Motsamai Mokotjo
Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso on Tuesday celebrated her 39th birthday with scores of orphans and vulnerable children at Kick4Life Centre in Maseru.
The Queen—supported by her charity Hlokomela Bana Foundation (HBF)—said Tuesday was a day to be happy and not for speeches, as she celebrated with some of the county’s needy children.
Her Majesty said: “Today is not a day for speeches; it’s a day to celebrate. I chose to do it in the form of giving to these vulnerable children.”
However, the Queen added it was worrying that HBF, which was formed in 1986, did not know the exact number of needy children countrywide despite being a charity organisation.
“Where is our responsibility? After sunset there are some children who don’t know where they are going to sleep.
“It is painful to realise this because as parents, we need to take a stand because all children are our responsibility.”
The Queen also made an appeal to parents to take care of vulnerable members of society even if they are not their relatives.
Echoing the same sentiments, Kick4Life Country Director, Michelle Carney said her organisation’s responsibility was to offer children lifeskills, HIV-testing and generally ensure their safety.
Ms Carney told the Lesotho Times on the sidelines of the celebrations that every Thursday, the children come voluntarily to the centre to get some of the aforementioned skills.
“When we started in 2009, we had to go out and seek street kids so they could come here for these services. At the moment, we have two who are HIV-positive, and who we are taking care of.”
Ms Carney further said there is a donor who is buying breakfast and supper for the two children every day before they take their medication.
Meanwhile, during Tuesday’s birthday celebration for Her Majesty, who was born on 2 June 1976, the children were served food, given blankets and toiletries. They also enjoyed bicycle rides and soccer on this fun-filled day.
