Quthing, Dec_More than 200 Youth from different villages within Quthing Urban Council gathered at Liphakoe Pitso ground to organize an event to officially launch the Youth Voluntary Community Service Programme of Lesotho Mounted Police Service on Friday.

Speaking at the same event, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ezekiel Senti who is In charge of Crime Prevention in Lesotho Mounted Police Service , said the programme is intended to promote positive citizenship among youth by encouraging them to be more engaged in their own community.

He indicated that the programme will promote patriotism among Basotho youth thus they will be committed to protection of their country, its community and property for peace and stability to reign in their motherLand.

ACP Santi said after the event, attendants should get organised and develop community service plans for their respective areas, keep themselves busy and get committed in whatever they do.

He added that they should also clean their town, care for the elderly, protect, respect and love one another, and engage in sports for promotion of teamwork and their leadership skills.

Speaking at the same event the District Council Secretary Mrs. ‘Marelebohile Ntsukunyane expressed gratitude for the programme saying it will make Lesotho a better place since patriotism is a key to the success and development of every country.

She encouraged the youth to start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom,

And further encouraged them to do their responsibilities at their families and communities, and focus on their studies to become better citizens of Lesotho.

The District Police Commander Senior Superintendent ‘Mamoipone Mohloai said the youth community service programme will bring positive results from family level since it will install a culture of voluntarism and leadership among Basotho youth for improvement of their lives.

She pointed out that the Quthing police will work hand in hand with the youth from their respective areas to make the programme activities a success and further advise youth to be serious with programme activities as they open different opportunities such as career development and jobs in their lives.

L/Sgt Lirontso Shale from Gender and Protection Unit (CGPU) of the Quthing Police Charge Office encouraged the youth to avoid human trafficking in all ways saying human trafficking includes being offered paying, tertiary education from abroad with benefits and people of goodwill will help vulnerable people.

She said Youth is at high risk of human trafficking, they assist each other to avoid its traps, and get committed in activities aimed to improve their lives.

One of the youth at the event who also lives with physical disability Mr. Katheho Masitise expressed gratitude for the programme saying it will support them to change their mind-set and focus on what will bring them better results in life, accept and live peacefully with people with disabilities not giving them unacceptable names.

A member of Quthing Urban Police Service Area from Ha-Mosuoe village said Mrs. ‘Malintle Ts’oeute said the programme demonstrates the commitment of Lesotho in government in promotion of peace and stability in the country.