Effectiveness of Community-Based Partnerships in Combating Children's Vulnerability in Maseru, Lesotho

1. The effectiveness of Community-Based Participatory Partnerships in combating children’s vulnerability in Maseru, Lesotho by Mulwayini Mundau (PhD) (Unique No. 120) Department of Sociology and Social Work National University of Lesotho Lesotho ASASWEI CONFERENCE ‘23, CONFERENCE CENTRE, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA. DATE: 27 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2023

2. PRESENTATION OUTLINE 1. Background information 2. Aim of the study 3. Methodology 4. Findings 5. Recommendations 6. Conclusion

3. Background Information  The complex nature of child vulnerability cases in Lesotho has contributed to the need for Community-Based Partnerships (CBPs).  The Lesotho Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (LEPHIA) (2020), showed HIV and AIDS as the major reason for children becoming orphaned in Lesotho.  Additionally, the proportion of orphaned was increasing rapidly with age and 12530 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years placed on ART Treatment.  In an effort to combat vulnerabilities that predominately affects the lives of the vast majority of children in Lesotho, the Karabo ea Bophelo programme was initiated in response, as a CBPs.

4. Background information Cont…  Its strategic objective was to support the government multi-sector strategies for HIV mitigation and prevention.  Karabo Ea Bophelo is funded by PEPFAR through USAID, led by Baylor College of Medicine Children’s foundation Lesotho, in partnership with Catholic Relief Service, Women in Law in Sourthen Africa, Centre for Impacting Live, Lesotho Inter-Religious AIDS Consortium, Society for Women and AIDS in Africa Lesotho and among others.  CBPs are collaborative approaches researchers and communities, partnership for the primary aim of developing actions to address communities’ priority issues. between facilitate organisations, equitable which

5. Background Information Cont….  The effectiveness of Community-Based Participatory Partnerships can therefore be measured in consideration of the five faces key in invigorating development. These faces include; an assessment of the relevance Governmental Organizations (NGOs), their ability to uncover the causes of social unrest or problems, the ability to utilize appropriate theoretical framework, involvement of the community and their compliance and ability to work with the government (Eusebius, Mengo and Brendon, 2014). of partnering Non

6. Problem Statement  Lesotho has high levels of HIV infection (22.7% prevalence and the 2nd highest in the world- LePHIA,2020).  The need for promoting multisectoral approach in dealing with HIV infection and development initiatives has been central to the government of Lesotho’s planning.  There are plenty of benefits associated with collaboration as opposed to solitary operations.  Like in any project venture, the evaluation of the initiative’s effectiveness is an absolute necessity.  This study therefore sought to establish the effectiveness of these partnerships in dealing with OVCs and AGYM in Maseru.

7. Aim and Objectives of the study  The study sought to explore the effectiveness of CBPs in combating child vulnerabilities through emphasis on minimizing the negative impacts of HIV on OVC and Adolescents Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Maseru, Lesotho.  The specific objectives of the study were to; 1. To examine the relevance of partnering NGOs in the resilience building among OVC and AGYW in CBP in Maseru, Lesotho. 2. To assess the CBP’s responsiveness to the integrated approach to the needs of OVC’s and AGYW.

8. Methodology  The study adopted a qualitative research approach guided by an explorative design to explore the effectiveness of CBPs projects offering OVC and AGYW services in Maseru, Lesotho.  The population in this study is all Community-Based Participatory Partnerships in Maseru, Lesotho focusing on OVC and AGYW projects, from which the sample was narrowed down to NGOs within the Karabo-Ea-Bophelo project, in Maseru City Council.  In-depth and Key Informant interviews were used to collect data from social workers from different NGOs within the project and key experts with knowledge on the programme.

9. Findings  The study revealed that NGOs in the partnership were seriously committed to carrying out the project activities within their assigned community councils.  The study further discovered that the provision and coordination of comprehensive services in the Karabo-ea- Bophelo project, shows the effective of CBP in catering for the needs of OVC and AGYW in Maseru, Lesotho.  Referrals take a central role, with each participating NGO facilitating access to health, economic, psychosocial and social services to OVC, AGYW and their caregivers.  The findings also revealed that participants graduate from the project and consider it to be of great relevance in improving their welfare.

10. Findings Cont…  The Ministry of Social Development’s adoption of the Integrated Case Management System bears witness to the effectiveness of the CBP like the Karabo ea Bophelo.  However, the findings also show that some organisations within the partnership are incapacitated to deliver their mandate.  Additionally, there is a low uptake of services due to service users’ high expectations for compensation.  Furthermore, cultural issues and power dynamics were also noted as hindrances to the smooth management of the partnership.

11. Recommendations  The partnership must include funding of participants projects.  There is a need for an immediate response to the basic needs of OVC and AGYW in families exposed to harsh living conditions, instead of referring them for public assistance.  In line with the Community Participatory Partnership Framework there must be regular health checks of partnerships, throughout the project life cycle to ensure sustainability, adaptation or adjournment.  There is also a need for capacitating partners in their areas of service delivery in order to improved the quality of services provided.

12. Conclusion  The outcome of the study reflects a favorable correlation between OVC and AGYW needs and CBPs.  In short, the Karabo-ea- Bophelo project, has a proven element of sufficiency in improving vulnerability of OVC and AGYW in Maseru.  The partnerships’ community opportunities for community engagement and enhanced the capacity to respond to children’s developmental needs.  The project has proven to be of great relevance in addressing the multiple vulnerabilities of OVC and AGYW in Maseru.  Despite some few concerns collaboration, the partnership has been largely beneficial and successful. based initiatives have provided in organization intregration and