WE NEED AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN LESOTHO, SAYS CHILD ACTIVIST

By Phetoho Maja

• Sixteen-year-old Masetene Phatsoane from Lesotho is attending the African Children’s Summit 2025 to talk about the challenges faced by children in her own country – particularly in schools.
• The country’s education system is not inclusive for all, Phatsoane says, pointing out vulnerable families are expected to pay school fees.
• However, platforms like the summit provide children with the opportunity to contribute to a society and continent that they envision, Phatsoane adds.

The young, energetic, and very outspoken Masetene Phatsoane says she feels proud to represent children from her country, Lesotho, during the 2025 Africa Children’s Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The 16-year-old, who is a speaker of the Lesotho National Children’s Parliament and a member of the SADC (Southern African Development Community) Children’s Parliament has echoed the importance of having a functional education system.

 “We are here to talk about challenges children face in our country, particularly in our schools,” the young activist and social change advocate said. “In Lesotho, we do not have free education. Children, even those from vulnerable families, are still expected to pay for their fees, which means our educational system is not inclusive for all,” Phatsoane added.

“We are, however, pleased that through platforms such as the Africa Children’s Summit, children are able to contribute to a society and continent that they envision.”She said: “Being here has been a great experience because we were able to participate freely in broader issues affecting us. Most importantly, we were able to interact with children from other African countries about the issues they encounter.”

Weighing in on gender-based violence

“In Lesotho, we are struggling a lot with gender-based violence (GBV. Also, I feel like most of the people in our country, especially those in the deep rural areas, do not really know what GBV is. So, without knowledge and information, there is no way we can win this battle,” Phatsoane said. “Our government must try and visit some of these areas to bring information and educate our people about different types of GBV and how they can report these cases,” she added.

A message of support to African children

“African child, we are here for you and to talk about issues that affect you. Please be confident and remain optimistic that one day we will have a society and a continent that puts the needs of children in the forefront,” she added. It is through children like her that the African continent will one day win the battle against GBV, education, human rights, and issues of climate change.