Maseru, July 09 — The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, through the Department of Child Protection Services, has handed over hygiene kits and other essential donations to children at the Juvenile Training Centre, fulfilling a pledge made during this year’s International Day of the Boy Child celebrations.
The donations were collected during the Department’s Charity Run held on May 16, 2026 where participants were encouraged to bring hygiene kits as their entry contribution.
The initiative aimed to recognise, promote and raise awareness about the rights of the Boy Child while mobilising support for vulnerable children.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, Department of Child Protection Services official Mr. Mookho Motheo Lekhanya said the gesture was intended to remind the boys that they are valued and supported.
“The main goal today is for the boys to know they are cared for,” she said.
Mr. Lekhanya said one of the participants, Ms Masenato, completed a 10-kilometre run in support of children living at the centre, demonstrating the community’s commitment to improving their well-being.
She said the Ministry hopes the support will encourage positive change among the children and help them build better futures. She added that the Ministry continues to work with partners, including Sepheo, to strengthen child protection services.
Sepheo representative Ms. Mphaphathi Moshoeshoe said the organisation, established in 2013, works with vulnerable children, particularly those living on the streets.
“We learned that children leave home for reasons, not just because they want to,” she said.
Ms. Moshoeshoe said the organisation spends time engaging with children to understand the challenges they face before working towards family reunification wherever possible.
“We have learned that no child is an orphan because there are relatives still alive – uncles, aunts and grandmothers,” she said.
She said Sepheo works closely with the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development to ensure vulnerable children receive the care, protection and support they need.
The Department of Child Protection Services is mandated to promote and protect the rights of children in Lesotho through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Officials said the handover reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to improving the welfare, dignity and well-being of children in need.
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