Africa-Press – Lesotho. In celebration of World Population Day, the youths in Mokhotlong conducted a mini-dialogue on issues affecting them and forcing them into forming families not of their own choice.
This was held on Friday at the Adolescence Centre where youths between the ages of 18 and 24 turned out in numbers.
The theme for this day was “empowering youth to build the families they want in a fair and happy world”.
Mrs. Maseretse Ratia from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) anchored the dialogue, where youths addressed challenges they face that hinder their education.
Miss Atlehang Sakoane from Masakoaneng expressed that young people should not be involved in forming families at a young age, as this denies them their rights to be children and to exercise those rights.
She touched on various issues, including poverty, saying it forces some youths to engage in sexual relationships with older individuals to find means of living.
Another young person, Kamohelo Makoa, highlighted that some parents impose early marriage on them, looking for what they will gain if their child marries into a wealthy family, failing to consider the child’s rights.
Their vulnerability and status as orphans also contribute to the formation of families not of their choice, since some of these orphans are so abused that they see marriage as their last option.
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