Maseru
The Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho has issued a strong public warning over what it describes as an alarming surge in violence against children across the country. The organisation says recent incidents point to a disturbing pattern of abuse, negligence and brutal discipline in schools and childcare facilities.
In its statement, NECDOL recalls that it first raised concern in May 2025 after the rape of a two-year-old at a day-care centre and the death of a five-year-old attributed to a teacher’s negligence. Those incidents, together with earlier cases involving the rape, murder and abuse of children under the age of eight, formed part of what the organisation calls a worsening crisis that has not been met with the urgency it demands.
The latest reports of young children and adolescents suffering serious bodily harm at the hands of teachers under the guise of discipline have renewed fears about the safety of learners in schools. NECDOL says it is deeply troubled that spaces which should offer protection and learning are instead becoming sources of fear for children and parents.
The organisation is calling...
