Reflecting on the Ntlafatsa Bana Project: A Critical Milestone for Social Protection in Lesotho

The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, the European Union Delegation to Lesotho, and UNICEF today convened a pivotal Multi-stakeholder Reflection Workshop. Bringing together 70 participants from national and district governments, civil society, and partner organizations, this event serves as a crucial moment to assess the impact of the Ntlafatsa Bana project, which focuses enhancing the capacity of the Government to efficiently deliver social assistance programmes, including the Child Grants Programme (CGP) as well as improving access to sustainable energy, water, and nutrition services as well as birth registration

The workshop aims to assess the project’s progress, strengthen coordination across sectors, and enhance the Cash-plus approach to further improve social protection outcomes. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to gather insights that will guide future interventions, ensuring the project’s long-term success and relevance.

In her remarks, from the Team Leader ?at the EU Delegation to Lesotho Ms. Renieri Anna noted, “Today, we come together with shared purposes: to celebrate the progress in the project’s implementation, to reflect on ways to strengthen coordination between national and district-level actors, and to ensure that this project continues to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children in our communities.”

This ongoing partnership between the EU, UNICEF, and the Government of Lesotho reflects a long-standing commitment to social protection. Anna further emphasized, “The Ntlafatsa Bana project is an EU priority for social protection in Lesotho, and it remains one of the most critical programs within our broader agenda for ensuring equitable development. Since 2005, the EU has supported social protection in Lesotho, striving to improve the lives of those who need it most – and for over 15 years, in partnership with UNICEF.”

The Acting Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, Mrs “Mankhatho Linko highlighted the significance of the Cash Plus approach in supporting vulnerable communities. “Our ongoing partnerships with the EU delegation and UNICEF, which date back to 2005, have been instrumental in our endeavors to uplift our communities. Together, we have embraced the Cash Plus approach, a comprehensive initiative that provides regular financial transfers, coupled with vital additional services. This model is designed to fortify our programs and ensure we achieve the outcomes we aspire for our children and families.”

This partnership, which includes enhancing essential services including renewable energy, clean water, nutrition, and birth registration, represents a significant evolution of social protection in Lesotho. The Principal Secretary further added, “The Ntlafatsa Bana initiative represents a significant milestone, aiming to enhance not only the Child Grants Programme but also access to essential services.”

?Underscoring the need to accelerate implementation, UNICEF Deputy Representative Kimanzi Muthengi stated, “adopting a campaign approach, enhancing collaboration between national and district actors, and integrating various cash plus interventions will amplify our outreach and provide comprehensive support to beneficiaries”

The Ntlafatsa Bana project is supported by various ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition and the Ministry of Local Government. The project is operating in five districts: Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka, Leribe, and Mohale’s Hoek.