The South African High Commissioner to Lesotho, Ms. Constance Seopesengwe resumed the 67 minutes program of the construction of classrooms in commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International Day at the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) in Maseru on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Seopesengwe said this is the second time the commission commemorates the day with the Juvenile centre, saying the 67 minutes program is about creating sustainable development projects for its beneficiaries.

She said this program etablishment goes with the late former President of South Africa’s quest of improving the livelihood of children through collaborative measures

She said she is grateful of the progress that the juvenile training centre has made in terms of development towards the rehabilitation of inmates.

Ms. Seopesengwe however urged the inmates to appreciate the efforts that are put into the centre by different partners with the purpose of having them rehabilitated.

In his remarks on behalf of the Commissioner of the Lesotho Correctional Services, Deputy Commissioner Mosheane Tšolo said rehabilitation at the centre has been a challenge due to lack of resources, therefore saying the contribution from the South African High Commission and other partners is appreciated.

He said the condition of the centre, in terms of the infrastructure is not a conducive one for rehabilitation due to the number of inmates.

Speaking on behalf of the incoming partners, Mr. Teboho Mosehla of Engen Lesotho said it takes a village to raise a child therefore they shall stand in solidarity with the juvenile centre to ensure the well-being of the inmates.

He, however, called in other partners to chip into this matter as there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the centre for creating a welcoming environment for the inmates.

The Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) accommodates under-age prisoners from the age of 11 to 17. Currently there are not more than 70 boys and less than 5 girls at the centre.

Source: LENA 04/08/2023