Restoring Hope: World Vision and Partners Pledge to Assist Disaster Prone Schools

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer, Lesotho

We drive up the winding mountains for a while, crossing bridges, dried rivers and fields. We are consistently in awe of the beauty that surrounds us as we go higher and higher up this mountain range. Right in the middle of what seems like nowhere on a plein a small school- Vuka Mosotho Primary school appears, we have arrived. Despite the beauty that surrounds it, This institution, like many in rural areas of Lesotho, faces the impact of a harsh climate exacerbated by the global crisis of climate change. This school is particularly vulnerable to strong winds that frequently pound the area, often blowing away their classrooms leaving them with no place to learn safely.

Mamohlolo a young student in her poem at the event tells us that “Strong winds always come and blow our classrooms away and so now we are so used to learning outside in the open”

The persistent winds not only disrupt classes but have also taken a toll on the students' health. Recently, approximately 60 students required medical treatment for eye problems caused by the direct sunlight and dust carried by these winds that they are exposed to as they learn outside in the open. The conditions at Vuka Mosotho Primary School are not conducive to learning. Open defecation is a norm due to the lack of toilet structures for the children, and the few available classrooms are in a state of disrepair, with broken windows and doors, a few desks and chairs, and no proper flooring.

Amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope shines through the collaborative efforts of World Vision Lesotho the Ministry of Education and other partners. Driven by the shared goal that every child, even those in disaster-prone areas, deserves a quality learning environment. They have launched a resource mobilization initiative – Education in Emergencies through World Vision’s Consolidating and Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (CSDRR) project, funded by the European Union.

In a significant step towards improving the educational conditions at Vuka Mosotho, and as a way of leading by example and encouraging the partners to do the same- World Vision Lesotho donated 100 desks and 100 chairs. This gesture not only enhances the immediate learning environment but also symbolizes a commitment to the future of these children.

"We are very thankful to all the partners for their sincere support in improving the learning environment at this school. With the help of our district education officer, we promise to use these donations wisely to enhance the school’s infrastructure," expressed the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Training during the resource mobilization activity at Vuka Mosotho Primary School.

The other partners present pledged and donated towards the school including direct funding as well as building materials. These donations and commitments are pivotal in transforming Vuka Mosotho Primary School and preparing them better from future disasters and emergencies while providing a safer and more stable environment for children to learn.

As the community of Vuka Mosotho Primary School looks forward to a brighter future, the collaborative efforts of World Vision, the Ministry of Education, and other dedicated partners exemplify the power of unity and compassion. Together, they are not just rebuilding classrooms, but also restoring hope and fostering resilience in the face of climate change and emergencies. We embark on our journey down the huge mountains after the event with a feeling of accomplishment- a positive step has been taken today in our quest to band together and assist vulnerable schools in the disaster-prone areas of Lesotho!