P a g e | 10 2.3 The initiatives undertaken to promote the positive cultural values, tradition and practices, and discourage those incompatible with the rights, duties and obligations set forth in the Charter Encouragement of positive practices:  There are several cultural values, traditions and practices specific to Basotho which are positive to the growth and development of a child. A Masotho woman traditionally breastfeeds her child for as long as possible, usually until the next child is born. The colostrums in the mother’s milk provides much-needed nutrients for a growing baby as well as immune protection from illnesses. Prolonged breastfeeding is a custom which broadly continues, despite there being some confusion over the effects of breastfeeding when HIV positive.  Women carry their children on their backs until the child is age two or three. This promotes strong mother-baby bonds which also has positive effects on a child's immune. Circumcision is a common practice for male children in Lesotho. This can reduce the risk of contraction of HIV when completed by medical staff. Circumcisions in Lesotho however are more often than not, completed as part of ritualistic initiation ceremonies which are a rite of passage for young men. These ceremonies are not publically discussed and therefore relatively little is known about them. Medical circumcision has potentially positive effects on the male child, however the ritualistic cutting of a boys foreskin serves no beneficial purpose in relation to HIV.  Birth registration and naming of children has had enormous support in recent years. Traditionally the father's family names a child within a few days of its birth. This is further encouraged with sections 8 & 9 of the CPW Act which requires parents to register the birth of their child within three months, whether still born or alive, and affords the same rights to orphaned and vulnerable children. Section 10 goes on to articulate that children should grow up in a caring environment with their parents.  World Vision Lesotho encourages mothers to breastfeed through education on its link to reduced infant mortality, in their Child Health Programs at community level. The benefits of positive cultural practices are further taught to communities through the celebration of commemorative days such as Disability Day and the Day of the African Child, which in 2013 had a theme of eliminating harmful cultural practices.  The Initiation Schools Council of Lesotho now require boys to provide their age document called a Bukana (health visit booklet) to prove that they are 16 years of age or older, in order to be admitted to the initiation school.