Africa-Press – Lesotho. 227 youngsters from across the country wrapped up the three weeks Youth Development Skills boot camp provided by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
The programme is designed to give youth the taste of military life and discipline at Makoanyane Barracks. On Friday, the LDF Boot Camp Serial 2 of 2022 also went on a memory book class and born fire experience with the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela. The youth did not only get disciplined but also received patriotism teachings, trained on time management, tolerance and leadership skills.
LDF Course Coordinator Lieutenant ‘Mamofokeng Masheli said the boot camp is an initiative to protect businesses that are mostly targets for criminal activities. She said their mandate is to put the youth in the centre of the LDF strategic plan in other to breed new, informed, patriotic youth. Masheli mentioned that they receive many letter requesting help from the LDF, to intervene in schools because there are criminal associated gangs. Masheli noted that it is their duty to protect the citizens, saying they took it upon themselves to discipline the youth.
“Those that have completed the course can now make logical decisions and are able to suppress peer pressure,” she said. She begged parents to be good examples to their children, she also advised them to be alert and sensitive enough to know happening in the lives of their children. The Course Coordinator also cautioned about constantly reminding children of their past mistakes.
In other developments, a few boot campers were awarded for outstanding performances. Best in Class Participation Award went to Sekhoane Khakala, Best in Physical Fitness went to Montšeng Thatho and the Best
in Leadership Award went to Moeketsi Makhetha This is the second boot camp, the first one started in December last year and ended in January this year.
Another one will take place in December. Entry fee into the programme is M2 500. 00, which is used to incur living expenses during the course of the programme.
Addressing the youths and their parents at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Letsoela said the army was determined to ensure that the public lives freely and is protected at all times. He also implored schools to teach learners their history so that they know their roots.
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