In Lesotho, students raised concerns not just about being excluded from school decisions, but also about pressing issues such as disability inclusion, menstrual hygiene, access to sexual and reproductive health rights, the persistence of corporal punishment, poor infrastructure, and the absence of their voices in curriculum design. The results were pupils leaving schools early, especially in rural communities.
This changed in 2024 with creating tools for youth engagement like democratically elected student councils and committees, peace clubs and mediation groups. The creation of platforms where students could be heard was a key factor. Through the formation of student-led clubs, leadership development programs, and school-wide dialogues, learners gained the confidence and tools to advocate for their needs.