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Global Fund Child Helpline gives a voice to children's complaints in a safe and private
manner. Recent training of members of the judiciary drew special attention to the
importance of children's views on matters that concern them.
There are a vast number of non-government actors who work in the not-for-profit sector
who program to promote children's views: Kick4Life; National Youth Council; Lesotho
Girl Guides Association and Adolescent Health Corners in community clinics.
Difficulties
Social attitudes in Lesotho are such that children's opinions are rarely considered within
the family unit, let alone in the broader community. Although the CPW Act requires a
child's opinion be sought, practically children's court judges see children as inferior
beings whose opinions matter not.
4.5
Enlightenment of children and promotion of their participation
(Articles 4, 7 and 12)
Legislation
The CPW Act under section 5 encourages child participation based on a child's evolving
capacity. Section 27 provides for a child's participation in their own medical treatment.
The Children's Court allows children to give evidence in their own right and protects the
privacy of a child who does so.
Administrative
Dissemination of the CPW Act and its translated and simplified texts would better
enlighten children as to their rights and encourage better participation.
HELP Lesotho, Sentebale and Baylor Clinics (in partnership with MOH and EGPAF)
conduct youth camps where children participate in their own treatment for HIV and AIDs
and counseling. Durham Link includes children in outdoor activities. Child Helpline have
international conferences for children discussing child issues in a participatory manner.
Kick4Life involves children in counseling through sport. Good Shepherd Health Centre
manages a program for pregnant teenage mothers providing pre-natal care, counseling
and female empowerment. Girls who graduate from the program receive a MOET
certificate.
There are a limited number of programs aimed at the participation of children with
disabilities. A sign language course is now offered at the Lesotho College of Education.