09/07/2026
Celebrating the launch of our new school club💃💃
Bana ba lona ba banana le bashanyana ba bolokehile ka hoohle hoohle👏👏👏👏
The Ithate Youth Club forms part of Thamae LECSA Primary School's broader commitment to promoting child protection, gender equality and the wellbeing of every learner by ensuring that no child faces challenges alone and that those in need receive timely assistance through coordinated support from educators, parents, health professionals and law enforcement
THAMAE PRIMARY LAUNCHES YOUTH CLUB TO EMPOWER GIRLS ON SRHR, GBV
MASERU --- Thamae LEC Primary School has introduced the Ithate Youth Club, an initiative aimed at empowering girls with knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) while creating a safe environment where learners can openly discuss issues affecting their wellbeing.
Speaking in an interview, the teacher responsible for the club, Mrs. Mampho Matlokotsi, said the initiative was established to help girls understand the physical, emotional and psychological changes they experience during adolescence, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Mrs. Matlokotsi explained that many young girls enter puberty with little or no understanding of the changes taking place in their bodies, making them vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation and risky behaviours. She said the club provides age-appropriate information on puberty, menstrual health, personal hygiene, self-esteem and other aspects of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
She noted that the school believes educating girls at an early stage equips them with confidence and knowledge to navigate adolescence while protecting themselves from abuse and harmful practices.
Beyond engaging learners, Mrs. Matlokotsi said the school has realised that parents play a critical role in children's development. As a result, the Ithate Youth Club regularly organises meetings with parents to discuss issues relating to SRHR and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), encouraging open communication between parents and their children.
She indicated that through these engagements, the school has discovered that many learners, both girls and boys, are exposed to different forms of Gender-Based Violence within their homes and communities. Some children witness violence between family members, while others become direct victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
According to Mrs. Matlokotsi, these findings have reinforced the need to educate not only learners but also parents and guardians so that families can better understand children's rights, recognise signs of abuse and know where to seek assistance.
She said discussions with parents have also encouraged them to become more approachable, enabling children to speak openly about challenges they face rather than remaining silent due to fear or shame.
Mrs. Matlokotsi highlighted that the success of the Ithate Youth Club has been strengthened through collaboration with key service providers. She said the school regularly invites officers from the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service as well as health professionals from Thamae Clinic to educate learners on child protection, sexual abuse, violence prevention, reproductive health and available support services.
She explained that this partnership has significantly improved the school's ability to respond to cases affecting learners. Whenever teachers identify unusual behaviour or suspect that a learner may be experiencing abuse, neglect or other forms of vulnerability, the child is immediately referred to the appropriate institution for professional intervention and support.
Mrs. Matlokotsi said this referral system ensures that learners receive timely medical attention, counselling, protection and other essential services before situations escalate.
The club also promotes positive attitudes among boys by encouraging them to become supportive allies rather than contributors to stigma surrounding menstruation. Mrs. Matlokotsi said boys are taught that menstruation is a natural biological process and should never be a source of ridicule or discrimination.
She added that boys are encouraged to support their sisters, classmates and friends during menstrual periods by showing understanding, respecting their privacy and helping to create a school environment where girls feel comfortable attending classes throughout the month.
Mrs. Matlokotsi further noted that involving boys in conversations about SRHR and menstrual health helps challenge harmful stereotypes while promoting mutual respect and gender equality from an early age.
She said one of the greatest achievements of the Ithate Youth Club has been creating a safe space where girls feel free to express themselves without fear of judgement. Many girls, she explained, often struggle to discuss sensitive issues such as menstruation, relationships, abuse or emotional challenges with their parents.
However, through the club, they are encouraged to speak openly with trusted adults, teachers and even their brothers, as some girls find it easier to confide in siblings than in parents. Mrs. Matlokotsi said such open communication helps girls receive guidance before problems become overwhelming.
She stressed that empowering children with accurate information while strengthening family communication and institutional support is key to protecting young people from abuse and enabling them to grow into healthy, confident and responsible adults.
The Ithate Youth Club forms part of Thamae LEC Primary School's broader commitment to promoting child protection, gender equality and the wellbeing of every learner by ensuring that no child faces challenges alone and that those in need receive timely assistance through coordinated support from educators, parents, health professionals and law enforcement agencies.
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