Empowering young voices: National Children’s Parliament to address key issues on education and 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.

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.

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.”

The Parliamentary Session will be graced by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Ministers from various departments 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

“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.

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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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.