Young people at Bobete, in Thaba-Tseka gathered in their numbers for an awareness creation session on this year’s  World Population Day theme, “Investing in Teenage Girls,” on Saturday (09/07/2016)

One of the girls Sebolelo Tumahole (13) said, “We have talked about early marriage, which could lead to early pregnancies and early child birth resulting in serious consequences such as hemorrhage and obstetric fistula.” She added, “What I learnt today will help me be independent and be able to resist boys’ sexual advances. I am also going to advice my peers to avoid the repercussions brought by early marriage and early sexual debut.”

Another girl, Nteboheleng Maanela (19) said she learnt not to engage in a relationship with someone older than her. She alluded that she received more information and knowledge also regarding human trafficking.

Young males who also attended the session, Khang Lepekola (21) and Mohato Lekanyane (20) said they leant to protect themselves and not to indulge in sex at early stages, adding, “We understood this bid perfectly and liked it,”

The session was facilitated by, among others, representatives from Child and Gender Protection Unit and Ministry of Home Affairs. Teenage girls and boys gathered in numbers and with appreciation to receive awareness about this auspicious event.

Lesotho marks world population day alongside other countries of the world on the 11th July. This year the theme is “Investing in Teenage Girls.” The commemoration at Bobete will feature among others, a community dialogue, traditional songs and dances, artistic and innovative portrayal of the theme as understood by teenage girls in this community as well as speeches.

World Population Day was first commemorated globally in 1987 to raise awareness of important population and development issues.