We the children and young people of LESOTHO have, in this first NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN`S PARLIAMENT on LEADERSHIP, through discussion and debate learned many things about the conditions and circumstances of children and young people in our Country.

We, recognise that we experience many social problems and challenges like poverty, unemployment, high costs of living, inequality, HIV/AIDS, crime, discrimination especially in regard to those who are differently challenged e.g. physically disabled, deaf and the visually impaired and other social ills. We acknowledge that equally many positive changes have taken place over the years.

As children, we have learnt to express ourselves and to develop our self esteem. Parliament made us feel proud of ourselves. We found values such as respect, mutual respect and trust as important aspects of our lives and that of leadership. We were able to assert ourselves through expressing our ideas, views and opinions.

In this process, we have realised that Child Participation is very important. We were able to truly explore issues in the lives of children. We were able, through participation, to change the understanding and circumstances of our lives by getting involved. We have learnt to appreciate our united strength as we were able to discover many more issues that affected children than we would have as individuals. Unity is strength:  activities of collaboration and co-operation with others gave us a better understanding of the lives of young people in LESOTHO.

We learnt to conquer fear; learnt to believe in ourselves and to work for our goals, no matter what the obstacle. Children, as bearers of Rights are entitled to protection, and development. Children are a reality and therefore should not be neglected, exploited or pushed into some corner.

We have proved, if given opportunities, we can express ourselves honestly. We have learnt that we can play an effective role in our own lives. We have learnt that, through dialogue we can find solutions to life`s challenges and that we, too, can change the way society treats its young citizens.