By Tshidy Phakoe
Recently, the Sekameng group of 15 women gathered to welcome new members from Kolo, reflect on their activities, and share their numerous achievements. The group’s membership has grown, and they have received recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture and the local resource center. However, they continue to face significant challenges such as unreliable water sources and animals eating their crops.
To address these issues, the group proposed two solutions: constructing a borehole and fencing their land. These initiatives are crucial, as the Sekameng group has been identified as one of the likely recipients of funding from the Sustainable Agriculture and Development Program (SADP) under the nutrition clubs this year. Additionally, the group discussed resuscitating the healing circles, with one circle planned for Sekameng and another for Kolo. Healing circles provide essential support for teenage girls who have experienced gender-based violence, helping them to heal and reintegrate into their communities. The importance of supporting teenage girls to return to school was another key topic of discussion in four meetings with stakeholders. Several critical issues were highlighted:
- School Fees: Many families cannot afford school fees, preventing girls from continuing their education.
- Lack of Motivation: Some teenagers are reluctant to return to school, even when programs facilitate their fees. Childcare for Teenage Mothers: Teenage mothers face the challenge of finding someone to look after their babies while they attend school. With their grandparents often working to provide for the family, childcare becomes a significant barrier.
- Afternoon Homework Clubs: Establishing afternoon homework clubs is essential to help teenage mothers catch up on schoolwork alongside their peers who attend school regularly.
In light of the recent declaration by the Prime Minister that poverty levels in Lesotho have risen, with about 40% of people living in extreme poverty and declared food insecurity as a disaster, it is clear that many families are struggling with hunger. This exacerbates the challenges faced by teenage girls attempting to return to school and improve their futures. An alarming 700,000 Basotho; nearly one-third of the country’s population now face severe food insecurity. This marks a distressing increase from 582,000 just a year ago, highlighting the rapidly deteriorating situation leaving women and girls more vulnerable.
Community support and agricultural initiatives are vital in empowering these girls. By addressing basic needs like reliable water sources and safe agricultural practices, groups like Sekameng can create a stable environment for growth and education. Furthermore, programs that provide educational support and childcare solutions are necessary to ensure that teenage mothers and other vulnerable girls can pursue their education and build better lives for themselves and their families. The combined efforts of community groups, stakeholders, and government support are essential in addressing these issues. Only through collaborative and sustained initiatives can we hope to see significant improvements in the lives of teenage girls in Lesotho, helping them to overcome the barriers of gender-based violence and poverty
