Engaging Lesotho’s youth

To foster stronger youth engagement and deepen the impact of the Youth Power Hub initiative, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and local partners – including Skillshare Lesotho, Development for Peace Education, and Democracy Works Foundation – have launched a series of sensitization campaigns and dialogues across all ten districts of Lesotho. These community-focused engagements brought together 120 young participants, comprising 75 males and 45 females. Representing youth-led organizations, youth-serving entities, youth development officials, and district administrators, these youth leaders are now more equipped to amplify youth perspectives on local and national stages.
  

Understanding the needs and ambitions of Lesotho’s youth

The primary objective of these sessions was to gain a clearer understanding of the daily challenges and aspirations of young people across Lesotho. Through the use of the Youth Foresight Tool, participants were able to articulate their visions for the future, as well as the systemic obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. These collective insights have illuminated pathways for the Youth Power Hub to better address youth needs and build a more inclusive framework for youth empowerment in Lesotho.
  

Key challenges identified by youth participants

During these dialogues, youth participants highlighted several recurring challenges that hinder youth empowerment, many of which reflect broader national issues. One of the key concerns raised was the inefficient management and distribution of resources intended for youth development, with many youth expressing frustration that institutions responsible for empowering them often fail to fulfill their mandates. Limited access to funding emerged as another critical barrier, as young entrepreneurs and youth-centered organizations face stringent eligibility criteria and minimal financial support, which stifles growth and innovation. Poorly resourced youth centers are also a widespread issue; these centers, which should be vital spaces for skill-building and engagement, often lack the funding, maintenance, and facilities necessary to meet the needs of young people.

A lack of follow-up on youth empowerment initiatives further exacerbates the problem, as many programs lack robust monitoring mechanisms, leaving youth feeling detached from the very initiatives meant to support them. High travel costs associated with the Ministry of Youth’s volunteer program also restrict access, as many young people cannot afford the travel expenses required to participate, often to Maseru. Additionally, insufficient budget allocations for youth programs at both national and local levels prevent the implementation of effective youth-focused initiatives, further limiting opportunities for development.

Transparency in service delivery was another significant concern, with youth participants highlighting that a lack of clear processes and the exclusion of marginalized groups have made equitable youth empowerment challenging. There is also a perceived lack of accountability, as youth participants noted limited opportunities to hold decision-makers accountable, contributing to a sense of disillusionment and disengagement from the political process. This, coupled with low motivation for skills development—often due to limited support and job opportunities—has further hindered youth empowerment efforts.

Moreover, youth participants observed an unhealthy level of competition among organizations claiming to support youth, which inadvertently undermines collaboration and shared progress. High rates of migration among youth, particularly to South Africa, also reflect deeper economic challenges within the country, as many young people leave in search of employment opportunities unavailable locally. These challenges collectively underscore the critical need for systemic improvements within the Youth Power Hub and other youth-focused initiatives to create a more inclusive, transparent, and supportive environment for young people in Lesotho.
 

Proposed solutions and recommendations

To overcome the barriers identified, youth participants have proposed a range of recommendations that could enhance the Youth Power Hub’s impact and strengthen its role in empowering young leaders across Lesotho. Establishing a structured platform or network, such as a Youth Parliament, would allow young people to engage more directly with policymakers, creating a meaningful space for constructive dialogue and ensuring that youth voices influence the policymaking process. Participants also emphasized the need for transparency in recruitment processes, especially within government and NGO programs, to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

Expanding access to digital resources and training through sustained online platforms would allow youth to build skills and share knowledge, even in remote areas. Additionally, increasing the number of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in the Youth Power Hub would promote diversity, inclusivity, and a broader representation of youth perspectives, while offering training and capacity-building resources to unselected CSOs could further extend support to young people across Lesotho.

To make participation more accessible, youth participants recommended adopting flexible engagement methods, including virtual and remote opportunities, which would reduce the logistical and financial burdens for youth across various locations. Finally, by involving a broader range of consortiums and stakeholders in the selection process, the Youth Power Hub can foster a more participatory decision-making framework, ensuring that a diverse spectrum of youth needs and perspectives is considered in program initiatives.
 

Bridging the gap between youth needs and opportunities

The Youth Power Hub sensitization campaigns have laid a solid foundation for a more responsive and inclusive approach to youth development. By integrating these recommendations, the Youth Power Hub can better support youth, empower young leaders, and create environments where young people are equipped to drive positive change within their communities and beyond. Moving forward, UNICEF, IOM, and local partners will work together to implement these solutions, fostering a generation of empowered youth prepared to shape a brighter future for Lesotho.