What You Need to Know
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has appointed local musician Relebohile Monaphathi, known as Sannere, as its Youth Ambassador. This initiative aims to address critical issues such as early pregnancies, child marriage, and HIV infections among the youth in Lesotho. Sannere’s influence is expected to amplify awareness and advocacy efforts in these areas.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. As part of efforts to reduce early and unintended pregnancy, child marriage, new HIV infections and gender based violence, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has on Friday signed young talented local musician Relebohile Monaphathi affectionately known as Sannere as the Youth Ambassador.
In his remarks, UNFPA Country Representative Mr. John Kennedy Mosoti said they found it fitting to use Sannere saying through his influence and artistic skills will be able to reach as many young people as possible with relevant messages.
He said artists like Sannere amplify the message. He added that this is beyond signing the agreement, but recounting how to tackle issues of concern and disseminate relevant messages to the youth..
“In this important role, Sannere Music joins the frontline of efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting young people, working to reduce early and unintended pregnancies, end child marriage, curb new HIV infections, and combat gender-based violence. We hope to see all these go down to zero through his message,” he said.
He highlighted that this appointment is not just a title, but a commitment to advocacy, awareness and meaningful change for communities across Lesotho.
He stressed that since Sannere is a representative of Lesotho wherever he goes and to use him is a privilege to the UNFPA.
On behalf of Metsoako Records, Ms. Florence Makosholo said seeing Sannere thrive means he is doing good things and inspiring the young people. She said this is big for them as Metsoako Records, saying it is more than agreement but recognition of his talent in producing music that talks with the youth.
“We are honoured to walk this journey with him and believe his talent is to impact lives not only locally but regionally and globally”, she said.
On the other hand, Sannere said he is thankful that his message has planted some seeds and he is being recognised. He said he is glad that he will be able to impact the lives of generations to come through his music.
He said he prays to God and the ancestors to help him do the job accordingly so that his children would live to see.
The United Nations Population Fund is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. Their mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
The UNFPA has been active in Lesotho, focusing on sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly among the youth. Early pregnancies and child marriage remain significant challenges in the country, often leading to adverse health and socio-economic outcomes. By engaging local artists like Sannere, the UNFPA aims to leverage cultural influence to foster positive change and awareness among young people, addressing these pressing issues effectively. This partnership reflects a broader strategy to empower youth and promote health education through relatable figures in the community.
