01/06/2026
First Session Activity Round-Up
As we reflect on the first session of the year, we are proud of the many opportunities that enabled the Lesotho Girl Guides Association to continue empowering girls and young women through leadership development, advocacy, service, learning, and representation at national, regional, and international levels.
We proudly joined millions of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world in celebrating World Thinking Day, a special occasion that reminds us of the strength of our global sisterhood and our shared commitment to building a better world through friendship, leadership, and service.
This session showcased the growing leadership potential of our members through participation in the Moot Court and Debate Competitions, where one of our Girl Guides had the honour of serving as a judge. Her involvement reflected the confidence, critical thinking, impartiality, and leadership skills that Guiding seeks to instill in young women, while also demonstrating the trust placed in young people to contribute meaningfully to important educational platforms.
On the international stage, we were proud to have one of our members represent Lesotho at the prestigious Helen Storrow Seminar held at Our Chalet in Switzerland. Bringing together young women from different parts of the world, the seminar provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore leadership, environment, global citizenship, and intercultural learning. Through engaging discussions, shared experiences, and personal reflection, our representative gained valuable insights that will continue to strengthen her leadership journey while proudly showcasing the potential of Basotho girls within the global Guiding Movement.
We are also proud to celebrate the selection of one of our members as a 2026 WAGGGS Global Advocacy Champion. Through this prestigious global network, she joins young women from across the world who are committed to advancing gender equality and advocating for the rights of girls and young women at local, national, and international levels. As an Advocacy Champion, she will contribute to global conversations on issues affecting girls and young women and engage in advocacy initiatives connected to platforms such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The Association also participated in the Consortium Business Workshop, creating opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. The workshop strengthened our understanding of partnership building, organizational development, and sustainable approaches that support the continued growth and impact of our work with girls and young women.
The Association was also proudly represented through an international volunteer placement programme in the United Kingdom, where one of our members served as an Autumn/Winter volunteer from November 2025 to March 2026. During the placement, she shared her experiences as a Girl Guide and young leader from Lesotho while promoting cultural exchange, global citizenship, and the values of the Guiding Movement. Her volunteer service further showcased the ability of young women in Guiding to serve as ambassadors for both their country and the global sisterhood of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Our commitment to youth participation and civic engagement was further demonstrated through our involvement in the Commonwealth Day celebrations. Our Chief Commissioner joined the British High Commissioner and other distinguished partners in commemorating Commonwealth Day and celebrating the winners of the Commonwealth Essay Competition. The occasion highlighted the importance of empowering young voices, fostering creativity, and encouraging active citizenship among young people across the Commonwealth.
LGGA also continued to actively engage in platforms that influence policy, governance, and the wellbeing of children and young people through participation in the CSO Forum and engagements related to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC). These platforms provided opportunities to contribute to discussions on child rights, youth participation, advocacy, and the creation of an enabling environment where children and young people can thrive.
At the regional level, another member of the Association participated in a SADC Election Observation Mission Long-Term Observer Training Programme. The training strengthened participants' understanding of democratic governance, electoral processes, human rights, civic participation, inclusivity, and the role of citizens in promoting transparent and credible democratic processes. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, civil society, and other stakeholders in democratic systems across the region. Through this opportunity, our member gained valuable knowledge and experience that contributes to strengthening youth leadership and civic engagement.
Climate action and environmental stewardship also remained an important focus during the session. As a member of the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC), where the Lesotho Girl Guides Association chairs the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, LGGA continues to contribute to national efforts aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development. During the quarter, our Chief Commissioner participated in a peer-to-peer exchange study visit to Uganda, which brought together stakeholders working on climate adaptation and climate finance. The visit provided valuable opportunities to learn from Uganda's successful implementation of community-driven climate adaptation initiatives, decentralized climate financing mechanisms, and innovative approaches to strengthening resilience at local government level. Through engagements with government officials, development partners, and local communities, the delegation explored practical solutions for addressing climate-related challenges while promoting sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development.
As we conclude the first session, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, volunteers, partners, supporters, and friends of Guiding for their continued dedication and support. Together, we continue to create opportunities for girls and young women to discover their potential, develop their leadership skills, amplify their voices, and make meaningful contributions within their communities, the region, and the world.
Together, we continue to learn, lead, serve, and inspire.
Kennedy Mosoti Gahar
