EU funded Phase IV Disaster Risk Reduction Project kickstarts in Lesotho through World Vision
By: Thapelo Tseko, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Lesotho
World Vision International Lesotho (WVIL) recently hosted a dynamic startup workshop, uniting key national stakeholders to inaugurate the groundbreaking Consolidation and Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (CSDRR) project, a venture generously funded by the European Union (EU) with a substantial EUR 1,743,724.94 grant.
This visionary project, which commenced its journey in June 2023 and is slated to conclude in May 2025, is strategically unfolding across the districts of Maseru (rural), Leribe, Thaba-Tseka, and Mokhotlong.
The three-day workshop served a dual purpose: firstly, to enlighten vital stakeholders about the project's profound objectives and development, and secondly, to encourage their unwavering support for future endeavors.
The workshop's introduction featured a media breakfast meeting, where media houses were formally introduced to the project and encouraged to become active contributors to its mission noting the important role the media plays in creating awareness in emergencies and disasters.
During this pivotal gathering, Ms. Nthabeleng Seitlheko, from Moeletsi oa Basotho newspaper in her remarks, complimented on World Vision for its successful execution of the previous three project phases and its commitment to advancing to the fourth phase of disaster risk reduction.
She emphasized the need to engage the media without bias or discrimination among various media houses, highlighting the importance of using multiple media channels to reach the most vulnerable populations to inform and engage on disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and overall disaster management in their respective areas. In a resounding show of solidarity, she concluded her remarks with a clear vote of support for the project throughout its implementation.
This transformative project encompasses five thematic pillars:
1. Strengthening the Multi Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) and Early Action (EA) to mitigate the impact of shocks and disasters.
2. Empowering local institutions with enhanced logistics preparedness through strategic emergency stockpiling and management training.
3. Fostering enhanced coordination among local and national institutions for disaster preparedness, with the integration of Disaster Preparedness (DP) policies and guidelines across all sectors.
4. Elevating the Education in Emergencies (EiE) policy landscape and bolstering the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of schools.
5. Equipping households with the ability to respond to rapid-onset shocks and emergencies through a crisis modifier.
Mr. James Chifwelu, WVIL National Director, delivered a moving opening speech, underscoring the previous phases' impact, which had already reached a commendable 41,265 individuals and 12,265 children since 2018. With the start of this new phase, the paramount objective is to strengthen Lesotho's resilience against disasters and mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather patterns.
He highlighted that this project aligns with the urgent call of Sustainable Development Goal 13, focusing on combating climate change and its repercussions, particularly in preparedness and risk reduction. In his closing words, he called for collective action to safeguard future generations from the harsh realities of climate change.
WVIL has played a pivotal role as a sub-grantee to World Vision Austria in executing the European Union-funded disaster risk reduction project since 2018. Elisabeth Leitner, International Programmes representing World Vision Austria, provided a comprehensive overview of EU humanitarian assistance in Lesotho dating back to 2018, shedding light on EU's project funding mechanisms, expectations, and selection criteria.
In an inspiring confirmation of collaboration, Mr. Masahiro Matsumoto, Deputy Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), announced the development of an early warning system, suggesting that synergies could be harnessed to maximize existing resources. He highlighted the project's timeliness for both organizations to strengthen their partnership.
Ms. Matlhokomelo Mejaele from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) expressed her hope to unite her organization with the cause, focusing on enhancing education in Lesotho to equip learners with vital life skills.
Representing the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), Ms. 'Mats'episo Tlebere underscored her organization's commitment to protecting wetlands and rangelands, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Ms. 'Mamonaheng Monoto, on behalf of the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), emphasized that early warning systems constitute the core of DMA's mission. She applauded the project for complementing ongoing initiatives by WFP and Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), covering areas not addressed by other projects. In her closing remarks, she expressed profound gratitude for the project's efforts to enhance coordination within DMA.
The workshop also saw the participation of representatives from various sectors, including media, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), Lesotho Correctional Service, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Police and Home Affairs, Ministry of Defense, National Security and Environment, and the Food and Nutrition Coordination Office (FNCO).
It's crucial to acknowledge the European Union's remarkable commitment to humanitarian aid and its pivotal role in alleviating human suffering worldwide. Through the Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the EU continues to extend a helping hand to millions affected by conflicts and disasters, epitomizing the spirit of global solidarity and compassion. With its global network of offices, the EU remains steadfast in providing assistance based on the pressing humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations worldwide.