Thaba Tseka Youth PACT Concludes with Commitments to Empower Local Communities

The Thaba-Tseka youth PACT, a five-day initiative, concluded with a high-level ceremony last Friday. The event included an advocacy walk through Thaba-Tseka town, cultural performances, and the official presentation and signing of the Thaba-Tseka youth PACT for the future. This initiative aimed to bring tangible investments, expand opportunities, and renew commitments to the youth and communities in Thaba-Tseka, particularly in remote and underserved mountain areas.

The PACT, which stands for Participate, Act, Commit, and Transform, was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with government and other stakeholders, including Vodacom Lesotho, Letšeng Diamonds, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), and Nedbank. The initiative focused on building a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world for young people and future generations.

A three-day youth summit was held as part of the initiative, bringing together young people and stakeholders for youth-led discussions on sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The summit provided a platform for young participants to identify their priorities, develop practical solutions, and collaboratively shape commitments that address the realities of their communities.

Lipalesa Lesenyeho, Director of Youth at the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, highlighted various achievements, including infrastructure investment, health, and digital inclusion. Two youth resource centers were handed over, one in Thaba-Tseka town and another in Sehonghong, both equipped with computer labs. A park home for midwives was donated at the Thaba-Tseka Health Division, along with a renovated home for waiting mothers.

The ceremony also celebrated the renovation of maternity wards and administrative offices at Paray Mission Hospital, as well as the provision of equipment, furniture, beds, and linen to support the waiting mothers’ home. Lesenyeho emphasized that the youth PACT will be followed up on a yearly basis to ensure that commitments are implemented as intended.

Youth Representative Rets’epile Khemane expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to the youth of Thaba-Tseka to come together, enjoy, and learn from one another. Naleli Martins, representing the LHDA, encouraged participants to share what they learned at the summit with those unable to attend and emphasized the importance of transforming their lives and addressing issues differently moving forward.

The initiative exposed 289 young people to national and global business opportunities, recognizing that economic empowerment and access to decent livelihoods are essential for sustaining progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA Assistant Representative Mots’elisi Phakisi emphasized that the signed agreement represents the government’s commitment to fulfilling all their requests and assured stakeholders that the dreams and aspirations of the youth will be realized.

Key points

• The Thaba-Tseka youth PACT aims to empower local youth and communities through tangible investments, expanded opportunities, and renewed commitments.