By Mpho Shelile
Berea – To strengthen the quality of media coverage on pressing social issues, World Vision Lesotho, in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho, hosted a three-day conference aimed at equipping journalists with enhanced knowledge and skills.
The training focused on reporting sensitive topics, including the elimination of child labour, human trafficking, and disability inclusion, while promoting responsible, ethical journalism.
Held in Berea, the conference attracted journalists from various media houses alongside representatives from civil society organizations such as Beautiful Dream Society, Lesotho National Federation of the Disabled (LNFOD) and Ministry of Gender, advocacy groups, and policymakers. The event highlighted the critical role of the media in not only reporting facts but also amplifying marginalized voices and fostering social inclusion and awareness.
The program focused on teaching journalists how to craft impactful narratives that protect the dignity of vulnerable populations, including survivors of child exploitation and people living with disabilities. It emphasized the importance of sensitivity and accuracy when covering these issues to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or causing further harm to already marginalized communities.
In his presentation, Mr. Kopano Tšilonyane, a representative of the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD), called for balanced and inclusive reporting to raise awareness of disability issues. Tšilonyane commended Lesotho’s progress in developing laws and policies aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities but emphasized that stigma and discrimination still persist at the community level.
“Lesotho has made significant strides in enacting policies like the National Disability Mainstreaming Plan, the Inclusive Education Plan, and the National Disability and Rehabilitation Policy (NDRP). These frameworks are key to ensuring people with disabilities can access essential services,” Tšilonyane said.
However, he stressed that legislative advancements are often undermined by deeply ingrained societal attitudes that limit the full participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social activities. He also made emphasis that even though others are benefiting from the policies, lack of budget to implement this policy hinders others to benefit as well.
Tšilonyane emphasized that beyond policy, a shift in societal attitudes is necessary to remove barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and public services for people with disabilities. “Changing attitudes and removing obstacles that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing equal opportunities is crucial,” he explained.
He urged journalists to move beyond traditional reporting by giving persons with disabilities an authentic platform to voice their experiences and challenge negative stereotypes. “Journalists have the power to reshape public perceptions. Ethical journalism can dismantle stereotypes, raise awareness, and advocate for meaningful social change,” Tšilonyane added.
The conference also tackled the root causes of child labour and human trafficking, issues that remain persistent in Lesotho. Experts explained that poverty, unemployment, weak law enforcement, and lack of awareness create fertile ground for the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. Journalists were trained to conduct in-depth investigations to expose these underlying factors while holding public institutions accountable for their role in combating exploitation.
Participants learned that sensitive storytelling is essential when reporting on survivors of human trafficking and/or and child labour. “Journalists must be mindful of the impact their stories have on survivors. Framing narratives with empathy and accuracy can empower affected individuals and communities,” facilitators advised. They discouraged sensationalism, urging the media to focus on stories that inspire action and policy improvements.
World Vision Ms. Massisa Ndabarepresentatives encouraged journalists to highlight success stories where communities or organizations have made significant strides in addressing child labour, human trafficking, or disability issues. Adding that such positive reporting can inspire change and demonstrate that progress is possible, even in challenging circumstances.
The event also emphasized that journalists play an essential role in bridging the gap between policy and community realities. Reporting on legislative efforts alone is not enough, journalists were urged to focus on how policies translate into real-world change for marginalized populations.
The three-day conference provided an interactive platform for dialogue between the media, advocacy organizations, and civil society groups. Discussions centred on how journalists can collaborate with advocacy groups to ensure more informed, inclusive, and impactful reporting. Participants were encouraged to build networks that would help them gain reliable sources and better understand complex social issues.
Journalists left the event with new tools and techniques to approach their work from a more informed perspective. They were reminded that their stories have the power to influence policy decisions, drive social change, and shape public perceptions. The event underscored that responsible journalism, focused on promoting human dignity and justice is essential for fostering inclusive development in Lesotho.
As Lesotho continues to fight stigma, exploitation, and discrimination, the media’s role remains vital. Journalists were encouraged to stay vigilant, ethical, and empathetic in their work, ensuring that the stories they tell promote justice, equality, and empowerment for all. With the training from this conference, they are better prepared to champion the voices of the vulnerable, hold institutions accountable, and report responsibly on sensitive issues.
The conference concluded on a positive note, with participants committing to apply the insights gained to their work. By prioritizing ethical, inclusive journalism, the media can ensure that progress is not just reported but actively driven forward one story at a time.