…youths equipped with skills to address unemployment
Our Writer
HLOTSE, Leribe – Twenty youths on Friday graduated with certificates from the Film for Community Action (FCA) Workshop, in Hlotse, Leribe. The 20 who were part of a grouping dubbed Girl4ce, were handed their certificates during a ceremony at Help Lesotho in Hlotse. Spearheaded by Khaya Holdings, the initiative offered introductory courses in various film aspects, including scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, photography, acting, and makeup.
The FCA and Khaya Holdings Producer, Puseletso Trinny Sekese said the programme stood as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment, dedicated to shaping the next generation of filmmakers in Lesotho.
Youths’ training encourages them to innovate
“Film For Community Action is more than a workshop; it’s a gateway to reducing unemployment and creating a generation of innovators in Lesotho. Through film making, acting, storytelling, makeup, and related topics, we empower the youth to forge their paths, turning creativity into viable careers,” Sekese said.
Sekese said the 20 graduates showcased their commitment to learning and creativity, marking a significant step towards reducing unemployment and fostering innovation. She expressed gratitude to the programme’s sponsors, including Mergence Lesotho, Econet Telecom Lesotho, the UNDP, the Ministry of Youth, and Help Lesotho, acknowledging their vital role since the program’s inception.
Among the guests were representatives from the ministry of youth, She-Hive Association Lesotho, LENA, the police’s Child and Gender Protection Unit, and Social Development, underlining the collaborative efforts invested in empowering the youth through FCA and GIRL4CE.
Youth says training has empowered him with tools to prevent various abuses
One graduate, Sentle Lethabela, said the GIRL4CE and FCA programmes had empowered him by raising awareness about rights but also equipping him with the tools to prevent and protect the youths against different forms of abuse. This sentiment echoed the programme’s success in creating informed advocates ready to share their knowledge with peers.
Help Lesotho director ‘Mamoletsane Khati reiterated the organisation’s commitment to educating youths about abuse issues. She emphasised the crucial role of GIRL4CE, a youth-led programme dedicated to ending child, early, and forced marriage and gender-based violence through community performances and events.
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Youths’ skills can help civic society to use their films in sensitisation missions
“With the graduates now able to use the acquired skills in film making, Help Lesotho can now use film as a tool to sensitise the communities,” Khati said.
The guests were entertained by a GIRL4CE play addressing child marriages as well as a film, Tsita-Baholo, also produced by GIRL4CE, showcasing the creative talents and impactful narratives developed by the graduates.
Sekese said the FCA graduation symbolised the success of initiatives aimed at empowering youths, fostering creativity, and addressing societal challenges through the lens of film and community action.
