Berea, July 20 — Minister of Gender, Youths Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesaoana has assured participants of the National Children’s Parliament that as leaders they have heard them as they articulate their challenges and they need to respond accordingly to fill the gaps identified.
Minister Social Development uttered these words on Friday as he addresses the National Children’s Parliament held at Thaba-bosiu Cultural Village, where during the parliamentary session children expressed concern on issues such as pending bills which protects their human rights and lack of law enforcement, harmful practices affecting children to access their right to education and others.
Mr. Lesaoana said simulation of the parliament proceedings have raised their eyebrows that children have to be listened as they address issues which affect them, adding that they are here to amplify the voices of children and to ensure that child’s participation is one of the core principles of child protection is observed by the government of Lesotho.
He said they strongly acknowledge the children’s parliament and they are grateful to the parents and guardians who have released them to represent other children, adding that they have heard them as they debate on the issues of sanitary towel, food insecurity in schools and homes and the government has already started to respond, moreover they promise they will soon see the change, adding that 116 toll free number which is currently not operational will be restored.
