Lesotho Red Cross Society youths are concerned that although they meet every year to build each other with a view to achieve their goals within the society; they however, fail to stick to their plans as per their meetings.
This was said during the two-day Fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was held at the Institute of Development Management (IDM) from March 1 – 2, 2019.
The National Youth AGM is a platform where youths from the 10 districts converge to compile their annual reports as well as receive a report from the national youth executive committee.
In his opening address, the Secretary General of LRCS Mr. Kopano Masilo said despite the challenges that they have encountered, they have however, become better people.
‘’Your presence here indicates that you are not scattered but optimistic about the 2019. We have things to do and roles to play so let’s get on with them,” Mr Masilo said.
He encouraged the youths to works hard and dedicate their time to being agents of peace, pledging support to their course whenever there is a need. The Secretary General on the other hand said he is eagerly waiting for the youth plans for 2019. He reminded them that their plans have to be line with the Strategic Plan (SP) 2018 -2022, which the youth took part in formulating. He said Goal 3 in the SP which specifically talks about the Youth as Agents of Change.
The secretary General emphasized that LRCS is looking forward to implementing the goal, to turn our country into a peaceful country. He mentioned that he as a person wishes the LRCS youth could influence the whole youth in the country and make our country a peaceful one. He showed that the challenges encounter helped to turn into opportunities to iron out issues. He showed that the LRCS staff is willing to support the youth and Divisional activities that are to be planned. He urged the youth delegates to support in consolidation of plans so that youth activities are incorporated. He urged them to be more active.
The LRCS President Mr Silas Mosuhli said whenever the youths want things to be implemented; they should reduce that into writing and file a report.
‘‘It is in meetings like this one where national decisions are made,” Mr Mosuhli said.
He appealed to the youths to always bear in mind the fundamental principles of the Society, which include Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntarism, Unity and Universality. When addressing the Youth AGM the President of Society Mr Mosuhli emphasised on the importance of being active in their respective divisions where they are visible in community work for the most vulnerable
“Right now honestly I don’t know what the youth is doing in the country from all the ten Divisions
He said that the board wishes to know the plans for youth
He compared the youth of now and of last time; “during our days you would never find our office surroundings dirty. Every weekend we ensured that we cleaned the surroundings, painted the buildings if necessary. It used fun and educational” the President said.
He said the AGM time is time for introspection and look back and check if there were any achievements and if not why and also to make plans for the future.
The LRCS president further stated that that was the time to introspect themselves whether we have achieved what we planned or failed, and plan a way forward. He emphasized that it is very crucial for all Divisions to participate in the AGM as they did, and asked them to stand up so he could see them. He also thanked the former Youth Presidents who were present. On one hand, he indicated that he knows that each Division has its own plan. On the other hand, said that the board wishes to know the plans for youth. He showed that being a volunteer is not that easy as we have other commitments, and that will make us understand each other and have patience with one another.
Apart from these, said that the conduct and they way one handles issues of the Society, applying the Fundamental Principles is important. Additionally, the president talked of the youth activities/services at districts level; that he has not seen anything they do. He compared the youth of now and of last time, by the surroundings of their Divisions which are not clean, which might be caused by the lack of resources. He asked if the youth approaches the office of the SG about how to get resources. He indicated that he was aware that there will be elections; which need to be dealt with applying wisdom, as people differ according to their skills, gifts and experiences. Mr. Mosuhli showed that as they will be elected to perform some assignments, support to them is necessary.
The president urged that those who will be elected should have no agenda to fix or revenge, but to focus on sustaining the National Society. He further noted that such meeting recommends issues to be discussed at National AGM. The president finally said that he wants to make a special plea to the SG, that next year 2019 when we come to the national AGM, we should have some attire. He urged that we should forgive each other and address the issues of concerns, especially if they don’t need financial resources. He officially declared the meeting opened but apologized for c coming late.
done due to youth suspension which resulted to pending of most of the activities.
For his part, the Youth President Mr. Lets’oele Matooane reminded his fellow volunteers about the mission and the vision of the Society, which are to alleviate human suffering by promoting capacity in building resilience of the most vulnerable communities in Lesotho as well as inspiring, attracting and retaining skills and partners.
In respect of the Society’s strategic planning, Mr Matooane said in the human resource policy, whenever there is a job opening, everyone should be given a privilege to demonstrate their skill as well as their knowledge.
On the issue of community mobilization; it was suggested that the program on health issues awareness, including first aid should be published on social media so that they could be readily accessed anytime and whenever. The Youth observed that Articles in the Constitution that address youth issues are very vague or missing. The youth therefore, urged the President of the Society Mr. Silas Mosuhli who came to official open the AGM to ensure that the pleas of the youth are heard.
The Youth also suggested that it is important to have the following;
- An orientation program for people who want to join the Society. They suggested that such a program should disseminate deeper information about the mandate of the Society so that new recruits do not misunderstand the mandate of the Society and start demanding things out of the mandate.
- For an induction annually newly elected committees; there should be an induction so that all structures are informed about their roles to avoid friction and conflict
They suggested that participants of such training should be staff, Divisional Committees, National Youth Executive Committee and National Executive Committee.
Recommendations to Resolutions
- It was recommended that youth resolutions be presented at the National AGM for them to endorse or not. The emphasis was that youth should be united on their agreements.
- It was also suggested that a certain percentage be given to Divisions on projects at Divisional level, but that should be done through negotiations with involved parties. E.g. 2% to Division for its fundraising sustainability.
- Presentations of Youth Resolutions
- Youth Officer should form part of LRCS Management, not to report to any other LRCS Officer considering that youth is the strength of the Society.
- Divisional youth committees must report quarterly to the National Youth committee. Chairpersons must have copies of the reports sent to the NYEC.
- Youth should form part of the compilation of final Divisional reports.
- When Divisional Secretaries engage youth in the Society projects, Divisional youth committees must participate in the selection criteria.
- Youth stipends from projects must be uniform across board, less than M1500.00 no contribution but above that 10% must be contributed to the LRCS.
- When there are misunderstandings in the Divisional level/National level; Constitutional procedures must be followed to address the matter within the period of 3 months using the Lesotho Red Cross Society instruments tools e.g. Policies (Youth) and Volunteer Policy.
One of the youths, Mr. Pheko Phera suggested that the society should aim at recruiting different groups of people including gays, lesbians, Chinese as well as Indians residing in Lesotho as they are part of the community.
Mr. Phera advised his fellow youth to avoid fake reports and statements as they ruin the reputation of the organisation.
“The presented reports were so clear that, if some of us had not prepared fake reports, the LRCS would have been far by now.” He said.
Another youth, Ms. ’Maneo Lethena urged the youths that when they are given an opportunity to perform a certain task, they show commitment and leave behind personal agendas.
Mr. Khauhelo Mosenene suggested that people should stick to their responsibilities as that would help develop the Society further.
“We meet annually and exchange ideas and strategies to use in order to overcome the challenges we meet. But if we failed to implement those strategies, then our meetings would be in vain,” Mr. Mosenene said.
He said it was imperative that the youths find means to raise funds and stop asking for financial assistance for their projects.
- Elections outcome
- Vice President – Ts`okoliso Mothibeli (30 votes)
Teboho Leipa – (7 votes)
- Members:
Ms. Nthatisi Lesala (32 votes)
Mr. Molemo Thulo (28 votes)
Mr. Khosi Lekiba (27 votes)
Mr. Tumelo Mangiya (22 votes)
Mr. Lieketseng Mafantiri (18 votes)
Ms. Ntoetse Sekhonyana (17 votes)
Ms. `Maneo Lethena (16 votes)
Mr. Katleho Kamele (15 votes)
- Word of encouragement from Mr.Nkhet`se
He encouraged the newly elected committee that there are many activities youth can do, that do not need money e.g. town cleaning, tree planting, road safety campaigns etc. He indicated that this team needs leadership training; which he can assist with free of charge. He showed that leadership is all about the people, not about being elusion. He encouraged the team to consult their districts, and not decide without consulting their respective districts. He made the team aware that they on a governance seat; whereas National Youth Officer`s duty is to implement youth activities. He finally wished them well in their new endeavour.
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