Boy Child Mentorship Programme and Child-Friendly CGPU Office Strengthen Child Protection in Lesotho

By Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer

"Protecting children requires more than responding to abuse—it requires empowering children with knowledge and creating safe systems that protect them."

In Lesotho, programmes that empower women and girls have made significant strides in advancing gender equality and protecting children's rights. Yet, boys also face unique vulnerabilities that often receive less attention. According to UNICEF, more than half of boys in Lesotho have experienced physical violence, compared to about one in three girls. Many boys are also affected by child labour, school absenteeism, substance abuse, and other social challenges that increase their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.

Violence against children remains one of the greatest threats to their wellbeing. It leaves lasting emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual scars that can affect children throughout their lives. Recognising these challenges, World Vision International Lesotho continues to work alongside communities, government, and development partners to strengthen child protection systems and ensure every child grows up safe, protected, and able to reach their full potential.

This commitment was demonstrated through two significant initiatives in Morija under Rothe Area Development Programme: a five-day Boy Child Mentorship Programme and the official handover of a Child-Friendly Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) Office to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). Together, these initiatives represent a holistic approach to child protection—preventing violence by empowering children while strengthening the systems that respond when protection is needed.

Empowering Boys to Become Agents of Positive Change

Boys participating in the Boy Child Mentorship Programme

World Vision International Lesotho, in partnership with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, brought together 97 boys aged 12–17 from all ten districts of Lesotho for a week-long Boy Child Mentorship Programme – Training of Trainers (ToT).

The boys were selected as peer educators who will return to their communities equipped to share knowledge and mentor other children through schools, children's clubs, football gatherings, churches, and community meetings.

Throughout the training, participants gained practical knowledge and life skills in:

• Child Rights and Protection
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC)
• Crime Prevention and Community Policing
• Life Skills and Leadership
• Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

The programme challenged harmful stereotypes around masculinity while encouraging boys to become respectful leaders, responsible citizens, and advocates for children's rights.

Empowered boys ready to become champions for child protection in their communities

For 17-year-old Kefuoe, one of the most impactful lessons was online safety.

"Learning about online safety was really an eye-opener for me. I used to click on any link I came across on the internet without knowing the risks. Now I understand how to protect myself online, and I want to teach other young people in my community during football matches and children's club meetings."

For 14-year-old Sphewe, the training highlighted the realities facing many boys in his village.

"Many boys my age miss school to herd cattle. Some end up drinking alcohol and using drugs. I feel empowered after this training, and I will ask our village chief to gather the boys so I can share what I have learned."

The programme also gave boys confidence to recognise their own rights.

"I learned that abuse is never acceptable, regardless of gender. I used to think that because I am a boy, my voice and feelings did not matter. This training taught me that I matter, I deserve protection, and I have a responsibility to protect others," said 16-year-old Tsoanelo.

Recognising the importance of holistic child development, the programme also included biblical teachings on identity, purpose, and values. At the conclusion of the training, every participant received a Holy Bible through World Vision's Gift in Kind Programme.

"This session taught me that God has a purpose for my life regardless of how people see me," shared 15-year-old Molefi.

Strengthening Child Protection Systems

World Vision Lesotho Advocacy and Partnering Lead officially hands over the Child-Friendly Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) Office to the Deputy Commissioner of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS)

While empowering children with knowledge is essential, effective child protection also requires strong systems that respond quickly, safely, and compassionately when children experience abuse.

The Boy Child Mentorship Programme concluded with the official handover of the Child-Friendly Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) Office at Morija Police Station to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service.

Constructed through World Vision Lesotho's Rothe Area Development Programme, the facility was established after gaps were identified through the Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) process, child protection standards monitoring, and community action planning. Community members, traditional leaders, and the police jointly recognised the need for a dedicated child-friendly space where children could report abuse without fear.

The new facility will:

• Improve the quality of child protection services.
• Strengthen child protection case management.
• Enhance reporting and referral mechanisms.
• Provide a safe, confidential, and child-friendly environment for children interacting with the police.
• Promote stronger coordination among child protection stakeholders.

By creating an environment designed specifically for children, the facility helps reduce fear and trauma while encouraging children to report violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation with confidence.

Building Safer Communities for Every Child

Boys proudly receive their Certificates of Completion after successfully completing the Boy Child Mentorship Programme during the official handover of the Child-Friendly CGPU Office

The combination of mentoring boys and strengthening child protection services demonstrates that protecting children requires both prevention and response.

Equipping boys with knowledge, values, leadership skills, and positive role models helps reduce future violence and empowers them to become champions of child protection within their communities. At the same time, strengthening institutions such as the Child-Friendly CGPU Office ensures that children who need protection receive quality, child-centred services in a safe and supportive environment.

These complementary investments reflect World Vision Lesotho's commitment to strengthening child protection systems while empowering children to become part of the solution. As these 97 young mentors return to their communities to share what they have learned, and as children in Morija begin accessing services from the new Child-Friendly CGPU Office, hope grows that more children across Lesotho will be protected, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive in safer communities.

For World Vision Lesotho, every child deserves more than protection from violence—they deserve the opportunity to live, learn, grow, and realise their God-given potential.