamentarian. "Child marriage robs us of our future, and child labour denies us our right to education and play. We urge our government to pass these bills and enforce them strictly."
"We need laws that protect us," - Ts'episo
In response to these heartfelt pleas, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, assured the children that their voices had been heard and promised collaborative efforts to bring about meaningful change. "Our children, we have heard you. We have heard of the issues that affect your education and well-being. We have heard your pleas and recommendations, and we have all noted them. I stand before you today to promise you that the government of Lesotho, together with our partners, shall work hard to address these critical issues," he remarked.
"I stand before you today to promise you that the government of Lesotho, together with our partners, shall work hard to address these critical issues, - Hon. Pitso Lesaoana
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Tšepang Tšita-Mosena, made an urgent appeal to confront the challenges facing children, calling on leaders to act on the pleas and demands voiced by the young parliamentarians. She highlighted the critical need for immediate and concerted action to address hunger, poverty, and other issues that are hindering children's education and well-being, urging leaders to prioritize these challenges.
"We heard you. We were listening. After all, you do not always or easily get such an opportunity to talk to your leadership in this country. So we are cognizant of your need for us to listen to you," Hon. Tšita-Mosena affirmed. She went on to outline concrete steps being taken by the parliament: "The parliament is implementing its 2024 to 2028 strategic plan. Taking parliament to the people is one of our strategic initiatives of entrenching the necessary knowledge about parliament's pursuits to citizens at large. We continue as Parliament leadership and Honorable Members of Parliament to enhance representation and participation by improving communication and engagement through platforms such as today's Children's Parliament.
"We heard you. We were listening."- Hon. Tšepang Tšita-Mosena
This commitment from such a high-ranking officials underscore the significance of the Children's Parliament and suggests that the children's advocacy efforts are making a real impact on policy discussions at the highest levels of government.
World Vision Lesotho's National Director, Mr. James Chifwelu, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to amplifying children's voices. "This Children's Parliament is not just an event; it's a movement," he stated. "World Vision remains committed to creating more platforms like this, ensuring that children's perspectives are integral to policy-making and societal change."This National Children's Parliament stands as a testament to the power and importance of listening to the younger generation. Their insights and recommendations provide a roadmap for improving education, well-being and child protection policies, ensuring a brighter future for all children in Lesotho. As World Vision continues to champion these young voices, there is renewed hope for transformative change in the lives of Lesotho's children.
World Vision remains committed to creating more platforms like this, ensuring that children's perspectives are integral to policy-making and societal change. - James Chifwelu
The engagement of this high delegation demonstrates a promising alignment between the children's advocacy, development agenda and the government's priorities. This synergy between young voices and national leadership paves the way for potentially significant policy changes and targeted interventions to address the pressing issues raised by Lesotho's children.