Young people in Lesotho are being empowered with digital and technical skills thanks to a new drone and data training program led by UNICEF and its partners.
The training, which recently kicked off at the Lesotho College of Education, aims to give youth the tools they need to find jobs, start businesses, and help solve some of the country’s biggest problems.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Lesotho Representative Dr. Bob Muchabaiwa called the young participants “trailblazers.” He explained that the training is part of the YOMA mission, a digital platform from UNICEF that connects young people to learning, skills development, and earning opportunities.
Muchabaiwa shared the story of how the idea began two years ago after a meeting with the Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development.
The Minister requested that young people be included in drone training, and UNICEF made it happen. Some local youths were even sent to Malawi to learn about drone technology, and now the training has come to Lesotho itself.
“We want to thank you, Honourable Minister, for your vision,” said Muchabaiwa. “Lesotho’s young people are a powerful resource. Their creativity and ability to use new technologies can help solve the country’s social and economic challenges.”
He emphasised that UNICEF believes in going beyond just education, giving young people practical skills and the chance to innovate, start businesses, and make a real difference. “We want to see young people engaging with technology in a way that is meaningful and transformative.”
Dr. Solomon Chibaya, Rector of the Lesotho College of Education, welcomed everyone warmly. “Anything to do with youth, social development, and gender, we are all for it as an institution,” she said. She thanked UNICEF and other partners, including the Vodacom Foundation and African Drone and Data Academy, for coming together to support the program. “You are more than welcome to be within this place. Please enjoy your facility.”
Michael Scheibenreif, Regional Manager at the African Drone and Data Academy, explained how drones can be used for more than just flying. “A drone is a tool,” he said. “You can deliver medicine to hard-to-reach areas, analyze images after disasters or for farming, and even help connect people in places without cell service.”
He shared how UNICEF started drone programs in Malawi and other countries, helping young people learn these skills. “We hope you are the ones taking this skill set and putting it to good use for the people in Lesotho.”
PalesaThetele, a young co-facilitator and graduate of the drone program, shared how the training changed her view of technology. “Before this program, I thought drones were just toys,” she said. “But I learned how they can help in agriculture, health, and many other fields. Drones can show farmers if their crops are healthy, deliver medicine, and even help in search and rescue.”
She encouraged others to see the bigger picture: “Everyone from any background can benefit from using these. This program will open doors for innovation and help fight youth unemployment.”
Participant BokangMajoro thanked organizers and partners, calling the training a “huge opportunity” and a responsibility. “This is the first group in Lesotho,” he said. “We are the foundation to show what Basotho youth can do. The training has already taught us so much.” He added that drones could help in sectors like agriculture and construction, and called for the program to continue and expand.
The Honourable Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, PitsoLesaoana, expressed pride in the initiative. He reminded youth that the goal is not just to use drones for fun or photography but to become creators and entrepreneurs. “We must move beyond just using technology. I want us to reach a point where you are creating companies and jobs for others,” he said.
He challenged young people to use their new skills to build businesses and help solve Lesotho’s challenges, especially youth unemployment.
Summary
- Young people in Lesotho are being empowered with digital and technical skills thanks to a new drone and data training program led by UNICEF and its partners.
- ” He explained that the training is part of the YOMA mission, a digital platform from UNICEF that connects young people to learning, skills development, and earning opportunities.
- He emphasised that UNICEF believes in going beyond just education, giving young people practical skills and the chance to innovate, start businesses, and make a real difference.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
