Maseru – Hundreds of school children gathered in Leribe, Lesotho, on November 20, 2024, to celebrate World Children’s Day, under the theme: “Listen to the Future. Stand Up for Children’s Rights.” The event, organized by World Vision Lesotho and UNICEF Lesotho, was hosted at Mamello Pre and Primary School in Pitseng.
The celebration, aimed at raising awareness of children’s rights, featured speeches, poems, and performances by approximately 456 students, all centered around children’s grievances, their rights, and calls for better protection and inclusion. The students, who are part of Mamello Pre and Primary School, run by Phelisanong Center, a facility supporting disabled, vulnerable, and HIV/AIDS-affected children, expressed their hopes for a brighter future.
Speaking at the commemoration, James Chifwelu, National Director of World Vision Lesotho, praised the event for providing children a platform to express their needs, stating: “We are delighted that we gave the children an ear and offered them a platform to express their desire to live in a better environment. They’ve talked about their rights, which they’ve articulated very well.” He reaffirmed World Vision’s commitment to supporting children’s development and inclusion.
For his part, Deepak Bhaskaran, UNICEF Lesotho’s Country Representative, emphasized the importance of listening to children and ensuring their rights to health, education, and protection. “It is up to all of us—families, teachers, leaders, and communities—to make sure children have the support they need to thrive,” Bhaskaran remarked, urging collective action to ensure that children can lead fulfilling lives.
The event also shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by children with disabilities. Mamello Mokholokoe, the founder of Mamello Pre and Primary School, made an impassioned plea for support, requesting wheelchairs and infrastructure improvements to better accommodate disabled children, particularly during difficult weather conditions.
The celebration concluded with renewed calls to uphold and protect the rights of all children, as the Ministry of Social Development works on amendments to the Child Protection and Welfare Act to further safeguard these rights.
