Maseru, June 26 — As part of strengthening the production and use of statistics in Lesotho, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) through the Bureau of Statistics (BOS) supported by the European Union (EU) are sensitising the media.
The gathering held in Maseru on Friday, saw both state and non state media convening under the theme ‘Equitable Lesotho, Strengthening the National Statistical System,’ with the workshop having been officiated by BOS officials.
In her keynote address, the BoS Director, Ms. ‘Malehloa Molato said this session aims to equip the media with skills and remind them of the significant role they play in promoting official statistics.
She added while their role as BOS is to be official producers of statistics and also coordinate national statistics to ensure alignment with development agendas, especially agenda 2030 and 2063 as well as NSDP, the media is key in informing and educating the nation about these issues.
“Through this workshop, we are targeting to sensitise the media also on drafted laws about statistics, what are the issues and role of media until approval.”
On behalf of the EU, Marcella Veneziani alluded to the essential data for sustainable development as well as to assessing the impact of public policies in key sectors such as health, education as well as for reducing poverty.
She added that taking into account gender and sensitivity around the matter, the EU is committed to supporting Lesotho achieve official statistics and effective data management for the development of the country, hence equitable Lesotho project.
Meanwhile, deliberations are to continue in detail about the equitable Lesotho project whose Team Manager is Mr. Maxime Bonkoungou. Experts in the area of statistics are also present at the workshop to further engage and impart the media on the subject.
One of the participants, Mpho Noko from Mapholi FM told the Agency in an interview that the importance of this workshop can not be overlooked especially at this crucial time of census.
“It is vital that before we disseminate any kind of information, we are educated on the matter so that we do not mislead the nation rather contribute to developing the country and the nation.”
This is not the first workshop of its kind as the media has previously been trained on statistics related matters, it is anticipated that more workshops shall also be held especially now when BOS is in the process of reviewing statistics act.
ENDS/AM/tl
