The fact that young people are not part in acceleration of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is a great concern to Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) as well as to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Lack of knowledge among teachers is one of most complicated aspects which constrain students to acquaint themselves with MDGs. Teachers are sources of inspiration for young people, they are mentors and role-models of the children, if teachers are not informed about millennium development goals it is therefore logical for students not to understand the purpose of MDGs. Lack of good practices of information sharing and disseminations within the school environment present itself as another challenge which impede students’ participation in advancement of MDGs.

Exclusion of students together with their formations in policies has detrimentally perpetuated a disinterest of youth in policies similar to MDGs. Involvement of students’ councils and students formations is also an issue, which had always undermined capacity and competence of students in regard to advancement of the GOALS. Despite the fact that it is quite obvious, the truth of the matter is that any success of MDGs is confined within parameters of creating space for students to participate in the implementation of the goals.

This understanding calls for localization and domestication of the MDGs through a strategic communications and advocacy plan to expand MDGs outreach from policy level to simplified version in schools.

Thus TRC in a joint venture with UNDP have decided to stage MDGs – students’ debates competition for high schools and secondary schools in Lesotho. This debates competition shall be one of the mouth pieces of the views of young people on policy issues pertains to the goals.     

MDGs Debates is basically a platform meant to provide more space for students to have dialogue on millennium development goals. This competition will further underscore impact as well as progress made by Lesotho in regard to the implementation of the goals. Students are expected to state their views on this policy and show their inspiration and commitment to the Goals in speeding MDGs progress in their respective schools. They are further expected to appreciate the relevance of MDGs in their daily endeavours.  In this competition, participants must demonstrate a broader perspective and show ability to handle the debates and topic well.  

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) students debate competition will be held at Manthabiseng Convention Centre on 27^th October 2011 Schools were requested to send five representatives inclusive of teachers to this event. These participating schools have been drawn from five districts which are Maseru, Berea, Leribe, Mafeteng and Mohale’ Hoek.