A Dream Realized: A Step Forward for Child Protection with Lesotho's New Child-Friendly Police Office

By: Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, World Vision Lesotho

A Shared Commitment to Child Protection

In a powerful show of unity and shared purpose, the Ministry of local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police and World Vision International Lesotho have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across the country. Leaders and children alike gathered in Pitseng, Leribe to celebrate the opening of a newly constructed child friendly, Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) office, a milestone made possible through a longstanding partnership that places children at the heart of its mission.

"This is a mammoth task; one that the police cannot achieve alone," emphasized the Deputy Principal Secretary of the Ministry of local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police "Protecting children, especially through the CGPU, remains one of the most challenging but vital mandates of the police service."

As reports of violence and abuse against children rise, this initiative offers a tangible sign of hope. The new CGPU office is not just a building but is a safe haven for children.

Children's Voices: Empowering Youth to Speak Up

“As children, we already feel confident to walk inside, not intimidated,” said Mafolofolo, a youth representative. “This place feels familiar, like it belongs to us. We are no longer forced to report our trauma at general police stations; now, we have a space of our own.”

Mafolofolo didn’t stop at gratitude. On behalf of the children of Pitseng children, he presented a heartfelt plea to the police leadership:

• Increase the number of staff members dedicated to children’s cases.

• Allocate a designated CGPU vehicle to respond swiftly to emergencies.

• Provide a professional counselor to help children heal from trauma.

• Ensure all abuse cases are transferred to the courts for prosecution

In response, the Commissioner of Police, Adv Borotho Matsoso praised World Vision for helping the police refocus on children.

“We have long struggled to give attention to children, but this partnership has reminded us who we are as Basotho. We’ve always cared for our women and children; this is a return to those values.”

World Vision's Impact: Supporting the Police to Serve Children Better

The partnership has delivered impressive results. With the donation of a vehicle, 10,000 medical forms, 5,000 child detention forms, and 200 suggestion and information boxes, the police are better equipped than ever to serve and protect. The construction of new CGPU offices in seven communities of Mount Moorosi, Upper Moyeni, Sekameng, Matelile, Thabana Morena, Sefikeng, and Rothe; further extends the reach of child protection services.

“We thank World Vision from the bottom of our hearts,” said Mafolofolo. “It is my prayer that this work expands across Lesotho so every child feels safe in their community.”

Children echoed that sentiment through poetic words, clear demands, and testimony about the changes they’ve seen.

“This may not be an interdenominational matter, but it is a spiritual one; it reflects who we’re called to be,” said another youth representative. “It is an immense bliss to thank World Vision and the police for this reinforcement.”

Leeto , another child representative, shared how World Vision’s interventions go beyond police buildings. “They have brought water taps and toilets to our schools and homes; these things help us water our crops and live better lives.”

Masabata, speaking on behalf of Pitseng Primary learners, made an urgent call to action: “We warn you, parents and teachers to help us by raising awareness about human trafficking and early marriage. We have a right to education. We should not be herding animals or caring for babies! we should be in school.”

A New Safe Haven for Children

The opening ceremony of the new CGPU office was a poignant moment for the community. The facility is a symbol of transformation and a promise to children that their voices matter. The Deputy PS reflected on how this partnership represents a model of shared social responsibility and a ideal of transformation during a time of dwindling donor funding.

“The change we wish to see is truly in our hands. It is inspiring to see donor funds used where they matter most; towards transforming the lives of children.”

This initiative is more than a building or a donation; it is indeed the beginning of a movement, grounded in community values, driven by collaboration, and led by the voices of children who now know they matter.

Child-Centered Design and Service Delivery

The new CGPU office has been specially designed to meet the needs of children. With four child-friendly offices, each painted with vibrant, relatable images, the facility offers a space where children can feel at ease when coming forward with their stories. This thoughtful design ensures that children no longer have to face intimidating police environments when reporting their abuse. The design is not only physical but also cultural, as the officers working here have been trained to deliver services with dignity, respect, and in adherence to the right policing protocols that protect children’s rights.

Strengthening Child Protection from the Ground Up

Citizens Voice and Action (CVA) committees have been crucial in ensuring that children are empowered to speak about issues affecting them and can hold their communities accountable. The CVA members are not just advocates for children; they play an active role in ensuring police facilities, such as the new CGPU office, are disability-friendly and accessible for all children.

“We are thankful for everyone who extended a hand in making this dream a reality. CVA goes to Schools and speaks to the students about the rights of children to be in school,” said a CVA member. “We also ensure that the police facilities are child and disability friendly, and this new CGPU office is no exception.”

Equipping the Police for Dignified Service

Before the official handover of the new building, World Vision conducted extensive training for the LMPS CGPU teams. This training empowered the police officers to carry out their duties with a focus on child protection protocols, emphasizing the importance of treating all children with dignity and respect during investigations. One of the significant lessons from this training was the importance of time-sensitive protocols, such as ensuring that a child suspect is not held at a police station for more than 48 hours.

Children's Testimonies: From Fear to Hope

The opening ceremony of the CGPU office gave children the chance to share their own stories. Their words reflected both the fear they once felt when reporting abuse and the hope they now have because of the changes brought by the new facility. These children now feel safe to speak out, and their testimonies serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of these services in their communities.

Strengthening Child Protection Services Across Lesotho

Looking ahead, the LMPS is committed to further improving child protection services. The new CGPU office will play a critical role in encouraging children to speak out against abuse, knowing they will be supported and heard. With this new space, the hope is to see an increase in the reporting of crimes, as children feel safer and more confident in the process. The partnership between World Vision and LMPS continues to grow, and with it, the vision of a safer, more supportive environment for the children of Lesotho is becoming a reality.  With continued community engagement, training, and the dedicated efforts of all partners, the future of child protection looks brighter than ever before.