Faith Leaders join in the fight against climate change!

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer, Lesotho

Climate change is a global threat and arguably one of the most dangerous crises in modern times. Lesotho is no exception, and the country has been experiencing recurring droughts due to its semi-arid climate and vulnerability to climate change. These droughts have impacted agricultural productivity, water availability, and food security in the country. It is therefore imminent for the country to join the rest of the world in taking action to fight the effects of climate change on the lives of those living in Lesotho.

Faith leaders worldwide have influence and for years World Vision has leveraged on its partnership with them to impact change in the communities where we work. This month, World Vision International Lesotho through World Vision US funded Faith Partnerships for Environmental Stewardship & Climate Action (ESCA) Project trained approximately 30 faith leaders on integrated Eco-theology content and process roll-out. This training is meant to equip the faith & community leaders with knowledge, skills and competencies to lead community education and awareness on Climate Change, influence positive behaviours concerning the environment and champion environment-friendly local level bylaws and national policies.

I feel so happy about this training because as a faith leader, I am reminded of my theological background and what my responsibility is regarding Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action. I am really going to go back and make a difference in my community - Father Hlompho Hlaha, Faith leader 

Following this training, faith leaders will be able to competently deliver quality Environmental Stewardship workshops and champion identified and relevant environmental care adaptation strategies in their communities. Faith leaders will subsequently influence positive social norms and behaviors enabling responsiveness of households and communities to Climate Change.

McLarence Mandaza, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Action Technical Lead at World Vision Southern Africa Regional Office, emphasized the collective responsibility in combating climate change. He affirmed, “It is everyone’s responsibility to take action in climate change and environmental stewardship, including the children themselves. Our collective efforts can make Lesotho a better country for children and families to thrive."

It is everyone’s responsibility to take action in climate change and environmental stewardship, including the children themselves. Our collective efforts can make Lesotho a better country for children and families to thrive - McLarence Mandaza

One of the church leaders, Rev. Felile emphasized the importance of the training in that, they were not aware of the pivotal role faith leaders have in the fight against Climate change. She went on to make a commitment to disseminate these teachings to her fellow community members.

“This training is of a profound importance to us because we never knew that as faith leaders, we can play a bigger role in fighting against the effects of climate change. I am definitely taking the lead when I arrive in my community to share this important information”. - Rev Felilie - Faith Leader

“This training is of a profound importance to us because we never knew that as faith leaders, we can play a bigger role in fighting against the effects of climate change. I am definitely taking the lead when I arrive in my community to share this important information”. - Rev Felilie

This initiative to empower faith leaders represents a beacon of hope in Lesotho's battle against climate change. Through their collective efforts, guided by knowledge, faith, and compassion, they pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come! For World Vision International Lesotho, this is an important fight because we know that when agricultural productivity is affected in any country, the most vulnerable, especially the children suffer the most.