Supporting early childhood development and nutrition
The project aims to sustainably and holistically nurture Early Childhood Development (ECD), empower communities through education, and ensure year-round access to fresh, nutritious food for the Touching Tiny Lives (TTL) safe home children. More specifically, a new and safe ECD school in Phahameng will be constructed together with fencing, sanitation facilities, a rainwater harvesting tank for the garden and a newly developed school garden. An engaging curriculum that promotes holistic development will be developed and bi-annual teacher training workshops will be conducted. In order to provide fresh produce for meals served to the children in TTL's safe home, a greenhouse will be built on TTL's campus. 50 community members will also be empowered and trained in vegetable production, and community workshops will be expanded, to include food preservation, benefiting 50 Ha Tsoeu and Matsoaing community members.
Founded in 2004, TTL is a registered charity in Lestoho dedicated to providing assistance to orphaned and vulnerable children affected by HIV/IDS and malnutrition.
News
Type
Health / Education / Community DevelopmentDuration
January 2024 - december 2025Location
Mkothlong / LesothoWith whom
Touching Tiny Lives
Website
Lesotho
Population
2.23 million (2017)
Per Capita Income
USD 1,210/ an (2017)
Poverty rate *
53% (2017)
Literacy rate
77% (2016)
Human Development Index
159th out of 189 countries (2018)
Over the past two decades, Lesotho has made little progress in lowering its poverty headcount rate from 60% (2002) to 53% (2018). High inequality and poverty coupled with high unemployment (28%) are exacerbated by lack of infrastructure and harsh climate in the mountain districts. Lesotho’s greatest challenge remains its high HIV/AIDS prevalence (one in 4 of the adult population) and its TB co-epidemic. 40% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and one in ten does not survive its 5th birthday. Although budgetary allocations amount to almost 9% of GDP, this has not translated in improvements in key health outcomes. Similarly, despite huge public spending in the education sector, poor educational outcomes persist amid concerns about equitable access. Subsistence farming remains the main source of income but its importance and magnitude is declining. The poorest quintile is the most affected.
Sources: World Food Program, UNICEF, World Bank, 2016 Human Development Report, Human Development Indices and Indicators (2018 Statistical Update)
*The percentage of the population living below the national poverty line.