MGYSR COMMEMORATES AFRICAN CHILD DAY
	Maseru, June 13 - The Department of Youth, in the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation will commemorate the International Day of the African Child on Friday at Khukhune in the Butha-Buthe district. The Chief Information Officer of the Ministry, Mr. Bothata Tsikoane said the day is observed to influence a positive approach to children's issues throughout the continent as well as alerting the rest of the world to the situation of children in Africa. He stated that the day also marks the death of young political activist, Tsietsi Mashinini, whose life was lost during the apartheid era in South Africa, adding that the initiative was taken up by the then Organization of African Union (OAU) and is meant to highlight the important role that young people play in bringing a turnaround to challenges that affect their societies. Mr. Tsikoane further mentioned that to date, the day is still remembered in many African countries with the youth choosing different activities that center around the topic of youth empowerment. He said the theme for this year's celebration is 'National Youth Council: An Instrument for Youth Empowerment, Participation and the Right to Protection Against all Forms of Violence', adding that the themes are often provided by the AU, although countries are given opportunity to propose specific sub-themes that may address their concerns. The event is commemorated every year on June 16.
	Source: LENA