Africa-Press – Lesotho. Shepherd watch, which protects the rights of pastoralists, has developed a program around the country to educate pastors about their rights. This step came after realizing that pastors are not aware of their rights in the important work they do.
In an interview with the Executive Director of Shepherd watch, Mr Malefetsane Soai, he explained that they have developed a program on pastoral rights that will start earlier this month in ‘Mesa in the English and Maama districts.
Soai said the programs were supposed to have started in February and were stopped by the Restriction movement in order to reduce the rate of Covid-19 infection.
“The Sherphard watch organization was founded in 2020 with the aim of educating pastors about their rights, providing education on conservation and wetlands and education on the abuse of women and children who are not aware of it.
The biggest challenge has also been for pastoralists whose rights do not seem to be recognized but who play an important role in boosting the country’s economy through the sale of wool. Even in this Covid-19 era they are still not receiving any grants and they are living in crisis as a whole nation, ”he said.
Going forward Soai pointed out that this training for pastoralists will be done in partnership with Local Government Electors, and they will also be given counseling as there is no time for them to receive counseling because they are constantly on the lookout for all the time.
He further added that during the visit they used the money they had raised to do the work but as an organization they appealed to the voluntary Basotho to provide financial support to help the project continue. effectively.
“According to estimates, 40,000 herdsmen across the country are living in crisis and are not being monitored by the government but in the run-up to the elections, ticket holders are relocated but after the election they are forgotten.
It will also include their employers in order to strengthen the bond between them and to have a connection with the police who assist them during the search for their animals when they are stolen, ”he said.
Soai explained that they would not make the public aware of the importance of the care and safety of herdsmen who seem to be neglected as there are no laws to protect them, but laws are always in place to protect children and women from abuse at all times.
He pointed out that it would be important to mark the day which shows the importance of pastors in order to show their importance in the community. Also, be aware of drug abuse and the harmful effects of alcohol abuse. He indicated that they would be empowered through education with first aid that would help them during the war to save the lives of others.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
