World Vision Launches Strategy to Aid 650,000 Vulnerable Children in Lesotho

World Vision International Lesotho has launched its 'BOLD HOPE' National Strategy 2026-2030, focusing on enhancing the wellbeing of 650,000 vulnerable children from early childhood to adolescence. The strategy emphasizes Child-Centred programming areas, including health, nutrition, and child protection. This initiative aims to transform lives and empower communities through agile, low-cost, and high-impact programs. World Vision has been active in Lesotho since 1987, operating in six Area Development Programmes and various projects.

The launch of the strategy was highlighted by James Chifwelu, National Director of World Vision Lesotho, as a reaffirmation of their collective commitment to ensuring every child in Lesotho experiences life in its fullness. Chifwelu noted past achievements, such as strengthening child protection systems, advancing advocacy for children's rights, and improving community resilience. He also mentioned improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, support for vulnerable households, and responses to humanitarian crises.

Despite progress, Chifwelu addressed ongoing challenges, including 35 percent of children under five being stunted due to poor nutrition. He pointed out that violence against children remains a significant concern, affecting their safety and development. Many families continue to face poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and climate-related events. Chifwelu emphasized the additional barriers faced by adolescents, especially girls, which limit their opportunities and wellbeing.

Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso commended World Vision's continuous commitment, emphasizing the importance of partnership, compassion, and shared responsibility. She acknowledged persistent socio-economic challenges faced by many children, including violence before reaching adulthood. The Queen raised awareness about the plight of differently abled children who face risks of exclusion, malnutrition, and stunting.

A notable accomplishment mentioned by Chifwelu is the progress made in menstrual health and hygiene management, leading to the creation of the National Menstrual Health Strategy. This milestone illustrates the effectiveness of collaboration between government entities, civil society, communities, and development partners. The strategy directly addresses issues such as eradicating violence against children and improving child health and nutrition.

Rev Peter Koona Tefo, representing the Christian Council of Lesotho, highlighted the significant role of faith leaders in fostering a safe and protective environment for children and their families. He noted that the launch of this strategy signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of children, families, and communities nationwide. The partnership between the council and various organizations focuses on advancing income, influence, and impact for vulnerable children and communities.

16-year-old Molefi Moeketsi, representing children in the community, highlighted the significance of World Vision's training and workshops designed to educate parents and community leaders on preventing violence against children. He shared his experience of attending boot camps and noted the establishment of child-friendly spaces in villages, children's Parliament, and local child committees. Moeketsi expressed gratitude for World Vision's support in providing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Key points

• World Vision aims to enhance the wellbeing of 650,000 vulnerable children in Lesotho through its 'BOLD HOPE' National Strategy 2026-2030.
• The strategy focuses on Child-Centred programming areas, including health, nutrition, and child protection.
• Ongoing challenges include poor nutrition, violence against children, and poverty, which the new strategy aims to address.