Aug 19, 2022…The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST), Honourable Tšoinyana Rapapa officiated a four-day capacity-building of 30 U-Reporters held in Maseru starting today.

The training of trainers was graced by the presence of  EU Head of Cooperation, Mr. Mario Varrenti, and UNICEF Lesotho Representative Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran as well as MISA Chairperson, Mr. Nkoale Oetsi Tsóana amongst others.

Delivering the message of support to children, Minister Rapapa applauded MISA, UNICEF, and European Union for supporting children through the U-Report Lesotho, a platform enabling young people to identify issues and propose solutions their way.

He said the time has come for a new narrative where children enjoy their rights through positive stories and reportage, debate, and dialogue on issues affecting them. Therefore, he explained that platforms such as this will ensure that children access media.

Sharing similar sentiments, Dr. Mamoeketsi Ntho, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender reiterated that the issue of Gender-Based Violence is one of the major challenges facing children.

She appealed to members of the press to ensure positive reportage of children’s issues not only to report and portray children as victims only.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lekhetho  Ntsukunyane Makhanya, MISA Lesotho National Director said participants will be trained on HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) issues amongst others.

He concluded that the training will further raise social issues affecting youth using U-Report and other media platforms to amplify children’s rights. After this training, participants will be expected to go out there and educate other children.

Ends