LPPA Drives Change among Semonkong Youth
LPPA Drives Change among Semonkong Youth
By LPPA Reporter
The Lesotho Parenthood Association (LPPA) is taking proactive steps to transform the lives of youth in Semonkong. In a recent outreach at the Semonkong Youth and Resource Centre—a facility that had been dormant for years—LPPA engaged with local youth to understand how best to address their needs and aspirations also to intensifying efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Semonkong, particularly affecting young people who are increasingly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and social challenges.
“We aim to reactivate this center and make it a haven where youth can connect, engage, and support one another and bringing together young voices to fight against Social and GVB issues,” stated Bahlakoana Malelu, LPPA’s Peer Educators Coordinator. Recognizing that many young people face issues leading them to substance use and other risky behaviors, Malelu emphasized the importance of a safe space where youth can share experiences and access guidance. GBV remains a pervasive problem in Semonkong, with youth facing various forms of violence that demand immediate action. Early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts are among the major challenges, often-linked to socio-cultural practices and limited access to supportive resources. Additionally, a lack of comprehensive sexuality education and limited mental health support are pushing some young people into substance abuse as a coping mechanism. To achieve this, LPPA aims to integrate life skills training, mental health counseling, and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) that empowers youth to understand their rights and make informed choices.
Bahlakoana Malelu stated. In light of these challenges, LPPA is calling for strong partnerships with local Chiefs, Councilors, schools, health facilities, and other key stakeholders to foster a holistic approach to GBV prevention and support. Chiefs and community leaders play a critical role in reshaping attitudes and advocating for youth safety, while schools are pivotal in embedding GBV awareness and preventive education. Health facilities also need to ensure accessible and youth-friendly services, as many young people may feel discouraged from seeking help at conventional clinics due to stigma or lack of trust.
Through this collaborative framework, LPPA and its partners plan to implement targeted interventions, such as community sensitization workshops, peer support networks, and programs designed to keep youth engaged and motivated. These interventions will address specific concerns raised by Semonkong’s youth, including the need for economic opportunities to reduce dependency and vulnerability, activities to build self-esteem and resilience, and resources to deter early marriages and improve academic retention rates. LPPA plans to center its efforts on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, enriched with life skills training to equip young people with practical tools to manage challenges. Eventually, the center will offer health services tailored to youth who may avoid conventional clinics.
Despite a lower-than-anticipated turnout, the youth who attended shared numerous ideas to make the center more relevant and engaging. Suggestions ranged from small business initiatives to sports and recreational activities. They highlighted the need for resources like sports equipment, support for small-scale income-generating projects, and programs to deter early marriage and reduce teenage pregnancy rates, which contribute to school dropouts.
Volunteer Thabiso “Patriot” Sello, a local advocate, highlighted that the community faces significant challenges, including the lure of initiation schools that draw boys away from formal education. He believes the center should incorporate arts and vocational training to foster creativity and economic empowerment.
LPPA’s vision is to transform the Semonkong Youth and Resource Centre into a thriving hub that builds confidence, self-esteem, and practical skills for a brighter future.
The two pictures above that illustrates focused group discussions conducted by LPPA Youth Ambassador and Counsellor at recently resuscitated Youth Resource Centre at Semonkong.
The above picture illustrates the LPPA team and Youths that participated in the Focused Group Discussions.
