Hope and opportunity blossomed in the Metsi-Maholo Community Council in Mafeteng last Friday as the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development officially launched the ambitious Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP).
This five-year initiative, which commenced in 2022 and will run until 2027, aims to uplift vulnerable communities across Lesotho by fostering sustainable livelihoods and improving the delivery of social development grants.
The project is supported by the World Bank, with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) serving as a key implementing partner.
The launch event resonated with the voices of beneficiaries whose lives are already being touched by the project.
‘Mabakoena Ramalohlanye from Tšakholo Ha Naile shared her personal journey, highlighting the stark realities of extreme poverty she faced while raising multiple children.
“We used to live under extreme poverty where the next meal of the day was very hard to find,” Ramalohlanyane recounted.
While she received cash assistance from the ministry for her children, she explained that it was insufficient to achieve long-term stability for her family.
Driven by the desire for a sustainable future, Ramalohlanye joined a group pioneering the PSLP.
“My interest has always been having a business that will be sustainable and feed the family, but with no funds I was unable to start. Through the project, I saw the reality of my dream,” she said.
After undergoing six months of training focused on small-scale projects, she developed a keen interest in poultry farming. Recognising a local need, as community members currently have to travel to Mafeteng town to purchase chicken, she saw a viable business opportunity.
“I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity because, even though much has not changed but I can see that with time I will see the reality of feeding my family,” she expressed with hopefulness, adding, “I am happy because poverty will be the history in my family.”
Another beneficiary from Tshakholo, ‘Manapo Khatli, shared her long-held aspiration to enter the agricultural sector, specifically in piglet and pork production.
She lauded the project for making her dream a tangible reality.
Khatli emphasised the broader community impact of the PSLP beyond direct beneficiaries.
“People who have gotten the grant will be able to employ their community members and the economy will be circulated within the communities,” she stated.
She passionately urged the youth to actively participate in the project, encouraging them to become job creators rather than solely seeking employment.
Khatli believes the PSLP has the potential to challenge the narrative of Lesotho as a poverty-stricken nation, asserting, “This is not only about employment also but the crime rate will be reduced because many people will be employed.”
The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, provided an overview of the five-year project.
He explained that the PSLP has three key components. Firstly, it aims to empower 10,000 beneficiaries across 10 community councils to establish their own small businesses through sustainable livelihoods programs and the provision of grants.
Secondly, the project will provide assistive devices to at least 1,750 children and 750 adults with disabilities.
Thirdly, the PSLP seeks to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the ministry’s service and grant delivery mechanisms, with a focus on digital fund distribution.
‘Masechaba Nthunya, the Project Coordinator, elaborated that CRS working with Caritas Lesotho, Dunamus Agri Advisory, and Doorways will implement PSLP across five Community Councils: Tosing in Quthing, Thaba Mokhele in Mohale’s Hoek, Metsi Maholo in Mafeteng, Phuthiatsana in Berea, and Bolahla in Hlotse.
“The PSLP aims to reach 10,000 households through entrepreneurial training, financial education via savings and lending groups, agribusiness support, and productive grants to foster sustainable livelihoods,” Nthunya detailed.
She said the launch of the Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project signifies a significant step towards empowering vulnerable communities in Lesotho and fostering economic growth from the grassroots level.
‘With its multi-faceted approach and strong partnerships, the PSLP holds the promise of transforming lives and building a more resilient and prosperous future for many Basotho families,” she said.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
