The Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation has urged the youth to innovate for recreating economic activities.
This, Mrs. Lineo Smith said when officially opening the Leribe District Youth Innovation Media Drive held at Hlotse High School in Leribe on Friday.
She said the government of Lesotho identified technology and innovation as critical through sustainable development goals since 2019.
She said the focus is on youth as they are innovative at all ages.
Mrs. Smith explained that in support of this, the Prime Minister launched the Sebabatso initiative, which is youth led.
She said through Sebabatso 10 best youth innovators are selected, capacitated and integrated into the international market.
DPS said in this regard the ministry through the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and Appropriate Technology Services will be holding the District Youth Innovation Media Drive in all districts.
Additionally, she said the purpose is to bring out innovators and establish what they aim to do to further their innovations.
She indicated that after receiving the innovations, there will be selection at the District level to lead to the national level.
Referring to the criteria, she said amongst others, they consider the impact of the innovation on society, its presentation and a clear explanation of the innovator on the innovation.
She concluded that those who will succeed will be integrated into the Sebabatso initiative.
Speaking at the same event, the Director-Appropriate Technology Services, Mr. Kopano Tšenoli said the second phase is the development prototype while the last phase will be the commercialisation of ideas and inventions.
He highlighted a great motivation from a youth innovator who invented an electric wheelchair and plastic moulding in the district.
The Deputy President of Lesotho Science, Maths, Teachers Association, Mr. Bobi Mapheko said for this country to grow economically, innovation is the key.
He stressed that Lesotho is blessed with innovators, urging them to support the District Youth Innovation Media Drive.
Mr. Mapheko said the innovation will lead to the opening of factories thus overcoming unemployment.
One of the youth innovators, ‘Mope Maputsing said there is a lot of talent among youth that they are unaware of.
He highlighted that he invented an electric wheelchair and plastic moulding machine.
“Let us not be afraid to innovate,” he stressed.
The youth were also highlighted on topics such as intellectual property, trademarks and moral rights in protecting their products.
Source: LENA 16/02/2024
