World Vision scales down aid

LINEO MALATALIANA

MASERU – World Vision Lesotho (WVL) is winding down its two-year project founded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (ECHO) focused on strengthening and capacitating communities in disaster preparedness and response in Lesotho.

The project marked the fourth phase of a series that commenced in 2018 when Lesotho experienced severe weather patterns that saw the likes of the El Nino induced drought, localised flash floods and severe hail and snow storms.

The Strengthening and Consolidating National and Community Capacities for Effective Disaster Preparedness and Response Lesotho, commenced in June 2023 and as expected it sees its end in May 2025.

The project was implemented in the Thaba-Tseka, Maseru, Leribe and Mokhotlong districts.

The closure event touched on the milestones of the project, key achievements, challenges encountered in its lifecycle, hand over and sustainability of the project moving forward. 

“For every project to commence we already have a deadline in mind,” WVL Grant Resources and Acquisitions, Tšeliso Ncheke, said.

Ncheke emphasized that this is what donors and government anticipate in the design of every project.

As part of the meeting WVL and relevant stakeholders in the project held discussion groups to deliberate on the results achieved by the project, seek out gaps, action plans and figure out which departments in government to handover responsibility to.

The Project Coordinator, ‘Mamokomo Lebeko, said that the project mandate was to help assist the Disaster Management Authority in mitigating the harsh effects of disasters.

“Through the project we have been able to assist people in the allocated areas with skills on how to better prepare for disasters and heed the importance of early response to early warning,” Lebeko said.

One of the fundamental milestones achieved by the project was ensuring that in line with direct policy, specifically in line with the constitution of the country, the project has ensured that children have access to education.

The project has helped WVL in collaboration with the business community from the four districts have seen to reconstruction of schools and toilets to ensure that children in those areas are given the best possible experience in a school setting.

“We usually look at climate related events as true disasters, but anything that disrupts peoples live can be considered a disaster, for instance we are still recovering from Covid-19,” Lebeko said.

She emphasized that disaster preparedness is essential in ensuring that people are well equipped to handle effects of disasters and plan their livelihoods well to avoid dire effects.

In an address by the WVL National Director, James Chifwelu, underscored that this moment is not only celebratory, it is also an opportunity for reflection.

“This initiative was entered with the objective to strengthen the capacity of communities and authorities for disaster preparedness,” Chifwelu said.

The address went on to point out that through the initiative communities have been left in a better position to withstand situations that might befall them.

To end off the meeting, WVL handed over the aspects of the project to the compatible government institutions that have been equally involved in the undertaking of the project.

First, WVL handed all education related issues to the Ministry of Education and Training and a big bulk of disaster management mandate to the Disaster Management Authority.

Speaking at the event Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of service delivery, Dr Mahlape Morai, said: “Today marks a significant and emotional moment for us as the LMPS, as we bid farewell to a partner that has stood with us, WVL.”

Morai expressed gratitude to the collaboration and friendship that has been established and sustained through the years between the two institutions.

The deputy commissioner pointed out WVL has not only been a strategic partner but has been an ally in the protection of children.

She also showed that the organisation has stayed true to their motto, “Our vision for every child, life in its fullness; Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.”