Empowering the Future: Transforming Disaster Resilience for Lesotho’s Children and Communities

By Lineo Monalana, Advocacy, Policy & Communications Officer (ECHO)

For too long, the unique challenges faced by children during disasters have remained on the margin, even though it is universally known that children comprise 70% of the population affected during disasters. Recognizing that resilience begins with empowerment, World Vision, under the robust support of European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations (ECHO), through Consolidating and Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (CSDRR) has embarked on a journey to ensure that future leaders are not only heard but are active agents in their own safety.

In a vibrant display of courage and critical thinking, children from the primary schools of Koporale and Poloko in Thaba-Tseka took center stage in a spirited debate on disaster preparedness. Centred on the provocative motion, “Rural communities are more vulnerable to disasters than urban communities,” the young debaters engaged in an eye-opening discussion that challenged conventional wisdom. Kananelo Maime from Koporale Primary School insightfully argued that the dispersed nature of rural populations might mean fewer people are affected when disasters strike; an observation that sparked a deeper conversation about the unique vulnerabilities and strengths inherent in different living environments.

Students participating in Disaster Risk Reduction Debate

This debate was much more than an academic exercise but a powerful affirmation that children have valuable insights into disaster risk reduction (DRR). It underscored the urgent need to include them in discussions that directly impact their lives. As these young voices resonated through the debate hall, they signalled a broader call for change: that every child deserves the knowledge and tools to navigate and mitigate the challenges of hazards and disasters.

But the journey toward a resilient future does not stop at the classroom door. In Thaba-Tseka district, the CSDRR project has rolled out a series of comprehensive DRR initiatives designed to fortify both schools and communities. Teachers from various schools undertook intensive training, mastering key Disaster Risk Reduction terminologies, hazard identification techniques, and mitigation strategies. Armed with this knowledge, educators guided their schools in developing and updating School Disaster Preparedness Plans (SDPPs) which is a critical framework that clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and swift response mechanisms for every potential hazard. At the moment, 19 schools proudly stand with updated plans, ready to safeguard the lives and education of their students in times of crisis.

Learners receiving Education on School Disaster Preparedness Plans (SDPPs)

Since disaster preparedness is most effective when it is a community-wide endeavour, World Vision partnered with the Disaster Management Authority, the Ministry of Education, and local business leaders to launch resource mobilization campaigns. Through these efforts, teachers were given a platform to share the pressing infrastructural challenges their schools face. The response was overwhelming: at Nyai Primary School, the business community stepped in with donations that included two new classrooms and renovations for two additional ones, ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted even during extreme weather conditions. Four other schools are currently benefiting from similar renovations, creating safe, conducive learning environments that protect children from the adverse effects of disasters.

Nyai Primary School before World Vision intervention

Beyond the schools, the community members were equipped with the skills to develop their own Disaster Preparedness Plans, transforming localized vulnerabilities into coordinated readiness. A notable achievement in this phase was the donation of a ventilated cargo container to the Lesobeng Community Council, designated for storing critical non-food emergency supplies, this container symbolizes the community’s proactive commitment to disaster management.

This comprehensive initiative is more than just a series of activities, it is a transformative movement. By engaging children, empowering educators, and mobilizing entire communities, World Vision is paving the way for a resilient future in Lesotho. As ‘Mabonolo Moshabesha, World Vision’s dedicated officer, reflects: “These initiatives are about shifting paradigms. By training educators, engaging children, and mobilizing community resources, we’re not just preparing for disasters; we’re building a future where resilience is a shared responsibility.” She said.

Construction of classrooms underway at Nyai Primary School

The work done in this district is a powerful reminder that when we invest in disaster risk reduction and amplify the voices of those most affected, we lay the foundation for a safer, stronger, and more equitable tomorrow. We call on policymakers, donors, and community leaders everywhere to join us in this crucial mission, because every child’s future, every community’s stability, depends on our collective action.

Together, we are not just responding to disasters; we are shaping a resilient future where every voice is heard, every community is protected, and every child is empowered.