Hopolang Mokhopi
YOUTH empowerment efforts in Mokhotlong received a major boost this week following the handover of computers and free internet connectivity to the Mokhotlong Adolescent Corner — an initiative driven and coordinated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with Vodacom Lesotho.
The Mokhotlong Adolescent Corner was described as a critical safe space, providing youth-friendly health services, counselling and essential support — with UNFPA continuing to play a central coordinating role in strengthening such services across the district.
The donation marked a significant step toward expanding access to information and strengthening youth-friendly services in one of Lesotho’s most remote districts.
The intervention stemmed from a high-level stakeholder visit convened by UNFPA in November last year, where private sector partners — including Nedbank, SolidarMed, Letšeng Diamond Mine and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) — toured the Youth Resource Centre, the Adolescent Corner and the Matsoaing Herdboys School.
During the engagement, UNFPA facilitated discussions highlighting pressing challenges facing young people in Mokhotlong, including limited digital infrastructure, shortages of learning resources and rising psychosocial concerns. This week’s handover fulfilled commitments made during that visit, underscoring UNFPA’s pivotal role in mobilising partners to respond to youth needs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vodacom Lesotho Chief Executive Officer, Mohale Ralebitso, said the company was mandated to expand young people’s access to digital tools and information.
“Our objective is to ensure that young people have access to information,” Mr Ralebitso said.
Through the Vodacom Foundation, he explained, the company was providing computers and free internet connectivity to empower youth in Mokhotlong.
“We encourage them to use these resources responsibly — to research, to learn and to share knowledge,” he added, stressing that digital connectivity is no longer optional but essential, particularly for learners striving for personal and academic growth.
UNFPA Lesotho Country Representative, John Kennedy Mosoti, described the collaboration between UNFPA and the private sector as critical in addressing urgent youth-related challenges.
“We are proud of this collaboration with the private sector,” Mr Mosoti said.
He said Lesotho continued to face one of the highest suicide rates globally, emphasising that facilities such as the Adolescent Corner played a vital role in providing counselling and psychosocial support to vulnerable young people.
Mr Mosoti further highlighted Mokhotlong’s persistent challenge of teenage pregnancy, saying improved access to digital information would enable young people to obtain accurate guidance on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
“This will help reduce early and unintended pregnancies, as well as child marriage,” he said.
Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, encouraged young mothers to continue caring for their children while remaining focused on their aspirations.
“Once your children are older, return to school and pursue your dreams,” Mr Lesaoana urged.
He acknowledged that the presence of very young mothers in the district signals deeper societal problems, including gender-based violence, sexual assault and early child marriage, stressing the need for sustained intervention.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Moleboheng Mosebo expressed gratitude for the support.
“These computers and internet access will greatly assist young people in Mokhotlong with their studies and homework. We are grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
