Maseru — Lesotho Youth Federation (LYFE) received total amount of US$5,912,00 from American Embassy - Lesotho recently. Together with other three organisa- tions, the federation signed the agreement with the embassy.

Lesotho Youth Federation is the mother body of Youth organisations in Lesotho. Since its foundation in 199, it has been holding workshops, seminars, discussion sessions and other means of communication for members. The amount requested will help "LYFE" fulfill its project - "STUDENTS-CONFLICT" resolution. The Federation is aware that the student activity at high schools is characte-rised by violent means of problem solving. The manner of which student affairs are handled by authorities promotes irresponsibility and carelessness among students leaders. There is no clear students grievance procedures at schools.

Usually they burst into violent action in an attempt to solve their problems, all of which could be dealt without hassle. Another contributing factor is authorities attitude of imposing upon student leaders. In many occasions, such imposition has been done with total misconception of naughty boys and girls, if male student leaders shall behave well. Instead of bringing desired results this creates irreparable damage to the students character. The problem manifests itself in continuing strikes, student unruliness all of which frustrate learning environment. In a nutshell the problems result in no open and clear students grievance procedures, imposing of student structure's which are not even reflected in the Education Act.

The federation's goal is that at the end of three years, participating schools shall have well established student grievance procedure. Through this project (student-conflict), the federation has the following objectives; to curb violence against school authorities by establishing link between students and authorities, inspire culture of debate and peaceful co-existence among students by promoting negotiated solution to problems as well as turning schools into conducive learning environment for students.

The interested schools in close working relationship with relevant department of education shall be identified. The meeting with headmasters shall be organised to give explanation of the project. The next step shall be a visit to schools and an identification of student organisations existing in schools. The federation is of the view point that student organisations representatives in schools must form a council which shall also include direct representatives of classes and other student activities.

Students shall further be engaged in defining grievance procedures that can be followed to address their concerns. I hope this shall be done in consideration of vicues and reaction of school authorities.

The aim is for this project will make students to be responsible citizens in Lesotho. When they extend this leadership, they will work better not only at high school level but even at tertiary level. The project will also facilitate community development activities that will enable the students to express their views.