World Vision Fulfils Promise with New Child-Friendly Unit in Leribe
By: 'Moelo Motsiri, Journalist - Informative Newspaper, Lesotho
World Vision International Lesotho officially handed over a newly built Child Friendly and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) office to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) in Pitseng, Leribe. This aimed at strengthening child protection systems and improving access to justice for children in Lesotho. The new office is designed to be a safe, confidential and child-sensitive space where children who have experienced abuse or violence can come forward, report their cases and be interviewed with care and respect.
The Senior Assistant Police Commissioner of Leribe, Khethang Tenane explained that in 2016, World Vision signed an agreement with the LMPS to focus on child protection efforts. Tenane praised the collaboration, noting that it has made significant progress in ensuring children's safety in the community.
" The Pitseng community asked for this office, and World Vision made it happen. We are very grateful for that," he said.
He noted that the office represents professionalism in child protection, offering a space where children can report abuse without fear or hesitation. World Vision's National Director, James Chifwelu, said the office handover is not just a project but a response to the real needs of the Pitseng community. He emphasized World Vision's ongoing commitment to working with the LMPS, particularly in the area of child protection.
"Our goal is to ensure that no child suffers in silence," said Chifwelu."This child-friendly facility is more that just a building but a symbol of our commitment to protecting children and upholding their rights across the country."
Expressing gratitude, Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso thanked World Vision for the significant contribution, describing it as something that fills a gap that had been left open for a long time. " You remind us of who we are as long-time partners, and we thank you for that," Matsoso said. Matsoso also discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of child abuse and urged the police to build trust with children. He called on the police to continue their hard work and promised to encourage World Vision to expand these efforts, creating more offices like this across the country.
Children's representative, Mafolofolo Makhotla, expressed his appreciation for the new office. He explained that the space offers children a place where they can freely report their concerns without feeling intimidated by the police. He made a special request, asking police officers working in the office not to wear uniforms or use police cars while interacting with the children, as this could make them feel uncomfortable or scared. He also asked for counselling services to be made available in the office.
Leribe District Administrator, Letsema Khoanyane, also expressed gratitude for the office and emphasized that it serves as a reminder of the police's responsibility to protect children from violence and abuse. He urged the community to support the police by reporting cases of child abuse and violence, helping to strengthen the effectiveness of child protection efforts. Representing the Chief of Leribe, Chief Halekhethele Molapo, also showed appreciation for the new office.
" We are thankful that now our children will be free to report on the abuse they experience," he said.
The handover of the office marks an important milestone in World Vision's commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against violence and exploitation in Lesotho. It is a symbol of hope for a safer and more child-griendly future in the country, with the aim of creating a society where every child can thrive in safety and dignity. The new office gives hope that Lesotho is moving towards a better future, one that is responsive to the needs of children and is truly child friendly.