Empowering Communities and Children for Climate Change
By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer, Lesotho
In the relentless pursuit of a sustainable future, World Vision believes that every child has the right to both a healthy and safe environment today and a sustainable future. Our environmental stewardship and climate action work aims to address both the impacts and the causes of climate change and deliver positive development outcomes for children with a clear goal in mind to create a thriving environment by restoring the natural environment and championing climate justice.
With the pressing urgency of climate change, children are calling upon us to take action now. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action is unwavering, addressing both the impacts and causes of climate change while delivering positive development outcomes for children in Lesotho, in Africa and Globally.
In the face of this alarming global challenge, a community-led initiative took place in Ha Hlalele, Rothe Programme Area where World Vision Lesotho works. World Vision, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, orchestrated a Brush Control initiative alongside dedicated Land Rehabilitation groups, local communities and children. This initiative centered around the removal of weeds on the rangelands, imparting essential skills for sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of the Agri-Food Systems.
The formation of Land Rehabilitation groups, spearheaded by World Vision Lesotho, underscores the critical role communities play in combating the far-reaching consequences of climate change. Children, often overlooked in such endeavours, were active participants in the weed removal process, exemplifying that they are not mere bystanders but indispensable stakeholders in the fight against climate change. Their involvement fosters environmental stewardship, instils a sense of responsibility, and contributes to the cultivation of an informed and empowered generation.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry's commitment to the cause was evident through the donation of grass seedlings to the Ha Hlalele communities. Practical demonstrations on seed planting techniques and growth monitoring were conducted, ensuring that community members were equipped to actively contribute to the conservation efforts.
Selomo Monethi, a 28-year-old herd boy, voiced his commitment to preserving the land, acknowledging the importance of responsible practices such as refraining from herding at night and avoiding burning rangelands. His dedication reflects a growing understanding among the youth about the need for sustainable land management.
“Through this initiative, we have come to understand something really important about keeping our rangeland in good shape. It means not herding animals at night, not letting them walk all over the land, and definitely not burning it down. 'Because when we burn it, we're not just destroying the grass; we are wiping out any new plants trying to grow there too. So here I am, standing before you, respected elders, to promise you that I am all in for saving this land. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure it sticks around for a long time.”
So here I am, standing before you, respected elders, to promise you that I am all in for saving this land. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure it sticks around for a long time.” - Selemo Monethi, 28 years old
In a heartfelt poem, 12-year-old Keketso Tlhakola urged stakeholders to collaborate in building and preserving the natural environment, emphasizing the right of children to participate in discussions and solutions related to climate action. “As children we have a right to be part discussions and solutions towards climate action, it is my sincere plea to all stakeholders to work together towards building and maintaining the beauty of our natural environment.”
“As children we have a right to be part discussions and solutions towards climate action, it is my sincere plea to all stakeholders to work together towards building and maintaining the beauty of our natural environment.” - Keketso Tlhakola, 12 Years old
World Vision's Livelihoods & Environmental Sustainability Technical Program Manager, Mr. Kalele Makhera, highlighted World Visions unwavering commitment to child well-being and emphasized the direct impact of rangeland conservation on children's lives.
Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hon. Adonts’i Letsema, commended the Ha Hlalele communities for their dedication and emphasized the ministry's mandate to oversee the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. "I express my deep gratitude to the dedicated Ha Hlalele communities for their commitment to safeguarding our rangelands. As stewards of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, we are entrusted with the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. World Vision, your impactful interventions have left a lasting mark on our nation, and for that, we are immensely thankful. Let today serve as a testament to the potential we unlock when we unite as one community. The grass planted today holds promise as a future source of income and prosperity for the people of Ha Hlalele."
World Vision, your impactful interventions have left a lasting mark on our nation, and for that, we are immensely thankful. - Hon. Adonts’i Letsema
As the grass seedlings take root in Ha Hlalele, this collaborative effort stands as a testament to the power of community-led initiatives, where every individual, regardless of age, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment for present and future generations. The planted grass symbolizes not only a commitment to conservation but also the potential for economic prosperity for the community. Through unity and shared responsibility, Ha Hlalele paves the way for a sustainable and thriving future, showcasing the profound impact that local actions can have on a global challenge.