“I realised that sometimes all young people need is someone to help them see the opportunities that life still offers.”
That conviction has shaped Jeremiah Mabathoane’s ministry for years. As he looked around his community in Maseru, he saw too many young people surrendering their futures before they had truly begun. Some became trapped by drugs. Others faced teenage pregnancy. Many simply gave up, believing they had no opportunities left.
Rather than watching another generation lose hope, Jeremiah, an alumnus of African Christian College, decided to become part of the solution.
Drawing on his education and passion for serving others, he established the Youth Synagogue, an initiative that combines adolescent health education with life skills development. His vision was simple but powerful: help young people discover that one mistake, one failed exam, or one difficult circumstance does not have to define the rest of their lives.
Sometimes all young people need is someone to empower them and help them see the diverse opportunities that the world offers rather than giving up because they couldn’t succeed in the traditional academic path.
Jeremiah Mabathoane, ACC Graduate.
“I had seen how lack of information about HIV/AIDS contributed to how young people lost hope for a better future. In the same way, many lost hope because they failed an exam or had no one to encourage them to pursue higher education.”
The Youth Synagogue was designed to meet young people where they were and help them move forward.
Those who struggled academically were introduced to practical opportunities such as farming, handicrafts, art, and other vocational skills that could provide meaningful livelihoods. Some were connected with vocational training institutions where they could continue developing their talents.
Others who wanted to continue their education received encouragement and support to improve their results. For many, passing English opened the door to higher education and renewed confidence in their future.
Jeremiah also recognised that not every young person excels in the classroom. Young people with exceptional sporting ability were connected with organisations where they could develop their talent, and some were eventually scouted by professional teams.
For Jeremiah, the lesson remains the same.
“Sometimes all young people need is someone to empower them and help them see the diverse opportunities that the world offers rather than giving up because they couldn’t succeed in the traditional academic path.”
Through his ministry, many young people have found renewed purpose and direction. By recognising the potential in others and helping them discover new possibilities, Jeremiah is nurturing a generation of young people who now have reason to believe that their future is still worth pursuing.
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