Kananelo Mokhele
In a major step toward improving the lives of Basotho children, UNICEF Lesotho and the Government of Lesotho have signed a Joint Annual Work Plan aimed at strengthening child health, education, and social protection.
This collaboration seeks to address critical challenges and ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has the opportunity to thrive. The initiative also supports Lesotho’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday, UNICEF Country Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, emphasised the importance of this initiative, noting that it comes at a critical time when children in Lesotho need enhanced support across multiple sectors.
Bhaskaran highlighted the urgent need for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that no child is left behind.
“This signing comes at the right time, as children require support in various sectors, including health, education, protection, and social services,” he said. “It is only through vast collaborations among key stakeholders that we can effectively address the challenges faced by children and create an environment where they can thrive,” he added.
The Joint Annual Work Plan focuses on several priority areas, including improving access to quality education, strengthening healthcare services, addressing child protection issues, and tackling malnutrition.
The government and UNICEF have pledged to work hand in hand to implement the outlined strategies effectively.
UNICEF indicated that guided by a shared vision, they will continue to work alongside the government, partners, and communities to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions that strengthen systems and create lasting change for children and their families.
Government officials who attended the event expressed their commitment to ensuring that the plan is executed efficiently.
Bhaskaran, however, stressed that signing the agreement was only the first step and urged all involved parties to ensure proper and well-administered implementation of the plan. He called for transparency, accountability, and sustained efforts to achieve the intended impact.
With Lesotho striving to meet the SDGs by 2030, this partnership represents a crucial milestone in securing a brighter future for Basotho children. The success of the initiative will depend on continued collaboration, adequate resources, and a collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges affecting children across the country.
According to UNICEF, “this is more than just a plan; it is a commitment to transforming lives and building a brighter future for every child in Lesotho.”
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