Lesotho Red Cross Society Annual Report January

LESOTHO RED CROSS SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT JANUARY – DECEMBER 2017

Compiled by M.L. Moletsane Programmes Director

Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION: ...... 3 2.1. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM...... 4 2.1.2 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) ...... 6 2.1.3 HIV and AIDS ...... 8 2.1.4. First Aid ...... 8 2.1.5 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): ...... 10 2.2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT ...... 16 2.2.1 Preparedness ...... 16 2.2.2 Response, Relief and Recovery ...... 18 2.2.3 Food Security ...... 22 2.2.4 Restoring family Links (FRL) ...... 24 2.3. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 25 2.3.1 Audits ...... 25 2.3.2 Statutory meetings...... 25 2.3.3 Partners’ meeting...... 26 2.3.4 Change Management Plan ...... 26 2.3.5 Resource Mobilization ...... 31 2.3.6 Branch Development ...... 34 2.3.8 Other Humanitarian Interventions by the Divisions ...... 39 2.3.9 Support visits to the Branches ...... 40 2.3.10 HQ support and supervision to the Divisions ...... 41 2.3.11 Conferences, workshops, trainings and meetings ...... 42 2.3.12 RED CROSS SPECIAL DAYS ...... 43 3. PMER ISSUES ...... 47 4. PROPOSALS DEVELOPED ...... 48 5. PARTNERSHIPS ESTABLISHED ...... 49 6. MISSIONS ...... 49 7. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ...... 50 8. HR STATS ...... 52 9. FLEET REPORT FOR THIS YEAR 2017 ...... 55 10. future Plans: ...... 57 FINANCIAL STATUS – refer to financial reports ...... 57

1. INTRODUCTION: To Lesotho Red Cross Society, 2017 was a very turbulent year during which the NS struggled to survive and maintain humanitarian services since it lost its long-term partners; British and Norwegian Red Cross Societies end of 2016 when the projects phased out. Nonetheless, humanitarian interventions continued according to the humanitarian landscape of Lesotho. Projects specific activities implemented at the Divisions, Divisional reports as well as youth and volunteer activities will be reported under relevant programs; Health and Social Services, Disaster Management and Organizational Development. Table 1. Summary of LRCS projects

Disaster Management status project Donor Project area new Emergency Appeal WFP Butha-Buthe, Berea and Thaba- operation Tseka

German RC Qacha’Neck continuing Restoring Family Links ICRC All Divisions

Health and social services new Cancer screening Bristol Meyers All LRCS HCs – Mapholaneng, project Squib Kolojane, Kena and Thaba-Bosiu Foundation(BMSF) continuing WASH BRCS Mokhotlong & Mohale’s Hoek

Water Aid Thaba-Tseka continuing OVC care and support Lars Amundson Kena Foundation through IFRC

continuing First Aid Belgium Red HQ and all 10 Divisions Institutionalization Cross

Organizational Development

new Change Management NorCross through HQ and all 10 Divisions Plan IFRC

2. PROGRESS REPORT

2.1. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM. The report follows the three components of the HSS program; Primary Health Care, OVC, First Aid and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 2.1.1. Primary Health Care Services. The table below illustrates LRCS HCs and the population in their catchment area, as well as the community support structures available to provide assistance to the communities. Table 1: Health centres population and Community Health workers

Health Target Under 1 No of Village Care Centre population Villages Health Facilitators Workers Mapholaneng 21,806 626 72 41 40 Thaba Bosiu 12,913 336 25 43 21 Kena 6,292 170 43 42 46 Kolojane 6,192 55 23 47 -

a) LRCS Health Centres Facilities Maintenance

Since LRCS HCs were rehabilitated by the Ministry of Health through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) they were still under the maintenance plan. Hence, HRAM is the Focal person responsible for maintenance of LRCS properties, accordingly, he participated in meetings at Lesotho Millennium Development agency (LMDA).

LMDA was mandated to oversee Health Facilities Maintenance Program (HFMP). The focus is on facilities’ buildings (inclusive plumbing), water supply and electricity. Local contractors were sourced and engaged to facilitate in the implementation of this mandate, they inspect the facilities and produce reports that will inform processing of task orders.

b) Services provided

LRCS HCs provide all essential health services as stated by the Ministry of Health in the Essential Service Package, they include curative services, maternal and child health services, HIV and AIDS services which encompass counselling, testing, treatment and follow-up. Cancer screening outreach services have been added to strengthen screening services conducted at the facilities. The analysis of the services provided by the HCs reflect that Mapholaneng HC is seeing more people compared to other HCs because it has a higher population and it is strategically positioned to maximize utilization from its wide catchment area. it is followed by Thaba-Bosiu, the third one is Kena then Kolojane.

Table 2: Health centres’ performance per services provided services Mapholaneng Thaba- Kena Kolojane Total Bosiu population served Outpatient - - - - 37,398 services (F: 24,927 M: 12,471) Antenatal 1,044 510 236 407 2,197 care(ANC) Maternity 83 2 2 21 108 services Postnatal care 386 206 47 268 907 (PNC) Family Planning - - - 6,139 Condom - - - - MC:130,272 distribution Under 5 3,968 1,312 734 1,692 7,706

- immunized: 3,550 1148 586 1,491 6775

- growth monitoring: 418 164 148 201 931

HIV Testing - - - - 13,873 Services Tot +ve: 488 DNA PCR - - - - 258 performed Received 158 Received Clients initiated 218 233 93 143 687 on ART Total/ HC

c) Cancer Screening Outreach Project PHC activities include cancer screening through a specific project implemented in partnership with Senkana Centre of Excellence, CHAL Health facilities ( St Leo and Lorreto HCs) and Maseru City Council – Thamae HC. The project is supported by BMSF. - The Project Launch The cervical cancer screening project was officially launched by Her Majesty the Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso on the 22nd February and she gave a keynote address. She encouraged both men and women to screen for cancer since it is increasing in Lesotho, and if it is diagnosed early it is easy to curb, also considering that there is no treatment Centre in the country. other Dignitaries present were the Minister of Health, the Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu, Member of Parliament for Thaba-Bosiu, the Country Representative WHO, Executives

5 from BMSF and representatives of other organizations involved in health service delivery such as Partners In Health (PIH), Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL). Educational but entertaining activities were presented at the event, song by the Ministry of Health choir and drama by LRCS youth on the importance of cancer screening. On the day of the launch, 17 women and 17 men screened for cervical and prostate cancer respectively at Thaba-Bosiu HC. The President of the LRCS thanked all those who attended, with special appreciation of BMSF for supporting the project to save the lives of Basotho. He further assured them that the funds will be used for the intended purpose and be accounted for accordingly. To ensure that all partners are on the same level of understanding when the project commences, a meeting was held for 7 collaborating HCs on the 27th of February 2017 to introduce the project. The outreach model was emphasized since few people come to Health Centers for screening. Expectations per HC were laid out such as community mobilization before the outreach and provision of transport during the campaigns. Then Training of Trainers’ (TOT) workshop was conducted for the representatives of the HCs who were trusted with the responsibility of conducting step down trainings for other nurses and to train Village Health Workers to mobilize their communities for screening. - Cancer screening campaigns Since the project utilizes “Letsema” outreach model, all collaborating HCs participated during the campaigns. two outreach campaigns were held at Kena and Mapholaneng where a total of 841 people was reached with screening; 513 women screened for cervical and breast cancers, 6 abnormal breasts were identified and referred. 200 men screened for prostate cancer, of which 18 were identified as abnormal and referred for further management.

2.1.2 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) a) LARS Amundsen Foundation – IFRC supported OVC project. LRCS is implementing an OVC project at Kena with support from LARS Amundsen Foundation through IFRC. It was a continuation from 2016. The project staff were engaged towards the end of the year from October. The main activity was construction of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MH) facilities in schools and continue care and support for OCV.

- Construction of MHM facilities LRCS issued a tender for construction of MHM facilities in 6 schools. After the due internal processes, 4 construction companies were awarded tenders and construction was on schedule for completion in early 2018. One of the schools is in the hard to reach area where transportation of materials was done using donkeys and carts, but the contractor managed to overcome the challenges. - Food packages A total of 45 OVC households received food packages with the following contents:

25kg Maize meal, 25kg Mixed flour, 2L cooking oil, beans and peas 2 kg each, 5 tins of beef 1kg salt and yeast. The procurement process started during quarter 4 of 2017 with the plan of distributing the food before Christmas, but it was only completed in January 2018 - Supply of Hygiene kits – dignity packs One hundred and fifteen (115) OVC were given a 6 months supply of hygiene packs consisting of the following items : sanitary pads, washing soap 1kg, bath soap, dawn, clysarine100 ml, tooth paste 100 ml , tooth paste, roll on Face towels. All children were happy to receive the kits, but girls attached more value to the sanitory pads saying they will no longer miss school during their periods because they have protection.during their menstrual period, while at first they used to be absent from the school every month during their menstrual period. - Peer Education Five (5) days Peer Education Training of Trainers workshop was held for thirty two (22 females and 10 males) children. They were from eight primary schools around project catchment area. but during evaluation, only 19 qualified to be Trainers and 13 taken as Peer Educators. They will facilitate peer education sessions in and out of school. - kids club Twenty one (21) kids clubs are still progressing well, during kid’s club meetings children were educated on positive prevention activities HIV/ TB, because they are taking care of their parents or guardians when they are sick. Most of the children attend the kids clubs and participate in the activities. Psychosocial Support (PSS) was provided at the clubs, it was facilitated through sporting activities, storytelling, craft activities and memory work. PSS helps children to cope with their everyday challenges. Most of children feel free to express their feelings at the clubs. memory work is one of the helps children to adjust to their loss and create emotional energy for new relationship. It helps children to know their strengths, build self-esteem and self-confidence to share their stories. b) Other OVC interventions by the Divisions

Mafeteng Division supplied school uniforms to 50 OVC, the uniforms and other items like stationery were handed over to the Division when Norcross OVC - supported project phased out in December 2016. The distribution was managed by the Branches. Mafeteng Division also revived the kids clubs. Two youth volunteers volunteered to manage the project, dissemination of kids club was made at nearby shops (saloon), schools and villages. There was a collection of playing tools at the division which attracted more kids. And the kids were helped with their homework after school. This also attracted more kids as they got interested in participating in the home work help program. Maseru Division bought the sanitary pads amounting to M500.00 for the orphans and vulnerable children at SOS during the walk with the King activity organized by SOS.

Quthing Division mobilized resources locally and received donations from individuals in a form of second-hand clothes and shoes, the Division assisted 38 OVC in SOS Children’s Home with the same items.

Quthing Division volunteers working with the focal teacher at Moyeni Primary School identified the most vulnerable OVC’S so as to support them according to the needs. • The Division distributed clothes and 4 Pairs of school shoes to 4 children, the donation was made by an individual. The Division also paid school fees covering 4th quarter for one child following verification by the Division that he is vulnerable.

Butha-Buthe Division supplied 24 OVC of Ha Tabolane with second hand clothes that were collected from the community.

Thaba-Tseka Division established Kids Clubs in two villages, namely Ha Phaila and Ha Motsepa .

2.1.3 HIV and AIDS Apart from HIV and AIDS services provided at LRCS HCs, the Divisions are still engaged in HIV prevention activities;

Mohales’Hoek Division gets a bulk supply of condoms from PSI and distribute them to the communities. the Division assists in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness initiatives in different villages, councils, restaurants and shops.

Berea and Qacha’s Neck Divisions distributed 1000 and 523 male condoms respectively to fight HIV infections. Berea took advantage of the gatherings during cash transfer

2.1.4. First Aid First Aid activities are supported by Belgium RC and ICRC Belgium supported institutionalization of First Aid within LRCS, therefore, LRCS continued with First Aid trainings and provision of FA in different places from national to divisional levels

The Society started the year with the institutionalization mood, and the need to improve Commercial FA(COFA) through a clear marketing plan, therefore, LRCS Marketing Plan was developed during the week of 16th – 21st January in a five-day workshop facilitated by the marketing Consultant from Belgium RC. The team that developed the document came from Finance, Communications, Health and Social Services, Divisions and First Aid departments. The Marketing Plan assisted in the development of the new price list . LRCS received 25 dummies from Belgium RC and 20 of them were allocated to Divisions giving 2 each, 5 remained at National Office. This support is highly appreciated as it facilitates practical during FA training to ensure that the trainees obtain the necessary skills.

A total of 2,000 FA Manuals without anatomy and 150 FA manuals with anatomy were also received from Belgium Red Cross and are included in the training package for free. a) Divisional Follow-ups post FA Trainer of Trainer’s workshop. The HQ team visited the Divisions to monitor and supervise the newly trained First Aid Instructors as they train First Aiders. First Aid Instructors trained two hundred and Six (206) First Aid personnel that included different groups from different Government Ministries and organizations in the districts. However, the dominant group has been Red Cross Volunteers especially youth groups followed by members of the security agencies of the Police and Correctional Services. The monitoring team also visited different district government departments and the private sector to disseminate information about commercial First Aid and the local authorities were quite supportive of First Aid training in their locality, however, their challenge was that their budget is centralized. They requested LRCS team to approach their authorities. The delegate from Belgium Red Cross formed part of the monitoring team to Mafeteng during the training conducted by the new instructors.

Table3: summary of First Aid Trainings. DIVISION Volunteers Commercial First Aid Community - trained by TOT based First Aid Berea 22 0 36 Butha-Buthe 20 0 104 Leribe 24 10 0 Mafeteng 20 18 63 Maseru 20 89 0 Mohale’s Hoek 19 20 70 Mokhotlong 20 0 20 Qacha’s Nek 15 0 27 Quthing 14 33 65

Thaba-Tseka 31 184 141 Head Quarters 0 242 50

To ensure timely and appropriate First Aid practices at SOS Children’s village, Quthing division trained 33 child minders from SOS children’s home on the 06/02/2017 the content of the training entails First Aid definition, practices and principles, guidelines to prevent cross infection, dressings and bandages. Checking circulation, how to stop bleeding, chocking, shock, unconsciousness, fainting, fracture, CPR etc and examination of participants was done. The training was a key achievement for the Division since they struggle to get customers for Commercial First Aid. Butha-Buthe Division targeted Manamela community for Community Based First Aid (CBFA) with the aim of equipping them with basic First Aid skills since their village is prone to accidents.

So, training was conducted for 104 community members being 75 Females and 29 Males in a 3 days course. Leribe Divisional youth arranged and held the First Aid talk for Baylor teens in September covering topics such as Nose bleeding, Fainting, Cuts and wounds etc Maseru Divisional youth conducted a First Aid talk at ‘Mabathoana High School. A total of 30 Teachers and students were reached. Topics covered include shock, unconsciousness, fainting, nose bleeding, chocking, wounds, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and fractures. b) First Aid Coverage The Divisions engaged volunteers and provided First Aid coverage during national events and district ceremonies eg Moshoeshoe’s Day, King’s Birthday and National General Elections. Maseru Division covered the inauguration of the Prime Minister of Lesotho at Setsoto Stadium, First Aiders assisted a casualty who was hit by a vehicle and referred him to the hospital. They also covered the Prime Minister’s wedding and assisted an unconscious child and handed him over to the ambulance attendants. Mafeteng Division covered UN games whereby 20 casualties were given First Aid and one of them send to the hospital due to bad injuries. Quthing Division provided FA coverage coverage during local policing tournaments and provide the services to 13 people with different injuries, and 3 referrals were made. Quthing Division provided First Aid services during National Olympic day that was held at Quthing district In all First Aid coverage activities, most of the participants were the youth volunteers.

2.1.5 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH):

WASH activities continued in 2017 at Mohale’s hoek and Mokhotlong with support from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from the Government of Australia Co-funded by British RC, and at Thaba-Tseka through Water Aid support. on the latter, activities focused on wrapping up the project since it was coming to an end in June. General WASH activities fall under three components; construction of Water supply systems and latrines for the communities and schools, as well as Hygiene promotion

Table 4: Summary of WASH constructions:

Water supply Water supply Schools Household latrines Donor systems - systems- sanitation schools communities Mokhotlong 1-Liseleng PS 8 1 block of 4 134 in 10 villages AUSAID/BRCS latrines and 2

for Teachers at Mongobong PS MohalesHoek - 2 - 426 in 9 villages AUSAID/BRCS Thaba-Tseka - 2 – Mojese - - Water Aid and Khoaisanyane

a) Construction of Water supply systems(WSS) Mokhotlong A total of 8 WSS were constructed at Mokhotlong covering Ralithebe (St. Monica, Linots’ing, and Moreneng) Pitseng, Ha Mosisi, Mosifaneng and a water point at Masiteng . the village of Mosisi had 2 systems because of its size, while Masiteng had 2 systems due to its topography which could not allow one system to supply the whole village.

Completed water supply systems provided water to a total of 1,314 people (M: 618, F: 677, PWD: 19), the breakdown is as follows: Mokhotlong 956 (M: 469, F:487, PWD : 12), MohalesHoek 339 ( M: 149, F: 190, PWD: 7). During construction 14 water minders (4 females and 10 males) were also trained on how to do minor repairs.

WSS was also constructed at Mongobong Primary school in Mokhotlong providing water to 135 girls, 90 boys and 5 Teachers (M:2, F:3).

Mohale’sHoek In Mohale’sHoek, 2 WSS were constructed at Ha Pii and Siloe.

Thaba-Tseka WSS completed at Mojese, comprised of 4 reservoir tanks, 1 water point and 16 stand pipes Two (2) water points constructed at Khoaisanyane as supplementary to the existing gravity system The villagers appreciated LRCS’ efforts to provide them with water system as they do not travel long distances anymore to fetch water from unprotected springs. The water supply benefits 145 females, 116 males, 150 girls, 153 boys and 3 people with disability.

- Water Quality Testing Water quality testing is done on completion of WSS, the same was done for Mojese and Khoaisanyane at Thaba-Tseka. water samples were collected from the sources that make the gravity system and the waterpoints for laboratory analysis at Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO). The test reflected that the water is of good quality, there was no contamination.

Water testing kits have been procured for Mokhotlong and Mohale’sHoek completed water supply systems, awaiting testing reagents from South Africa.

Fig 1. completed water supply system at Mojese Thaba-Tseka.

b) Sanitation facilities A total of 560 household latrines were onstruction of household latrines was carried out in the two districts of Mohale’s hoek and Mokhotlong. Therefore 426 latrines were constructed in Mohales’Hoek covering the following 9 villages: Ha Pii, Siloe, Mesitsaneng, Ha Sehloho, Lithabaneng, Ha Khitsane, Ha Sankatana, Ha Matoko, and Boikano.

On the other hand in Mokhotlong, 134 latrines were constructed in 10 villages villages of Mongobong, Mahonyeling, Ha Mosisi, Masiteng, Mosifaneng, Mohlehli, Postola, Pitseng, Ralithebe St. Monica and Ralithebe – Linotsing. . Procurement of both the construction materials and the Contractors went through the tendering process following LRCS Finance and Procedure Manual. site visits were conducted to all locations to enable suppliers and contractors to submit their bids with a full understanding of where the villages are situated.

Fig 2: VIP latrine constructed at Ha Mosisi

c) Hygiene Promotion Activities

PHAST groups that have been established sensitized the community on importance of hand washing and construction of tippy taps. The PHAST groups have reached 761 females and 345 males in Mokhotlong and Mohale’sHoek. Another hygiene promotion session was held at Mojese through a public gathering attended by 65 females and 31 males. The focus was on safe water chain and personal hygiene. Importance of latrine construction and tippy taps was also emphasized. - Commemoration of WASH and non-WASH Days World AIDS Day is celebrated on the 1st December while Water Day is celebrated on the 22nd March, therefore, LRCS commemorated both days on the 22nd March 2017 at Thaba-Tseka, the aim was to indicate how lack of water can impact on people affected by HIV. The theme for water day commemoration this year was “water and waste water”. The event was celebrated at Marumo primary where Masaleng and Thaba-Khubelu primary schools also participated. It was highlighted that people living with HIV (PLHIV) are more susceptible to opportunistic infections, such as diarrhoea and skin diseases. For example, diarrhoea rates are 2–6 times higher in PLHIV than in those who are not infected. The event was attended by 75 females, 48 males, 209 girls and 153 boys.

- WASH Workshops, Trainings and Meetings

Since DFAT -BRCS WASH supported project at Mokhotlong and Mohale’sHoek was put on hold in 2016, beginning of 2017 focused on community mobilization to pave the way for continuity of the project;

- first meeting was held with the Divisions to explain that the project is continuing and introduce Project Officers.

- Other meetings were held with WASH committees to discuss the scope of work to be done until May 2018 - - A total of 43 Public gatherings were conducted to educate the communities on importance to having safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. the Contractors were introduced during these gatherings. The discussions also included engagement of the communities during construction as well as to mobilize the communities to excavate latrine pits and collect materials for latrine construction. The gatherings reached a total of 1,467 people being 810 females and 557 males.

Three gatherings were held for women, the purpose was to get their needs in relation to WASH activities. The focus was on safe water chain and personal hygiene and livelihood activities since they will have more time because they now have access to water, they will not be traveling long distances or waiting for hours to get water.

LRCS and other stakeholders such as Ministry of Education and Training, DRWS, TRC, and SafAIDS participated in a workshop organized by WaterAid Lesotho, it was on Integration of WASH and HIV/AIDS. The main objective of the workshop was the dissemination on how lack of WASH infrastructures can affect PLHIV. Most of the water supply sources originate around the animals grazing area. As such herd boys are the main stakeholders in water supply operation and maintenance since they could provide information regarding leaking systems and also to avoid vandalism of the water supply systems. Therefore, LRCS held 13 sessions with herd boys reaching 431 in the two districts. issues of personal hygiene and household water treatment with focus on boiling was also discussed because herd boys usually stay at cattle posts where they may be sharing unprotected water sources with animals, so it is advisable for them to boil water before drinking.

- Hygiene Training and Promotion Activities Hygiene promotion trainings were conducted in communities and schools to ensure continuity of hygiene education :

• training on Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) conducted for 16 females and 7 males so that they could pass hygiene messages to communities. • training in one school on Children Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (CHAST) for 13 females, 9 males and 7 teachers.

Follow up meetings (27) were held with 236 PHAST groups members to provide guidance on hygiene topics to be discussed with the communities. The focus was on safe water chain and proper latrine use as well as follow up on construction of tippy taps for hand washing. Therefore, PHAST group members reached 1,270 females and 683 males with hygiene messages. Mafeteng Division conducted hygiene promotion and proper hand washing sessions for 196 people from the villages of Ha Chopho, Ha Lempetje, Ha Seeiso, Ha Raliemere and Thabaneng. This was done through public gatherings. The Division further conducted similar trainings for 32 members of the DDMT and 47 pupils from Leratong Primary

Health and Social Services Challenges

The number of Nurses at Mapholaneng is inadequate considering the population served. Mapholaneng has a population of 21, 000 which is higher than that of Mokhotlong hospital, the situation puts a strain on the HC Nurses. There is insufficient water at Kolojane even after attempts by DHMT and World Vision to fix the problem. Matter to be pursued through LMDA damaged access roads to Mapholaneng and Kena especially when it is raining making it difficult to reach or leave the HCs. HCs’ management to take the matter to the HCs Committees so that they can be tabled at the Local Councils. Kena experienced problems monitoring the CD4 counts of the patients/clients because laboratory reagents were out of stock at Scott Hospital. There was also water shortage because the solar panels were destroyed. The Health Budget was very tight this year, it had not been increased for the past 3years due to MOH’s budget constraints, however, further negotiations with the Ministry to accommodate the proposed increase in 2017/2018 budget from 5.8 million to 7 million will continue. Some Divisions are not conducting FA trainings as can be seen on the table above, the reason being that there are no factories in the areas, and government departments do not have the budget even if they understand the need. Increasing number of OVC requiring LRCS support Lack of funding to address HIV and AIDS gaps Community members of Ralithebe – Motsaneng at Mokhotlong declined construction of a waterpoint indicating that they want a gravity system, therefore, the village was excluded from the project activities, and no replacement was done since the project had already reached the target. Difficult terrains have hindered speedy delivery of the bulky materials for both latrines and water supply systems in Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka, materials had to be off-loaded outside of the

15 villages, it was a challenge for community members to collect materials from the drop off point to their houses especially those without donkeys, hence slowing down construction progress. Due to drought, the yield of Mojese water source had decreased and an additional source had to be identified and constructed to augment the already existing water supply, which increased the cost of the system. The Contractor who was who was given the work to construct two water points at Boikano in Mohale’sHoek failed to deliver after 7 months, therefore the contract was terminated. However, new contractor was appointed and was introduced to DRWS office and the community.

2.2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT The program covers Disaster preparedness which includes DRR, relief and recovery, Food Security as well as Restoring Family Links. 2.2.1 Preparedness a) Dissemination of the Red Cross information LRCS designed and produced key messages to ensure that people understand the role of the Red Cross during elections. the messages were shared with relevant stakeholders prior to the General Elections (Line Ministries, Local and International NGO as well as Political bodies), including IEC as the main role player in elections. Before elections, LRCS organized an orientation or briefing session for the National Coordination structure (PD, SG, Logistics, and Fleet Management unit, Comms, FA and Admin). The same people and other staff members were also orientated on Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that all have the same understanding to avoid wrong doings.

b) Trainings

- General Elections trainings and Deployment In preparation for the General Elections, refresher trainings for 10 Action Teams in all Divisions were conducted to enable the members of the teams to be deployed when the need arises. safety and acceptance of the Red Cross volunteers in the communities was emphasized following IFRC Safer Access Framework as well as the Volunteer Code of Conduct and the Principles of the Red Cross Movement. during General Elections on the 3rd June 2017 LRCS deployed staff and volunteers, Action Teams were seen at the polling stations in all Districts ready to act should there be a need for First Aid services. HQ Team through First Aid and Disaster Management departments in collaboration with Maseru Division led the exercise in Maseru moving from one station to another covering a few Constituencies. Other staff members joined the Divisional Teams in their respective districts. The number of volunteers deployed at the Divisions was based on the analysis of potential risk in the districts; Maseru, Leribe and Mafeteng had 10 volunteers each because they are identified as high risk due to elections-related violence in those areas. The rest are low risk

16 areas with an exception of Qacha’sNeck which a medium risk area is, so they deployed 5 volunteers each. The scenario planning was done, from the best-case scenario where conflicts are not anticipated, to the worst-case scenario in which there is displacement of people, even crossing the borders. an operational centre was set up at the headquarters for coordination, and to update LRCS website content on Red Cross mandate during elections.

No accidents reported. Post elections monitoring was also carried, and there was nothing alarming observed. This activity was supported by ICRC.

- Community Based Disaster response training

LRCS conducted training for Community Based Disaster Response Teams (CBDRT) as it is essential based on hazards identified per area. A total of 14 teams of 10 people each were trained, adding up to 140 members in all. the distribution of CBDRT members is shown on the table below:

Table5: summary of CBDRT trainings

Division # of Teams Total Members trained Mohale’sHoek 4 40 Mafeteng 2 20 Berea 2 20 Leribe 3 30 Qacha’sNeck 3 30 Total 14 140

The CBDRTs members are now active in their respective villages. For example, after the training, one of the CBDRTs at Ha Moiloa took action to assist their community after realising their vulnerabilities and capacities as well as hazards, they constructed a wooden foot bridge to help students to cross safely to and from school; amongst them are swimmers who are taking responsibility to assist the cross over for the students during rainy seasons.

- Food Distribution Trainings LRCS also conducted training of volunteers on food and cash distributions modalities ( help desk, Monitoring, key messages to disseminate during distributions) in Berea (8) and Butha- Buthe(18) and Thaba-Tseka (11).

- Resilience Building Training

LRCS in collaboration with other stakeholders; World Vision, WFP,EGPAF and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, trained 40 key informants in Mohales’Hoek on resilience building of the most vulnerable group. Participants were drawn from five areas namely Ntjepeleng, Noka-

Nts’o, Maphutseng, Mekaling and Urban. The idea was to assist mainly on issues of malnutrition, First Aid and hygiene.

Mohales’Hoek Division also factored in Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) approach in CBDRT training to strengthen community’s preparedness and response.

- Easter Holidays campaigns

LRCS First Aiders in collaboration with the Road Safety Department and DMA conducted Road Safety awareness campaigns during Easter Holidays. the purpose of the campaigns was to sensitize the drivers to drive safely as to avoid more accidents that occur during the holidays. The campaign targeted accident zones. In Butha-Butha it was held at ‘Moteng.

Conducted lessons learned training for Botha Bothe (18), Thaba Tseka (11) and Berea (8) volunteers and staff who were involved in food and cash transfer programming.

2.2.2 Response, Relief and Recovery As a follow-up to the emergency interventions implemented in 2016 because of Elnino which brought about a severe drought, LRCS in Partnership with World Food Program implemented a Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation project (PRRO) in support of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Berea, Butha-Buthe and Thaba-Tseka Districts to address immediate food need of vulnerable people affected by food insecurity. the support was in a form of either cash transfer in urban areas where beneficiaries have access to the banks or food distribution in rural areas. The food ration per person was 5kg maize meal, 2kg peas 3.7 Mg of cooking oil per month. The cash amount was M100.00 person plus M100 provision for transport to enable the beneficiaries to collect cash from Standard Lesotho Bank. Berea - cash transfer project was implemented in Phuthiatsana and Kanana Community Councils covering 3,841 HH, reaching 16,716 beneficiaries.

Butha-Buthe - the project was implemented in Nqoe and Ngoajane Community Councils covering 1,510 HH reaching 6,912 beneficiaries and 1,574 HH benefitting 6,735 people in the two Councils respectively with food distribution. On the other hand, cash distribution was employed in T’sa-Le- Moleka with 819 HH where 3,371 people benefitted, and Likila with 1098 HH reaching 4,744 people Thaba-Tseka - The project was implemented in Bokong Community Council

Some PRRO project beneficiaries in Berea used the money they received through cash transfer to buy vegetable seeds. These efforts also generated extra cash because they sold the vegetables.

Table 6 : Summary of PRRO coverage

District # of HH # of # of Total HH Total beneficiaries beneficiaries Beneficiaries for cash for food distribution distribution Berea 3,841 16,716 N/A 3,841 16,716 Butha- 1,917 9,022 13,662 5001 22,684 Buthe Thaba- 3,120 N/A 16145 16,145 Tseka Total 25,061 29,503 54,564

During food and cash distribution, hygiene and HIV and AIDS education was integrated in all the encounters with the communities. • education on the construction of tippy taps, and the importance of handwashing during critical times; after using the toilet and before handling food. • HIV and AIDS as well as TB messages were given, encouraging them to test for HIV and screen for TB, emphasizing prevention measures like condom use. • As the livelihoods recovery, beneficiaries were advised and encouraged to construct keyhole and trench gardens.

• The PRRO program did not only built the capacity of the communities or beneficiaries alone, but even the volunteers who were handling the operation from January to 30, June 2017. LRCS in collaboration with WFP organized a training for them looking at different elements of distribution such as the systems, information, organizing, recording, handling complaints as well as Post distribution briefings. • The volunteers also attended a training workshop which looked into impacts of the project on the beneficiaries; possible changes in their livelihoods.

Another relief and recovery intervention following emergency operations was implemented in Qacha’sneck with support from German Red Cross Society. The operation was a result of the post- emergency (distribution) assessment in which LRCS established that the needs of OVC were not fully addressed. LRCS identified Sehaba-Thebe as the most hard to reach area covered by the drought relief programme.

A total of 300 OVCs(1/HH) being 141 boys and 159 girls from 25 villages were selected and supported with monthly food packages and hygiene kits from September. Other once off non-food items like school shoes and winter clothing were also distributed.

Fig 3: Food distribution to OVCs in Sehlabathebe

LRCS’ Acting President launched the distribution at Ha Mavuga Sehla-Thebe during a public gathering on which the Divisional Chairperson welcomed the Community. The two Qacha’Neck NEC Members also participated at the event.

- Windstorm

The windstorms hit the districts of Mafeteng and Butha-Buthe, about 35 households in 5 villages and 15 households were affected respectively. Joined assessments were undertaken by the District Disaster Management Teams (DDMT) under the leadership of the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) as the coordinating body. The houses roofings, furniture’s and food were destroyed by the wind and heavy rains. No injuries or deaths reported. the Divisions supplied the households with tarpaulin sheets; Mafeteng assisted 5 while Butha-Buthe assisted 15 households. Among the affected households in Mafeteng there was the special case of one household whose members were left homeless because the house was burnt and blown off. The Division provided the household with temporary shelter (tent).

Fig 4: Houses affected by windstorm and LRCS tent in Mafeteng

- Fire

Berea Division distributed clothes to 4 families whose homes were burned to ashes living them without anything for living, this included a granny from Sebalabala with a special case of her home which was burned for the 10th time.

Leribe Division assisted 22 beneficiaries who were victims of fire with used clothes at Ha Ramapepe, Mahobong, Thaba-Phatsoa and Chachole Seetsa.

Mafeteng Division received five cases of fire which were reported from 4 villages of Ha Patsa, Hospital Area, Matelile and Ha Lebenkele, the Division provided relief clothes to the affected households. Maseru Division distributed clothes and other household items like soap to 22 people from 6 households who were affected by fire, they were from Sea point, Ha Ts’uts’ulupa, ha Hlalele, Mokhalinyana, Semphetenyana, Semonkong and Naleli. Mohales’Hoek Division distributed clothes and tarpaulin sheets to a family at Ha Tsepo which was affected by fire. The family also lost an elderly lady who was burnt to death when the house got burnt and demolished, the Division also provided psychosocial support to the victims. Thaba-Tseka Division assisted the household of an elderly person whose house was burnet to ashes with maize meal and constructed keyhole gardens.

- Flash Floods

Mokhotlong district experienced some flash floods between February and May 2017, five areas were affected; Malefiloane , Makoabating, Salang, Ntlholohetsane and Mokhotlong town-ship, where some domestic household essentials were destroyed leaving them more vulnerable. Among the victims were 65 children from 24 households. LRCS with support from the Nedbank Lesotho assisted affected OVC and distributed 33 mattresses, 52 blankets, 10 pairs of school shoes and 130 T-shirts in December.

The Nedbank Lesotho donated M25,000 to LRCS for the response, the handover process received good media coverage from the National TV, different Radio Stations and Newspapers. It is believed that publicity of such good endeavors will influence other business communities and individuals to do the same.

Fig 5: Ned Bank Lesotho Hand over items to LRCS

District Authorities; District Administrator (DA) government Ministries and departments such as Ministry of Social Development, Disaster Management Authority (DMA) and office of the Principal Chief of Mokhotlong participated at the distribution event. Other stakeholders Touching Tiny Lifes of (TTL) and local businesses also attended.

The speeches delivered by LRCS (Divisional Committee, SG and President) prompted donations from the DA and Principals Chief’s representative, the local business people who pledged their support for 14 most vulnerable children. Two Brothers Supermarket Maize materials like, maize meal, washing basins and hygiene supplies.

- Snow Quthing District experienced snow in springtime (October) which proved that climate change is real, the snowfall affected 4 villages and a cattle post. the Division with volunteers from the Branches conducted a rapid assessment which revealed that the negative impact was seen more on animals where 14 households lost their livestock; 352 sheep and 9 cattle died. The villagers during the interview indicated that the sheep were from the wool shed that day, while others indicated that the snow fall happened after a severe drought so the animals could not cope with the impact as they had nothing to eat. However, the Division was not able to provide any assistance to the families due to financial constraints.

2.2.3 Food Security Quthing division planned to revived Food security initiatives established during the course of integrated Home-Based Care and Food Security project that phased out in 2015, this was due to the observation that most of OVC’S and Elderly people who were assisted by the project are vulnerable due to food insecurity.

• 28 trench and 32 keyhole gardens were revived and monitored by Lead Gardner supervisor this quarter at ha Boloumane. • 40 trench and 36 keyhole were revived some re constructed at ponts’eng . • 18 trench and 16 keyhole gardens were revived at Ha Kautu

Fig 6: One of the revived keyhole gardens at Quthing

Butha-Buthe Divisional committee members visited Phelandaba branch, Serutle, Linakeng and Tsime branch , among the branches visited Tsime branch has a OVC garden whereby they plant the garden and distributed vegetablebles to the OVCs, they managed to supply 76 OVC with the vegetables.

Fig 7: Volunteers at Tsime and the DS at their OVC garden – Butha-Buthe

Leribe Division took part in rice distribution which was distributed for a period of 3 months being August, September and October.

Maseru Division in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security trained SOS children on conservation agriculture. They taught them how to construct keyhole gardens and planted vegetables.

2.2.4 Restoring family Links (FRL) LRCS continued with RFL activities which include outreaches and supporting foreign inmates. RFL activities are supported by ICRC.

To facilitate coordination of RFL activities, 3 Focal persons were selected amongst Divisional Secretaries in regions, Mohales Hoek is representing southern region ( Mafeteng, Mohales’ hoek Quthing and Qacha’snek), Berea is representing Central (Berea, Maseru and Thaba Tseka) and Leribe is representing Northern districts ( Leribe, Botha Bothe and Mokhotlong) An orientation meeting was held in March to map the way forward where Divisions were represented by the Chairpersons, Treasures and Youth Chairpersons. And DSs also participated as they are steering the activities at the Divisions.

- RFL outreaches Qacha’sNeck Division conducted RFL outreaches and reached 63 people.

- Foreign inmates support A total of 8 foreign inmates at the central prison of Lesotho ( Mozambicans and 2 South Africans) were assisted to call their families on monthly basis, and facilitated provision of inmates hygiene kits by ICRC. Facilitated calls for the reunification of person of concern in Siloe and he was reunified with his family 2.2.4. Challenges for DM :

• Lack of disaster response materials

• The distribution points for the food items in most areas are not within recommended walking distance (2 KM), Beneficiaries walk long distances.

• Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment (LVAC) so known to the beneficiaries that people can exaggerate their status to be illegible. The community targeting in this case brings a lot of doubts

• Much as LRCS is continually training volunteers (Action Teams) it is becoming difficult to find the trained volunteers during the national event like elections at all levels (local government and National elections). This is time and resource consuming for organization has to retrain in every occasion

• The assistance for the inmates especially dignity/hygiene kits and food are not consistent from ICRC delegation office in Pretoria

• There are no resources to carryout livelihoods recovery programs beyond emergency interventions hence this brings about external assistance each time the country is struck by disaster for the community resilience is of lower level for the most vulnerable households

• There were some complaints about the cash distribution project at media stations by people whose names were not in the distribution lists claiming that some people who are not eligible for assistance were included leaving those who are really in need. This was a serious allegation as it can destroy the image of the society, so measures were taken to clarify the issues on the same Radio Station.

2.3. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT At the beginning of the year, LRCS ensured that preparations are in place for the AGM as a Constitutional activity, and planned for external audit as a prerequisite for the AGM. Other activities under OD focused on addressing the results of the OCAC report. it identified three key areas of improvement; identity and image, resource mobilization and external communication, the third one being branch development, youth and volunteers. However, general volunteer recruitment processes and humanitarian activities were implemented at Branch and Divisional levels as usual. 2.3.1 Audits to ensure financial accountability of the organization at all levels, from the Divisions to the HQ Divisional audits were conducted by the HQ Finance department prior to the external audit. During the process, coaching of the DSs was done. Then, LRCS engaged an External Auditor to conduct the consolidated audit which commenced in January and completed in the second quarter . the report was presented by the Chairperson of the Finance and Audit Committee to the NEC for critiquing and approval.. The report reflected that LRCS got an unqualified report, which generally indicates that accounting standards and procedures were followed.

2.3.2 Statutory meetings a) Divisional AGMs Divisional Youth AGMs were conducted, and their reports formed part of the Divisional AGMs Divisional AGMs were held in all Divisions prior to the National AGM where representatives from the Branches participated., Berea Divisional AGM had to be postponed as delegation from branches was not according to the constitution, and some branches were not represented. Accordingly, it was re-organized before the end of March and it was successful.

Berea Youth Committee elected a new Chairperson during the AGM following resignation of their Chairperson for employment purposes outside the Division.

Thaba Tseka and Mafeteng Divisions elected committee members during their AGM since they were due for elections, while Quthing elected the Chairperson only. All these meetings were held in line with the Constitution in terms of representation and the quorum. b) National AGM The national AGM was held constitutionally from the 28th – 30th April 2017, all Divisions were represented, and reports given. The highlights of the AGM: - Audit report was presented by the Chairperson of the Finance and Audit Committee, and stated that the NS got a clean report, after discussions it was endorsed by the AGM

- Administration budget was presented by the Finance Director, and it was approved. However, there was a concern about unauthorised expenditure before the AGM

- The new SG Mr Masilo was introduced to the AGM, and he was welcomed with great delight. c) Quarterly meetings Quarterly meetings were conducted for both NEC and NYEC All Divisions conducted their quarterly meetings for both adult and youth committees as expected Maseru Division held extraordinary meeting as the Committee was making preparations to host the World Red Cross Day.

2.3.3 Partners’ meeting The NS organized partners’ meeting in January 2017 where the OCAC report was discussed considering that all identified areas affect sustainability of the NS. LRCS acknowledged that there is dire and urgent need to change the current situation and work towards building a strong NS with financial sustainability and active youth and volunteers. At the end of the meeting, a communique was signed in which LRCS committed itself to develop the change management plan, while the partners present; IFRC, BRCS and NorCross committed themselves to support the NS in its endeavours to change the status quo.

2.3.4 Change Management Plan LRCS developed the Change Management Plan (CMP) as agreed during the partners’ meeting and submitted at IFRC in February to solicit funding from the PNSs that have already committed themselves. the plan was approved, and the project implemented. Activities under CMP include Branch Organizational Capacity Assessment (BOCA), Orientation workshops for the Divisional Committees and other organizational Development interventions including development of the Strategic Plan.

a) BOCA LRCS is committed to have its Divisions performance improved to best serve the most vulnerable people in the communities. To ensure that this is achieved, one of the strategies employed was BOCA where the branches undergo a self-assessment process that would help them identify their performance gaps and devise mechanisms to bridge them. Hence, a 3 days BOCA exercise was conducted in 2 Divisions ; Quthing and Mohale’s Hoek., 20 Branch governance members from the participating Divisions were brought together in Mohale’s Hoek. . The main objectives of BOCA were as follows: -

• To appreciate the organizational capacities of the branch and how it is currently performing • To reach a consensus on priorities for Branch enhancement • To develop an operational plan to strengthen and sustain its service delivery capacity and resilience of communities

The Methodology involved self – assessment by the participating Divisions using an assessment tool which contains 5 core organizational capacities which include; Capacity to exist, Capacity to organize, Capacity to relate and mobilize, Capacity to perform and Capacity to grow. The two Divisions then went through the scoring process on a scale of A to F based on their consensus, where A is the least score and F the highest.

After the scoring exercise, the Divisions identified their weaknesses and strengths, prioritized the issues isolated depending on their intensity and need to address them., then developed the themes by combining related areas/indicators that could cover many activities. Each Division developed 3 themes but two of them were common to both; Volunteer Management and Resource Mobilization. The 3rd theme was Branch PMER and Branch Planning and Budgeting for Quthing and Mohale’sHoek respectively.

Finally, the Divisions developed prioritised Branch Development work plans from the themes developed with reference to the topics that scored poorly during BOCA tool scoring. As a way forward, the following actions points were agreed upon: -

• The Divisions to start implementing their plans in January 2018 • The Divisions to disseminate their plans to the Branches • National Society Headquarters BOCA facilitator and the other BOCA facilitators to help in monitoring implementation progress • The National Society to continue with implementation of BOCA in remaining 3 branches as per the original plan.

BOCA exercise was facilitated by IFRC Consultant from Malawi RC, who in turn trained LRCS staff on how to facilitate BOCA. The trainees included Head of Human Resource and Administration, Division Secretaries for Quthing and Mohale’s Hoek Divisions.

Fig 8: Divisional groups during BOCA

b) Orientation of Divisional Committees

LRCS strongly believes that Divisions are the faces of the Red Cross in the districts, therefore it was found worthy to hold workshops for the volunteers in governance positions because charity begins at home, then they can be able to pass the same message to other volunteers and portray the real image of the Society when they understand it themselves.

Therefore, LRCS planned conducted a series of orientation workshops for the Divisional committees, the purpose of which was threefold:

• to prepare them for their new roles and responsibilities after they were elected into Divisional governance, • to ensure that they are well informed about the activities of the Society including its programs. • to encourage the volunteers to change their perception about volunteering concept - for better understanding the first one workshop held in September 2017 for the Central region. Therefore, the second workshop was conducted in October for the Southern region covering Botha- Bothe and Leribe Divisions, and the third one was held in Mohale’sHoek from the 4th to 5th December 2017,

Participants included all Divisional committees and youth committees.

The workshops followed the same design as the first one. The participants were given information about the Red Cross Movement, mentioning the Founder of Red Cross Henry Dunant and the role he played in the formation of the Red Cross; the ICRC, NSs and IFRC. then Lesotho Red Cross Society, focusing on the Constitution, history and structure of the Movement, Volunteering Concept, as well as best approaches in mobilising Resources in their respective Divisions, including Role and responsibilities of Divisional Committees, elaborating on distinctions between

28 governance and management for effective functioning of the Division and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. The Fundamental Principles of the RC were emphasised as well as the proper usage of the emblem. The Geneva Conventions and its protocols and IHL were also part of the induction information shared during the meeting.

c) Peer to Peer visit to Botswana RC

Representatives of the LRCS National Executive Committee comprising of the President, Vice President and a Member visited Botswana RC in August. It was a learning and sharing tour. The objective of the visit was to appreciate the governance system of Botswana RCS regarding Branch, District and National General Assemblies and share programs experiences and challenges. The two-day program was structured in a form meetings and field visits.

Botswana RC presented their programs in a meeting, which are similar to LRCS programs. However, there was a unique Rehabilitation program through which staff provide psychosocial and professional support to communities in need of rehabilitation support.

LRCS was interested in their volunteer management from the recruitment process up to the point where volunteers are allocated to different Action Teams and inducted on Red Cross history, policies, strategic plan e.tc. LRCS also shared some ideas on the same issue, such as developing a simple database that is easy to manage.

The program continued with field visits, the first trip went to Kanye Branch which survives on own resources, the intention was to demonstrate that branches can survive and carry out humanitarian activities without donor funding. The Delegation also visited the Rehabilitation Centre that is running with support from the government. It has a Medical Doctor and specialized services like physiotherapy to restore the functioning capacity of those who utilize the services.

Lessons learnt: • Botswana RC has a committed team of staff delivering the work of the Red Cross • Closer collaboration with the government helps the National Society to sustain humanitarian interventions • In-kind donations are more crucial than financial support • Investment in volunteer capacity building sustains Red Cross activities without external support

d) Job evaluation

The LRCS engaged a Consultant (MJP) to undertake an organisational and job analysis and a job evaluation exercise. This will enable the organisation to identify any structural bottlenecks and find ways of improving the efficient functioning of the National Society within the context of its resource capacity.

The Consultants used different methods to collect data, they included:

Desk review of the NS documents such as strategies, policies, manuals, as well as the Organizational structure.

Questionnaires and Interviews

The 7s framework was used to assess the organization: - Strategy, - Structure - Skills - Staff - System - Style - Shared values The “Ss” must be aligned for an organization to be sustainable The Consultant presented the report to the Management, NEC Representatives then to the staff. the recommendations of the evaluation indicate a need to trim the current organisational structure while maintaining a structure that supports the achievement of organisational goals. They are as follows: - Re-alignment of jobs - Offer packages - Change terms of employment from permanent and pensionable to fixed term contracts

Implementation of the recommendations is in progress.

e) Review and Development of the Strategic Plan The review of Strategic Plan 2013-2017 started in August 2017 process and the process continued in January 2018 and proceeded to the development of the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.

Participants comprised of staff and volunteers of the LRCS drawn from the HQ, Divisions, Health centres, NYEC and NEC. Since LRCS is not working in isolation, stakeholders were also invited. The mixed group was designed to ensure that views from different sectors are includedbasically, it was agreed that the humanitarian landscape of Lesotho is not very different from 5 years back, and that the Strategic focal areas are still relevant and should be maintained; “HOPS”

H - Humanitarian Diplomacy O - Organizational Development P - Program Management S - Sustainability

However, LRCS should strengthen implementing strategies From the stakeholders’ point of view in the districts, LRCS is doing a lot of work at grassroots level, but they do not tell, in some areas, RC volunteers are there assisting the vulnerable people, but they are not known by the local authorities and stakeholders in the areas, hence they do not get support. ie publicity and visibility are the challenges.

Nationally, Stakeholders suggested that volunteers should also be tasked with collection of information that will assist programming between periodic studies. they further recommended that LRCS should take the lead in humanitarian affairs trainings in the country.

Issues raised during the review of the old strategy were used as the basis for development of the new strategy. Participants agrreed to develop a 5 -year strategic plan, and will be revised after 2020 when IFRC has a new strategy.

IFRC supported the NS in this exercise with a Facilitator who is an expert in National Society Development. LRCS team drafted the strategy shared with IFRC, it is yet to be presented to the Board and the AGM for endorsement.

2.3.5 Resource Mobilization

a) Establishment of an Ambulance service

Other means considered for resource mobilization was establishment of Ambulance services which was preceded by a Feasibility Study. The study was conducted by a team of 7 people comprising of staff and volunteers. Data was collected from 403 individuals within Health Facilities catchment areas in Maseru, 11 health centres, 2 Hospitals and 9 other institutions like the Police, Banks, Insurance and construction companies, as well as Private Emergency Medical Services 24/7.

The findings reflect a dire need for provision of ambulance services as 84% of the respondents indicated that they do not have access to ambulance services, and 94% indicated that there is a need to have ambulances services for emergencies that occur in their villages.

Also 91% of the interviewed institutions do not own ambulances. Both individuals and institutions rely on their own vehicles, and taxis for emergencies. Most importantly, 100% of interviewed institutions indicated that they can utilize LRCS’ ambulance services if they are provided. Therefore, LRCS Management looked at the report critically, and made an informed decision to convert an existing vehicle to an ambulance and establish the services. So the vehicle was sent to Cape Town for the conversion and the process is not yet finalized. b) Establishment of IGA To strengthen and retain youth and volunteers, and also generate income for the NS, a mini factory was established.

Thirteen sewing machines procured from Gauteng in Johannesburg were delivered in October, They included 1 Industrial Embroidery machine, 8 industrial straight stitch machines, 3 thread overlocker machines and 1 Button sewer. The procurement encompassed 4 steam irons and seam rippers.

A total of 14 volunteers from Divisions of Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale’sHoek, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’sNeck and Mokhotlong (8 females and 6 males) were trained on the use of the machines by the supplier. The second phase was the practical training conducted by Volunteers from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology on production of items. The volunteers have acquired the skills, they are able to producing items such as T-shirts, sweaters and hats, and they do embroidery. So far it has received orders from Berea Division and Ministry of Home Affairs for embroidery, even though they are not big orders, it is encouraging to be recognized by a government Ministry.

The NS has realized the need to treat this IGA like a business, therefore an application has been made to the Ministry of Trade to register a company, currently awaiting for the due process.

All LRCS Divisions were urged to support the factory and print their materials from there. Below are examples of the items made at the factory:

Fig 9: T-shirt printed with LRCS Logo plus hats Berea Division T-shirt being embroided.

c) Other RM and fundraising activities at the Divisions and HQ Lesotho Red Cross Society organized a “Fun day” in February at Maseru Club as a fundraising activity. It targeted both children and parents. Activities included racing, dance, aerobics and many others. 5 youth volunteers facilitated teambuilding activities. There was also drama and sketches about the Red Cross and its mandate.

LRCS also engaged in other RM activities focusing on property development, therefore, through this initiative, the NS signed the contract with LIMA contractors to renovate the old HC buildings at Mapholaneng, and Mokhotlong Division will get 20% share of its rent. While Mafeteng Division commenced talks with the business communities in Mafeteng negotiating for the development of the site of the Division. The owner of Mahapu Fruits and Vegetables was interested and the discussions are ongoing.

Berea Division is engaged in different IGAs at the Branches;

• Trained Ha Mpoba branch on production of stasoft , Vaseline and yogurt, though production has not yet started. The branch is also selling paraffin and air time.

• Ha Tumo branch have started baking buns for sale as their fund raising activity.

• Lekokoaneng branch has bought a machine for cutting dried fruits for sale, they are also in the process of producing drink

• Cana branch is the process of producing floor polish • Ha Phoofolo branch has started producing traditional handicrafts • Green house has been constructed at Berea division premises with the aim of planting vegetables that are highly in demand such as cabbage, tomato, green peppers and onions • The Division printed Golf shirts with LRCS logo and they are being sold to raise funds. • Berea has a plan to build a hall, it has has made proposals to request assistance from traders of stones at Lekokoaneng, so far two have responded to supply the Division with unprepared stones.

Maseru Division, apart from rental and commercial First Aid, the Division is selling snacks and drinks as well to raise funds. The Division has started printing and photocopying with the purpose of generating income. It has also maintained its investment account at Standard Lesotho Bank.

Maseru Division also solicited funding from the Central Bank of Lesotho for World Red Cross day celebration community Service, the bank donated M5000.00

The Division further mobilized human resources/ volunteers from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology through Architecture and Design Faculty to provide their skills and knowledge in humanitarian work, and the University supports it.

Maseru Division Branch at Matekeleng, contributed M700 to start poultry project. They sold the chickens and kept the profit at the bank. However, the chickens were sold at the lower prize because they did not match the market prize. There is a need for volunteers at the branch to improve their efforts in caring for the chickens so that they can make good profit.

Butha-Buthe organized a raffle for fund raising and collected M800.00 Mafeteng Divisional Youth started a farming project and established a committee to manage it, they prepared the soil, but was not sown due to unavailability of the youth because of competing commitments

Mokhotlong Division plans to start a tuck shop and crop production at Mapholaneng old HC buildings. Thaba-Tseka Division established two gardens for vegetables and potatoes. It is also selling snacks and airtime to generate income.

Most Divisions rely on subscriptions and rental income

2.3.6 Branch Development Other branch development initiatives by the Divisions were also implemented; elements include Current status of branches , governance structures, volunteer management, external relations, fundraising and financial management. a) Training Divisions on the Management of IGAs

HQ conducted training for the Divisions on the Management of IGAs: the aim was to equip participants with knowledge on the process of gathering relevant data that is going to guide them to properly understand the processes of planning, controlling and decision-making process. The activity reached 73 committee members, 12 of which were the youth. Topics covered included the following;

- how to identify an appropriate IGA in each area, considering that what is applicable in one area is not necessarily applicable in another area.

- Identifying the market economy in each area -calculating the production costs, storage costs and determining the selling price in line with current market trends. This information can help the volunteers at the Divisions to determine whether the project is economically and financially profitable.

- identifying people who are going to run such an IGA, looking at the required technical skills or if they require further training to effectively manage it, full commitment and dedication to the project, as well as motivation. The importance of understanding their role as volunteers of the projects and showing how they can be reasonably rewarded for their efforts was also emphasized.

- bookkeeping - like recording transactions daily in the cash book, the importance of issuing receipts, accounting for the expenditure receipts, banking the profits daily etc.

- The main management documents were discussed; what they are, and how they are used▪ day books (or journals) ▪ stock cards (or books) ▪ receipt books ▪ sales books ▪ purchase books ▪ delivery orders.

HQ will conduct Divisional audits to monitor their performance on IGAs.

b) Life skills Training for the Youth

To build the capacity of the youth, life skills trainings were held for three Divisions of Qacha’sNeck, Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka separately in a two – three days workshops conducted from Friday evening up to Sunday to accommodate the youth after school or work. the activity reached a total of 56 youth comprising of 33 males and 23 females. The topics covered included Communication, Life goal setting, Decision-making, Teambuilding, Conflict Management, Facilitation, Gender-Based Violence and HIV prevention. The youth appreciated the sessions and committed to share this crucial information with more youth to enable them to make informed decisions in life.

Fig 10: Youth during Life skill training.

c) Youth dialogue Through the ICRC support, LRCS held a Youth Dialogue on the Principles of IHL and its applicability at Lesotho Development Centre on 24th November 2017. The aim of this dialogue was first to assess the prior knowledge on IHL and second to engage youth in an intensive discussion of what Humanitarian Law is and how it relates to them as the youth in their respective communities as well as in their engagement within the NS. Issues discussed- principles of EHL, Application of EHL, dealing with conflict, GBV and human rights A total of 33 (M:20, F:13) youth volunteers Participation was from Maseru, Mafeteng, Butha Buthe, Qacha’s Nek, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Mokhotlong Divisions participated . Most of them could not see its relevance to them, they took it as the military business, However, after the dialogue, they were able to understand its significance to them as volunteers.

d) National Youth camp

National Youth Camp was held in Mafeteng from October 1st to 8th 2017. The aim was to bring together LRCS youth to share and learn from each other working strategies to improve to their volunteerism in their respective Divisions. The youth camp is an annual event which does not benefit the NS only, but also boosts their morale and they get personal benefits from development sessions that are organized during the camp. A total of 50 volunteers from the Divisions participated with an exception of Mokhotlong. It was a self-sponsored camp with each participant contributing an amount of M180, though some were some challenges with commitment to the payment. To build the capacity of the youth and assist them to cope with the life challenges, Facilitators in different aspects were organized; Self Knowledge by Mr Lekhotsa a Counsellor ; Self image and Purpose by Adv. Moqhali; Teambuilding by a Life Coach, Mr Nkhets’e. the camp also included community work where 140 indigenous trees obtained from the Ministry of Forestry in Mafeteng were planted in the slopes of Makeneng to address land degradation. Mafeteng Division also organized the Divisional Youth Camp at the time when the District was hosting National independence camp. The subcommittees established to prepare for the camp worked hard to make it a success.

e) Other Branch Development activities by the Divisions Berea Divisional and Youth committee members from 10 villages in Teyateyaneng (TY) attended branch capacity building workshop at TY facilitated by the Communications Manager

Mohale’sHoek Division after participating in conservation agriculture (CA) workshop in Thaba Tseka in 2016 disseminated the idea to the Heads of Department at district level for buy in of the local community leaders. This led to the establishment of two orchards at Mesitsaneng and Ha Mosotho. The CA technique was more accepted at Mesetsaneng and the Division continues to monitor

HR&ADMIN Manager conducted a two (2) days workshop in September at Thaba-Tseka Division with participants from different branches namely: Makunyapane, Bobete Majakaneng, Ha Laka and other branches .he shared best practices on how Branches can develop, utilizing locally available resources. Mafeteng Divisional and youth committee members received a similar training on how to build the Branches and recruit members.

Thaba-Tseka Division revived 3 Branches at Litsoetse, Ha-laka and Ha-phaila and established kids clubs

Thaba-Tseka Division also conducted peer education and Life-Skills trainings at 3 High Schools in the area. The activity reached 356 students at Paray, 204 students Thaba-Tseka Government HS and 160 students at Ntaote HS. The trainings extended to Thaba-Tseka L.E.C PS reaching

185 pupils. The Division went further to train 53 and 28 out of school youth at Ha-Laka and Ha- Phaila branches respectively. 21 Youth volunteers were also trained by YVO and National Youth President

Quthing Division renovated two buildings that are utilized for rental purposes. the development enabled the Division to increase the rental prize, the quarterly income raised from M17000,00 to M33000,00, which contributes to the Divisional growth.

Quthing Division has four nurseries at Bolahla , Pokane , Motsapi and Malephane Branches, the Division ensured sustainability of the nurseries and use their produce to support the vulnerable groups in their areas - -8 OVC;S , 6 Patients and 4 lactating mothers benefitted from the vegetables. They sold the surplus and deposited the money in Divisional account.

Leribe Division hosted pupils from Bolahla Primary School in Pitseng, they wanted to learn about the Red Cross programmes as well as the Movement since they wanted to know the origin of the Society. Divisional youth participated in the activity and engaged with the pupils to make their educational tour a meaningful event. a total of 94 pupils from grade 1 to grade 5 attended the tour.

f) Dissemination and Volunteer Management

The Divisions continued with recruitment of volunteers in different areas since LRCS is a volunteer-based organization. Their performance is illustrated on the table below:

Table 11: Dissemination and Volunteers Recruitment

DIVISION # of Branches # of # of Total Adult Total Grand # dissemination volunteers volunteers Youth total subscribed Recruitment recruited volunteers volunteers sessions held Berea 7 Botha-Bothe 5 62 Leribe Not stated Mafeteng 13 Maseru 5 179 Mohale’s 4 Not stated Hoek Mokhotlong Not stated Not stated Qacha’s Nek 8 33 234 Quthing 14 – I is 6 4 786 307 inactive Thaba-Tseka 6 175 -youth 79 62 141 Head Quarters

Maseru Division took the initiative to hold a public gathering at Ha Khanyetsi Branch and disseminated about the Red Cross Movement as well as LRCS programmes. The dissemination team further cleared the NS’ name that was misused to collect monies from the community with empty and non-existing promises of building houses for the community. This was done by an unknown person in the past years. Maseru Division Increased membership from 600 in 2016 to 779 in 2017, increase is 179 members, which is an indication of divisional growth. The Division has also developed the volunteer database.

g) Projects implemented by the Divisions

- Performane-Based Financing - Ministry Health Project Leribe, Division developed and submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health to conduct a Patient Tracing and Satisfaction Survey. The proposal was approved, and the Division was allocated 14 Health Facilities under Government and CHAL ownership. The project involved going to the communities and administering questionnaires to the clients identified by the Health Facilities. The tool measured their level of satisfaction with the services that they accessed at those Health Centres and the task was completed.

The Divisional Secretary and the volunteers who participated in the survey were prepared by the Ministry of Health through training. This means the Division now has the capacity to conduct surveys. Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka Divisions are also implementing the similar projects covering 9 and 18 Health Facilities respectively. Mapholaneng HC was excluded from the HCs to be surveyed by Mokhotlong Division because it belongs to LRCS

2.3.8 Other Humanitarian Interventions by the Divisions

Maseru Division collected clothes and shoes from volunteers and distributed them to 9 victims of disasters in five villages. The Division also provided 7 tarpaulin sheets to the same people.

Berea Division in collaboration with other stakeholders provided support to the family of elderly people at Ha Ntsoso who were attacked by unknown source of fire, which ended in stones throwing and whipping from nowhere. They were moved to a temporary place to stay, they were also given food and clothes.

Leribe Division visited Lisemeng area in October as part of humanitarian activity; they conducted cleaning campaign where 5 households of elderly people were assisted, carried out other house chores and ploughing. The assistance was extended to a 72years elderly lady who

39 is the former Red Cross secretary, and is taking care of her 59 years old younger sister who is bedridden due to stroke. The Division also provided the family with pampers.

Mafeteng Divisional youth visited more than 20 vulnarable families at Makeneng and Kopanong and assisted them with house chores including cleaning. The families were identified by the Chief as the youth requested him to provide a list of the most vulnerable families that need assistance in the villages. Mafeteng youth engaged in land reclamation activities during winter holidays, they assisted the communities of Ha Majake and HaTlai-tlai to collect stones and control soil erosion that was evident in those areas.

Maseru Division painted a children’s home in Maseru East with support from Builder’s City which donated 4 20Litre paint. The Division catered for other items needed for painting.

Thaba-Tseka Division assisted 5 vulnerable from Makunyapane, Bobete, ThabongII, Majakaneng, Ha Phaila with household chores including smearing the floors.

-The division has four nursery allocated to the community whereby the vulnerable groups are being assisted they are based in Bolahla , Pokane , Motsapi and Malephane branch -8 OVC;S , 6 Patients and 4 lactating mothers were assisted with vegetable from bolahla nursery and M110.00 was collected as means of fundraising and deposited in division account.

2.3.9 Support visits to the Branches

Berea Division Berea Division visited five Branches of Ha Foso Masoeling, Ha Tsekelo, Mokhethoaneng, and Makola communities to monitor their road repair projects as part of disaster risk reduction activities as advised by WFP.

The Division also visited a long-time member to learn from him what used to work for the Division to retain volunteers and keep them active in humanitarian work

The Divisional Secretary visited Lekokoaneng Ha Ntaja Divisional Secretary to assess the house that was affected by 2015 heavy storms which blew off the roof leaving the orphans vulnerable in a risky situation. the matter was reported by one of the committee members. The Division solicited and secured support to re-roof the house from TY Business man

Fig 12: House to be renovated in Berea Butha-Buthe Butha-Buthe Divisional committee members visited Phelandaba , Serutle, Linakeng and Tsime branches to provide support during the reporting period. Leribe Division Leribe Division visited Khanyane Branch to brainstorm on the IGAs for adults group whereby theydecided on Nursery and Tailoring. Mohale’sHoek Division

The Division visited the branches where NORAD supported HIV and Food Security project was implemented to follow up on the key hole gardens, tippy taps and soak away pits constructed when the project was still running in those areas to ensure that they are still used.

Thaba-Tseka visited Ha Laka Mohlakeng, Mots’oloane and Koma-Koma for the revival of the 4 Branches .

Qacha’sNek Division

Qacha’sNek Division Visited four Branches around Sehlaba-Thebe area namely Mavuka, Semenyane, Thamathu and Sekokoaneng

Quthing Division

Quthing Division visited 6 branches of Ha Piti, Ha Potomane, Ha Potomane, Ha Koali, Pokane Ha Moseneke and Ha Ntho and reached 105 people, of which only 18 were males. The purpose of the visits was to introduce new strategy of recruitment and setting up committees according to the Constitution.

2.3.10 HQ support and supervision to the Divisions The Communications Manager visited the Division on the day of their AGM, and sensitised the members about the 50th Anniversary for LRCS; this was interactive since members were free to ask questions.

HRAM conducted a support visit to Thaba-Tseka Division to assist them with the interpretation of the Constitution, and he facilitated re-elections since the constitution was not followed during the first elections.

Hunan Resource Manager and Finance Director visited Mohales’Hoek Division to assist the committee about resource mobilization and financial management.

HQ First Aid Team visited the Divisions to monitor and support the newly trained First Aid Instructors during their trainings.

2.3.11 Conferences, workshops, trainings and meetings LRCS participated in Southern Africa Partnership of the Red Cross Societies (SAPRCS) meeting held from 1- 3 March 2017 in Pretoria. LRCs was represented by the President, 1st Vice President and the Acting SG. All NSs in the region were represented except Angola. The meeting emphasised the importance of engagement with the partners; looking beyond the RCRC partners and strive to achieve the first provider status where RC is the partner of choice in humanitarian actions. Regarding sustainability, NSs were encouraged to strengthen resource mobilization through innovative fundraising. The highlight of the meeting was the handover of SAPRCS chairmanship from Malawi RC to Lesotho RC. IFRC is gradually shifting from food distribution to cash transfer programming as the benefits of the latter outsmart the logistical challenges encountered in food distribution. Hence, LRCS released the DMC to attend the Cash Transfer Programing (CTP) training held in London to build the capacity of the NS in CTP. The training was organized and fully supported by BRCS. Other NSs that attended the training were Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Nepal, Iraq Norwegian, German, Denmark, Kenya and Lesotho.

Berea Divisional Secretary attended District Surveillance and Response workshop organized by the DHMT intended to capacitate the DHMT members with the skills. Leribe and Qacha’Neck Divisions participated in a Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Workshop in February organized by the Department of Rural Water Supply (DRWS). They were represented by the Divisional Secretaries, youth chairperson and divisional committee member for Qacha’Neck also attended. The workshop included triggering of the community community to facilitate their own analysis of open defecation. Leribe and Berea Divisional Secretaries received training on Navision to help them manage their accounts.

Leribe Division also participated in a 3 days’ training in March on Nursery and Bee husbandry held in Khanyane Branch in preparation of the tree planting project undertaken in May. This is one of the few ideas created to change the mind-set of the Communities to learn to do things for generating income rather than expecting donations. The workshop was facilitated by Ministry of Forestry.

Thaba-Tseka Division through participation of its 11 youth volunteers received a Trade workshop organised by the Ministry of Trade.

Thaba-Tseka Division youth volunteers (21) were trained on peer education

All Divisional Secretaries represented the NS in regular meetings at the districts;

• Heads of Departments monthly meetings under the chairmanship of the District Administrator where they shared reports on the Red Cross work. • District Disaster Management Teams monthly meetings • District Child Protection Teams

2.3.12 RED CROSS SPECIAL DAYS

a) World Red Cross Day (WRCD)

WRCD is celebrated annually on the 8th May to commemorate the birth of Henry Dunant, the Founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. LRCS commemorated the day at Mazenod on the 13th May. The NEC and NYEC members participated. Attendance from the Divisions was very poor due to the cold weather.

Maseru Division was the host, and they decided to celebrate with the elderly people in the area. they provided them with the woollen hats with LRCS logo, it was more appropriate because it was winter hosted

The First Chairperson of the NS participated at the event and shared his successes and experiences during his tenure of office, indicating that youth were very active in Red Cross work.

b) World First Aid Day (WFAD)

WFAD is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of September with a theme every year. The 2017 Theme was “First Aid and Domestic accidents”. Divisions celebrated the day with different activities in their areas of choice. The objective was to make communities aware of domestic accidents and the causes , offer knowledge and skills for empowering families with different techniques of handling emergency situations at home.

Quthing celebrated with the housewives as the target group as they are the key players in home management. A total of 45 people participated in the commemoration . FA sessions on common home accidents were done, as well as demonstrations of the FA skills.

Thaba-Tseka Division celebrated at Mohlakeng Community . The communities were taught about selected topics such as burns, eye injury, sting bites, poisoning, nose bleeding, fever and diarrhea.

Berea Division celebrated WFAD with Linokong community

Butha-Buthe Divion celebrated World First Aid Day at Manamela village with the training and demonstration of First Aid skills

Mafeteng Division celebrated World First Aid Day in Ha Tlaitlai branch whereby 3 branches attended the event. The Chairperson, Vices Chairperson, DS, First Aid instructor and some of the members from central branch celebrated with them. 49 people attended.

Mohales’Hoek celebrated WFAD at Mohalinyane

volunteers and committees members attended WFAD celebrations at their respective Divisions

Qacha’sNeck Division celebrated WFAD at Tebellong Branch

Fig 13: First Aid Demonstrations during WFAD

c) Lesotho Red Cross Society 50th anniversary

The 50th Anniversary celebrations committee was established, working with the Management, build-up campaigns towards the celebration were carried out; profiling of the NS through social media, radio slots with different radio stations with a wider coverage and good listenership such as Radio Lesotho, Mo-Afrika FM, Harvest FM and PC FM. National TV was also used. LRCS staff also talked about it in all the forums at national and district levels where is was represented.

The 9th November 2017 marked 50 years of existence and humanitarian service for LRCS. The peak of the celebration was the Gala dinner held on the 18th November 2017 held at the Royal Palace and graced with the presence of Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Seeiso as Patrons of the NS.

The Gala Dinner was attended by government officials, United Nations, different companies and people of good will. The former Presidents and Secretary Generals of the NS were also in attendance. The NS National Executive Committee was present to celebrate with the invited guests. One of the LRCS stalwarts provided a look-back perspective on the journey travelled by the Society over the past 50 years to assist the vulnerable people through thick and thin. Most importantly he indicated that LRCS enjoyed the trust of the Basotho Nation because it maintained integrity. All messages given on that day emphasized the importance of volunteers in Red Cross work. PD presented an overview of the LRCS Programs based on humanitarian landscape of Lesotho to ensure its relevance. And lastly the SG presented the NS achievements in the last decade of 50 years. IFRC was represented by Ms Heidi Isohanni on behalf of the Head of Cluster. ICRC contributed to the event through printing of visibility materials which will be sold to raise funds.

Cutting of the Cake by Their Majesties

Stalwarts table SG

As it was indicated that the celebration will continue until 9th November 2018, the Divisions continued with humanitarian activities in their respective areas: Berea Division celebrated with the community of Ha Mpoba where they were taught conservation farming techniques.

The Division also supplied 20 OVC in the same village with hygiene kits containing toothpaste, tooth brush, shoe polish, washing and bath soap, towel and Vaseline.

Leribe Division solicited in-kind support from the local businesses and received a donation of new born clothes (donated by Jet Stores Hlotse). These were given to the new mothers who delivered at Thaba Phatsoa Health Centre, the idea was to encourage mothers to deliver at the health facilities to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The activity received media coverage.

Maseru Division celebrated by painting an orphanage and a school at one of their branches in the outskirts of Maseru

Mohale’sHoek Division on the other hand celebrated with the community in land reclamation activities; they planted 500 trees in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry. Then the Divisional Secretary provided a First Aid talk.

Thaba Tseka Division with support from local businessmen distributed Christmas clothes and food items to 35 OVC,

Thaba-Tseka OVC with their parcels Mohale’sHoek volunteers digging holes

New born babies getting donations from Leribe Division at Thaba-phatsoa Health Centre

2.3.13 Challenges in OD • There is a common chronic problem of transport shortage that is hindering Divisional visits to the Branches • Generally, high mobility of youth causes instability in the committees and affects the ability of the committees to carry out their functions effectively. • There is little or no efforts to implement plans drawn by the youth at the Divisions. This has caused tension between the DSs and the youth. • Lack of commitment by the volunteers to implement Red Cross activities. • Non-attendance of quarterly meetings by some committee members, leading to cancellation or postponement because there was no quorum. • The World Red Cross Day was not well attended by other Divisions because of the weather conditions, Mokhotlong Division for one did not make it to Maseru due to snow which made travelling almost impossible. • • Even though some Branches have received branch capacity building workshop, members still do not understand that they must make their own income at branch level; they still insist that divisions must support them.

3. PMER ISSUES - Documentation of Lessons Learned

Learning from the past provides guidance and better implementation in future. Hence a Consultant was engaged to develop a booklet documenting lessons learned from WASH project implemented at Bobete in Thaba-Tseka together with the challenges encountered. interviews were conducted with the Chiefs, Community Members, WASH committee members, Water Minders, Herd boys, Pupils and Teachers from the project site. At the district, the interviews were held with DRWS, Environmental Health Department (EHD), Ministry of Education and Bobete Health Centre Nurses. The booklet is available.

- WASH Mid Term Review The Mid Term Review (MTR) of BRCS -supported WASH project was carried out in July. the excise was carried with the assistance of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (PMEAL) Adviser from BRCS. The objective of the assessment was to assess progress regarding establishing an enabling environment for sustainable WASH practices in 3 rural communities at Ha Lebele and Lehloaneng in Mohale’s Hoek and Ha Meno in Mokhotlong.

People who have a role to play in WASH were interviewed; Members of the WASH committees, Artisans, WASH club members, Teachers, Water Minders, Herd Boys, PHAST groups etc. - Cancer screening Baseline Survey

LRCS in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted a Baseline Survey in all the HCs involved with cancer screening outreach project. The report was not yet finalized at the end of the reporting period.

4. PROPOSALS DEVELOPED NorCross -IFRC – Change Management Plan: LRCS developed a proposal to NorCross through IFRC to cover organizational development activities under Change Management Plan, it was approved and implementation is ongoing.

BRCS- IFRC - Community Resilience: During emergency operations (cash transfer Program) implemented in Mafeteng, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’sNeck in 2016, the fourth transfer was not received due to challenges in funds disbursement from IFRC, therefore beneficiaries did not get the fourth transfer as promised. Funds were received way beyond the emergency period, hence, LRCS had to develop a Community Resilience proposal as the means to reallocate the said emergency funds. However, the proposal covers one district only to enable 3 months implementation rather than overstretching it to 3 districts for 1 month.

New Zealand High Commission – WASH: proposal developed and submitted at NewZealand High Commission for Water Supply system at Ha Khitsane in Mohales’Hoek, and was approved.

UNICEF: Emergency WASH – funding application for emergency WASH services was submitted at UNICEF, formal communication never received.

German RC – Emergency operation focusing on OVC – LRCS developed and submitted a proposal to GRCS as a follow up of emergency operations implemented in 2016, focusing on OVC unmet needs, it was approved and implemented at Qacha’sNeck.

Iranian RC : proposal covering health and Disaster Management components was written and submitted, awaiting feedback.

Shoken Fund: a funding proposal was submitted at Shoken Fund to cover Blood Donor Recruitment and Youth activities, awaiting feedback.

Ministry of Health – Performance-Based Financing (PBF)- application submitted for PBF and was approved and implemented in Leribe, Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong

5. PARTNERSHIPS ESTABLISHED Leribe, Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka Divisions have signed contracts with Ministry of Health to Conduct surveys in health facilities in their respective districts.

Qacha’Neck Division established a partnership with Baylor, and 3 youth members are taking part facilitating life skills at Baylor

Maseru Division has established partnership with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to provide technical and physical assistance where it is required in humanitarian work. Mokhotlong is partnering with LENASO in which LRCS volunteers are working with them in condom distribution and HIV Testing and Counselling project.

Quthing Division has a good working relationship with the Ministry of Health, hence 4 youth members are working at different HCs within the district as TB screening clerks and lay counsellors In all these partnerships, the RC youth members are engaged, and their lives will change for the better as they gain and strengthen their facilitation and assessment skills, and they will get some incentives as well.

6. MISSIONS a) Belgium Marketing Advisor from Belgium RC visited Lesotho in January to assist the NS to develop First Aid Marketing Plan, same was done. b) BRCS BRCS Country manager came to Lesotho in January bringing the good news that the department Of Foreign Affairs and Trade from Australia has given the WASH program in Mokhotlong and Mohales’Hoek the greenlight. She worked with the NS to map the way forward after 6 months break. BRCS logistics Delegate visited LRCS in February to support the NS in launching the tenders supply of construction materials and construction of water supply systems and latrines for Mokhotlong and Mohale’sHoek. BRCS and Australian RC WASH Advisors visited the NS to support implementation of the WASH project after 6 months break. Monitoring, Evaluation and Review Panel (MERP), a team of consultants appointed by DFAT to monitor the project visited LRCS in November 2017 to monitor progress, but also to focus on efforts that are in place to ensure sustainability. Therefore, the team met the change agents being

DRWS and Environmental staff members, WASH committees, Water Minders, Teachers, School WASH clubs, PHAST groups, Chiefs, Councillors and Herd boys. c) ICRC ICRC mission came to Lesotho in February to discuss 2017 plans and approved budget, including contingency for possible general elections. ICRC Head of delegation also made a courtesy call to LRCS during his visit to the Ministry of Defence. d) Water Aid Water Aid Regional Director and Country Team Leader visited LRCS in March to present the decision of their Board to close the program because Water Aid was not registered in Lesotho as it did not meet the requirements, so they did not want to operate illegally. Another factor was the funding challenge. Then a 3 months Exit Agreement was signed to end in June. WaterAid Southern Africa Regional Technical Advisor visited the project on the 19th June 2017 to monitor progress on solar installation at Khoaisanyane. He met the District Engineer at Thaba-Tseka and WASH committee members who confirmed that the solar pumping system has made a huge difference, regulation of water is now history.

7. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS Mokhotlong Division has obtained a lease for the entire yard with the assistance of the HQ

The Secretary General(SG) Prof T. Kitleli who has served LRCS for almost 10 years left the organization in February at the end of his contract. And the new SG joined the National Society in May. LRCS received a WASH Delegate from British RC in May who has come to support implementation of the WASH project. End of Q2 marked the end of Water Aid WASH supported project at Bobete in Thaba-Tseka district. The Ministry of Health has constructed a pre -fabricated structure to serve as a mini Laboratory at Mapholaneng HC after being granted permission to do so by the NS. It has been provided by the National TB Programme in an effort to Ending TB. The Lab is intended to assist Health Centres in the area regardless of ownership, some belong to the government and others to CHAL. The lab will start working as soon as water, electricity and equipment have been installed. LRCS enjoyed the benefits of good and long working relationship with the Alliance Insurance Company, Alliance is managing Provident Fund and Group Life Assurance for LRCS staff, it has reduced the Administration fee from 1.11% to 0.89% effective March 2017.

The staff took a trip to Cape Town in October where they held a retreat and carried team building activities, they were indeed motivating after the hard year’s work.

No. of Age distribution Employees 8. HR STATS <20 0 30 <20 20-24 2 24 20-24 25 25-29 5 25-29 19 20 30-34 30-34 19 35-39 15 35-39 24 40-44 10 40-44 10 45-49 10 8 8 50-54 5 45-49 8 5 3 55-59 2 50-54 8 0 0 60+ 0 55-59 3 <20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+

60+ 0 No. of Years in service Employees No. of Employees <1 5 20 19 1--2 13 15 14 15 13 3--4 11 11 5--7 14 10 8--10 19 5 5 2 11--14 15 0 0 0 15--19 0 0 <1 1--2 3--4 5--7 8--10 11--14 15--19 20--24 25--29 30+ 20--24 0 25--29 2 30+ 0

HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 No. of Months Employees female Male permanet contract Headcount 90 Jan-17 81 40 41 62 19

Feb-17 80 40 40 60 19 80 Mar-17 80 40 40 60 20 70 Apr-17 80 40 40 60 20

60 May-17 79 43 36 60 19

50 Jun-17 76 41 35 59 17

Jul-17 76 41 35 59 17 40 Aug-17 77 42 35 60 17 30 Sep-17 77 42 35 60 17

20 Oct-17 77 42 35 60 17

10 Nov-17 79 43 36 59 19

Dec-17 78 43 35 60 18 0 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17

HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 No. of Employees HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 female HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 Male HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 permanet HEAD COUNT FOR 2017 contract

No.of No.of Resignations YEARS Resignations 2013 3

1 2014 3 3

3 2015 3

2016 3

3 2017 1 3

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Employee Turnover index

No.of leavers in 2017 x 100/Avg no of Engagements 10 emp in 2017 end of contracts 4 1 x100/79 1.3% deaths 1

resignation 1

Stability Index No. of emp with 1 yr service or more/no. employed 1 yr ago

74/5 14.8

9. FLEET REPORT FOR THIS YEAR 2017

Reg No. Chassis Mileage Engine No: Make Model Color Year Condi Insured by Statio tions n AA603 AHTFR22G4 159188 2KD5845990 Toyota Hilux White 2012 Very Not insured HQ 06063270 Good AA601 JTERB71J70 337919 1HZ0509425 Toyota Landcruis White 2006 Fair Minet HQ 0032179 er Lesotho AZ329 AHTFR22G0 2KD1311613 Toyota Hilux White 2005 SOLD 06000604 AC391 JN1CJUD22Z QD32217864 Nissan Hardbod White 2006 SOLD 0077361 y AG216 ADNJ860000 ZD30116556 Nissan Hardbod White 2007 SOLD E001860 K y AY504 AHTFZ29G6 1KD7009469 Toyota Hilux White 2005 SOLD 09001017 MF997 AHTFR22G8 161755 2KDA222651 Toyota Hilux White 2013 Very Minet HQ 06077219 Good Lesotho MF996 AHTFR22G7 122067 2KDA226236 Toyota Hilux White 2013 Very Minet Mkhtl 06077356 Good Lesotho ng MF989 AHTFR22G9 182677 2KDA127895 Toyota Hilux White 2013 Very Minet HQ 0674216 Good Lesotho MH498 JTEEB71J307 124028 1HZ0688819 Toyota Landcruis White 2013 Very Minet HQ 014428 er Good Lesotho ML740 JTEEB71J807 118475 1HZ0688979 Toyota Landcruis White 2014 Very Minet HQ 014442 er Good Lesotho MN504 JTEBB71J80 84353 IHZ0734993 Toyota Landcruis White 2013 Very Minet Moktl 4000786 er Good Lesotho ng MN505 JTEBB71J10 117303 IHZ0739151 Toyota Landcruis White 2013 Very Minet M/Ho 4000791 er Good Lesotho ek EB 581 AHTLB52E60 54300 1ZRV093511 Toyota Corolla Silver 2015 Very Minet HQ 3098837 Good Lesotho DE162 AAK7130FLD 24916 CA4DF21352 Truck FAW White 2014 Very Minet HQ A051020 80353 FAW Good Lesotho DF104 AHTDZ2962 1KDA734135 Toyota Hilux Silver 2015 Retur 09307378 ned to Water Aid

Mileage

DE162 24916

EB 581 54300

MN505 117303

MN504 84353

ML740 118475

MH498 122067

MF989 182677

MF996 122067

MF997 161755

AA601 337919

AA603 159188

0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000

BIKES

M2729 Quard Good 2010 Not Black HQ Bike insured AD571 Quard Good 2007 Not silver HQ Bike insured

Motor Red Sold Bike Motor Red Sold Bike Motor Yellow Sold Bike

10. future Plans:

- Strengthen dissemination about the Red Cross and recruitment of volunteers - Implementation of IGAs - Sustain humanitarian activities - Strengthen capacity of the NS in First Aid trainings - Implementation of Job Evaluation recommendations

FINANCIAL STATUS – refer to financial reports