The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Seboping Unipod, has hosted an event in Maseru, bringing together young creatives to showcase their art and innovation to spark conversations around issues affecting them and their communities.
Sponsored by Econet Telecom Lesotho, the Creative Challenge was held last Monday under the theme “Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Through Creativity.”
The challenge sought to raise awareness about GBV, substance abuse and mental health while providing young people with a platform to express themselves and use their creative talents to address social challenges.
Speaking at the event, Lerotholi Polytechnic College Rector Tlali Sepiriti said the initiative provides a space for young people to use creativity to raise awareness about issues affecting their generation.
“Young creatives, your performances are more than just that; they are messages, solutions and expressions of hope. Every voice is a step towards a positive outcome,” he said.
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Vice-Chancellor, Advocate Tefo Macheli, congratulated UNDP and its partners for the initiative, saying it was important to address sensitive issues such as GBV, substance abuse, alcohol and drug abuse among young people.
He said the Creative Challenge went beyond capacity building as it also provided an opportunity to identify and showcase the raw talent of Basotho youth.
On her part, UNFPA Assistant Representative Mots’elisi Phakisisaid the organisation was honoured to be part of the initiative and encouraged young people to continue using creativity to communicate the realities of GBV, substance abuse and mental health.
“Gender-based violence affects mostly young people mentally. We are here to appeal to the youth to continue using creativity to communicate these challenges and to collaborate with us in addressing these issues,” she noted.
She said creativity gives young people the power to tell their stories, support their peers, and advocate for safer environments where they can thrive.
Creative approaches could help drive important messages home and encourage communities to take action.
“Together, we can build a safer, healthier and more inclusive future for every young person,” Phakisi said.
In her closing remarks, Minister of Information, Communications, Innovation, Science and Technology NthatiMoorosi described the Creative Challenge as the beginning of many initiatives to help the youth.
Moorosi said the programme demonstrated that creativity goes beyond arts and entertainment, noting that it can be used as a tool for problem-solving, healing, advocacy, innovation and national transformation.
“This challenge reminded us that young people are innovators, storytellers, entrepreneurs and builders of solutions. The work presented has been thoughtful, bold, impressive and socially relevant,” she pointed out.
She further commended the work being done through SebopingUnipod in providing platforms that nurture innovation and creativity among young Basotho.
