Maseru, Jan. 30 — In celebration of the Back to School season, the Ministry of Health presented school uniforms and other learning materials to the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) during an event held on Friday.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane, said the Back to School initiative aims not only to revive the spirit of learners but also to support them with essential school needs.
He noted that JTC is often overlooked during national Back to School activities, which prompted the Ministry to make this visit.
Mr. Mochoboroane urged the juveniles not to repeat the mistakes that brought them to the centre, encouraging them to use this opportunity as a second chance to rewrite their life stories.
“A mistake made once is indeed a mistake, but once repeated we treat it otherwise,” he said. He reminded the public that it takes a village to raise a child, calling for collective support when the children return home.
Deputy Commissioner Motjeoane Ts’olo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry for extending support when needed most. He said being at the centre is not a misfortune, but an opportunity for the juveniles to view life from a different perspective.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mpho Mohlomi thanked the Ministry for remembering them, noting that being at the centre often leads people to view them as ‘worst sinners’.
She added that many people hesitate to visit the centre because of the stigma attached to it.
The Deputy Principal of the Juvenile Primary and High School, Mr. Lebona Qhobosheane, highlighted ongoing challenges such as shortage of classrooms, teachers and equipment.
He also raised concern about the lack of adequate learning materials for children living with disabilities.
The Juvenile Training Centre is a facility for children in conflict with the law. Its primary purpose is to provide education, rehabilitation and skills development for children aged 10 to 17, with a focus on reintegration into their families and communities.
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