Kick4Life hosted a two-day Sustainability Forum on the 6th and 7th May 2025, bringing together key stakeholders, educators, youth entrepreneurs, and environmental advocates to strengthen efforts in climate change mitigation and to promote sustainability across Lesotho.
Supported by the Commonwealth Foundation, the forum had a strong focus on strengthening the youth voice for climate action, and on empowering young people to be leaders in building a sustainable future for the Mountain Kingdom.
The forum, held at Kick4Life’s innovative Stadium of Life, served as a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing green innovations, and building partnerships. Constructed using sustainably sourced timber, and featuring a unique Biodiversity Stand, the Stadium of Life stood not only as the venue for the event but as a tangible example of eco-conscious infrastructure. The tour and presentation of the stadium were conducted by RISE International – the construction partner behind the project – highlighting sustainable building practices and the impact of green architecture in reducing carbon footprints.
The first day brought together stakeholders from various sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, and waste management, with a panel discussion, chaired by Kick4Life’s Country Director, Motlatsi Nkhahle, featuring Limpho Thoahlane of Pheha Plastic, Tefo Mpao of Plant One Tree, Likhapha Khemi of Kick4Life, and ‘Malillane Lillane from MOSCET. Limpho Thoahlane opened the discussion by outlining the visible effects of climate change and how her business, Pheha Plastic contributes to sustainable waste management. Tefo Mpao emphasized the importance of educating the public on climate action and encouraged farmers to invest in smart agriculture techniques. He also pointed to the need for policy enforcement on waste management.
Mr. Nkhahle shared an anecdote about a city so clean that public trash bins were unnecessary, urging Lesotho to raise its environmental standards. He later raised concerns about food security, particularly among youth. In response, Khemi noted that urban youth often lack exposure to agricultural practices, a sentiment echoed by ‘Malillane, who discussed the decline in food production and the sale of agricultural fields. MOSCET’s contributions to renewable energy were also spotlighted, including their partnership with Kick4Life to install solar panels – cutting electricity costs and promoting green energy. The importance of energy access in rural communities was also underlined as critical to both development and environmental protection.
The second day of the forum welcomed teachers from Kick4Life’s partner schools. Discussions delved into how educational systems can foster environmental consciousness from a young age. The panel included Kuleile Mokhitli of Eco Culture, Makhala Henson (a Climate Enterprise Incubator participant), of Molhen Paper Solutions, Likhapha Khemi, and Ramatsoku Rampai of RENOKA. Ramatsoku stressed the role of education in rural and remote areas, advocating for the integration of climate change education into both formal and non-formal curricula, including programs for herd boys. She also called for inclusive community committees and collaboration with organisations such as LNFOD to ensure participation from people with disabilities.
Kuleile Mokhitli highlighted the necessity of community-tailored policies and initiatives such as tree planting followed by sustained care and the use of forested areas for tourism and income generation. Kuleile emphasized the responsibility to educate and hold communities accountable for environmental stewardship. Makhala Henson emphasized the power of youth in climate activism, stating that young people bring innovative ideas and speak the language of their peers, making them effective change agents. Khemi observed a positive shift in children’s understanding of climate change, noting their increasing willingness to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Both days included sessions led by Kick4Life’s Life Skills Coaches under the Lesotho United programme. These sessions demonstrated how climate education is delivered in schools and communities, using interactive methods to inspire behavioural change. The demonstration was followed by a collaborative workshop where attendees engaged in group discussions to generate actionable ideas for improving Kick4Life’s climate response strategy.
