Mokhotlong — The Youth should come on board and take part in initiatives implemented by the government such as Sebabatso programme to change their living conditions and participate in the economic growth of the country.

The Deputy Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Thae Makhele said this when addressing the youth at a launch of Sebabatso programme roadshows in Mokhotlong on Tuesday.

Mr. Makhele said they should take the advantage of opportunities initiated for them to change their lives as future leaders of the country.

He advised them to apply for Sebabatso and other programmes intended to address challenges they face adding that variety of opportunities in Science and Technology, Engineering, Innovation and Creatives, Mathematics, are there for them to grab and do business.

The DPS thanked and appreciated the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the effort and support to Lesotho government to ensure that challenges that the youth face are addressed.

Speaking at the same event was the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Lesotho Dr. Taye Amssalu who encouraged the youth to apply for Sebabatso programme and have a win mentality in order to run successful businesses for socio economic development.

Mr. Amssalu reaffirmed that UNDP will continue to support Lesotho government in programmes geared towards youth empowerment so as to make the government realise its vision.

The Senior Entrepreneurship Officer Mr. Thabo Rajane from the Youth Department in the district appealed to the youth to apply and increase their numbers in Sebabatso programme to acquire skills on how to start and improve the business ideas they have for development.

The youth appreciated the government efforts to empower them and encouraged each other to take advantage of opportunities created for them in order to address unemployment which is their major challenge.

The Sebabatso Youth Empowerment Initiative is the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Youth Empowerment in Lesotho. It is in its fourth year now.

Implemented with UNDP support, it focuses on nurturing and funding young Basotho innovators and entrepreneurs (ages 15 to 35) through mentorship, capacity building, and market access.

The programme is divided into two primary streams: the Innovators stream (for youth 16+) and the Entrepreneurs stream. Selected participants gain access to various training opportunities, including business skills development, as well as the chance to pitch their business ideas at annual conferences to compete for financial grants.

The event culminated in the exhibition of products made by the youth ranging from leather works, carpentry, baking, knitting and sewing.

Image by NewsDesk Lesotho