She is a passionate journalist and content creator currently completing a Diploma in Journalism and Media. With a strong focus on agriculture, culture, and entertainment, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and driving meaningful conversations. She thrives in professional settings where she can refine her writing and analytical skills while making a tangible impact through storytelling.
Beyond journalism, she creates self-care content that promotes mindfulness, wellness, and balance. By blending investigative depth with lifestyle inspiration, she makes complex topics accessible and highlights the importance of personal well-being in today’s fast
The government, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a new digital platform aimed at tackling youth unemployment by linking young people to training and job opportunities.
The platform, known as the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), was officially unveiled on Wednesday in Maseru.
YOMA is designed to help young people across Lesotho access learning programmes, skills training, and pathways to employment or entrepreneurship. It connects users to online courses, internships, social impact projects, and opportunities in the private sector.
The platform is especially useful for young people who are out of school, giving them alternative routes to gain skills and improve their chances of finding work.
During the launch, speakers highlighted YOMA’s potential to equip young Basotho with digital, entrepreneurial, and practical life skills needed to compete in both local and international markets.
The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, said YOMA comes at a critical time, as youth unemployment in Lesotho has become what he described as a “global pandemic.”
With youth unemployment officially declared a national disaster for two years starting July 2025, he said the platform will play a key role in helping young people move “from learning to earning.”
He urged young people to make use of the platform and directed that awareness campaigns be extended to rural communities where many young people struggle to access information.
Lipalesa Lesenyeho, Director of Youth in the Ministry, called the launch a major milestone in the country’s youth development efforts. She said YOMA offers free certified online courses, scholarships, internships, social impact projects, and spaces for young people to connect and work together on community initiatives.
She praised the strong partnership with UNICEF and encouraged youth across the country to join the platform and help drive positive change.
UNICEF Lesotho Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, said the launch marks the start of a national movement to empower young Basotho, describing them as “the resourceful heartbeat of the nation.”
He said YOMA helps remove long-standing barriers in education, employment, and entrepreneurship by offering life-skills training, internships, social impact challenges, and digital CVs with verified credentials.
Bhaskaran noted that YOMA aligns with the Prime Minister’s Sebabatso initiative and the Youth Power Hub. He also highlighted the platform’s global success, with more than 930,000 young people registered worldwide.
A panel discussion titled “Youth Empowerment in Action: From Learning to Earning” brought together Vodacom Lesotho, UNICEF, a young entrepreneur, and officials from the Ministries of Gender and Education.
Vodacom Lesotho highlighted how digital connectivity can expand opportunities for young people. Rorisang Motlomelo, the company’s Solutions Delivery Manager, announced that YOMA will be integrated into Vodacom’s zero-rated Connect You platform to make it more accessible, especially in underserved communities.
Connect You, which is available through the My Vodacom and M-Pesa apps, already reaches more than a million users, helping to extend YOMA’s national reach.
Dr. Jone Marole, CEO Secondary at the Ministry of Education and Training, said the launch comes at a critical moment as youth unemployment remains an emergency. He described YOMA as a flexible, evolving marketplace that responds to the needs of young people while supporting local innovation by linking government, the private sector, and youth talent.
Summary
The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, said YOMA comes at a critical time, as youth unemployment in Lesotho has become what he described as a “global pandemic.
With youth unemployment officially declared a national disaster for two years starting July 2025, he said the platform will play a key role in helping young people move “from learning to earning.
Jone Marole, CEO Secondary at the Ministry of Education and Training, said the launch comes at a critical moment as youth unemployment remains an emergency.
She is a passionate journalist and content creator currently completing a Diploma in Journalism and Media. With a strong focus on agriculture, culture, and entertainment, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and driving meaningful conversations. She thrives in professional settings where she can refine her writing and analytical skills while making a tangible impact through storytelling.
Beyond journalism, she creates self-care content that promotes mindfulness, wellness, and balance. By blending investigative depth with lifestyle inspiration, she makes complex topics accessible and highlights the importance of personal well-being in today’s fast
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