Press release archive

Media Statement in Response to National Budget

Hundreds march on Mokhotlong to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 4 December 2012

Disability Day 2012 Takes to Mokhotlong - 19 November 2012

Be an everyday hero - 03rd October 2012 

Affirmative action employers honored at inaugural Inclusion Lesotho awards ceremony - 28 August 2012

LNFOD seminar celebrates spirit of female entrepreneurship - 27 August 2012

Presentation of braille books to LDTC - 16 August 2012

LNFOD Magistrate Workshop Questions Presentations of People with Disability in Legal Systems

Hundreds flock to lend a hand for Day of the African Child - 18 June 2012

Lesotho Invited to Join Hands for Children with Disability-5 June 2012

Vast improvement from 2007 but still a way to go for  disability friendly elections - 4 June 2012

LNFOD  calls on councilors to create employment for people with disability – 7 May 2012 

LNFOD political meeting unveils disabilities policies of seven electon contenders – 21 April 2012 

Disability stakeholders reaffirm calls to repeal penal code amendment at LNFOD coalition meeting – 19 April 2012  

Disability Lesotho e-newsletter archive

Click here to download Disability Lesotho February 2013

Click here to download Disability Lesotho January 2013

Click here to download the December edition of Ntsoe Leng 2012

Click here to download Disability Lesotho November 2012

Click here to download Disability Lesotho September 2012 

Click here to download Disability Lesotho August 2012

Click here to download Disability Lesotho July 2012

Click here to download Disability Lesotho June 2012

Audio & Video archive

In May 2013, LNFOD partnered with UNICEF to produce a series of public service advertisements to raise awareness of the rights of children with disability during the launch of the UNICEF State of the World's Children report. The advertisements aired on Lesotho TV. Click the player below to view the PSA.

LNFOD discusses disability specific legislation on Seboping live

Nkhasi  Sefuthi, LNFOD Human Rights and Advocacy Officer, joined the Director of Disability Services from the Ministry of Social Development and the Senior Inspector from the Special Education Unit, Ministry of Education and Training on Radio Lesotho's Seboping Live show. The program answered frequently asked questions regarding the impact of a Disability Equity Act on different sectors of society. 
Listen to the program

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A CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks consultancy services from the constitutional law expert to draw a strategic advocacy article guiding LNFOD on how to ensure full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the anticipated reform agenda of Lesotho.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English at the address below on or before the 30th November 2017 not later than 5:00.
Attention: 
The Executive Director, LNFOD, P.O. Box 9988, Maseru 100
 Email address: admin@lnfod.org.ls

 Click here for full terms of reference.

CONSULTANT REQUIRED: EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT ENTITLED: REFORMING JUSTICE AND EDUCATION SECTOR FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is seeking a qualified Consultant to conduct external evaluation of the project implemented in the Maseru district, but there was only one activity which was implemented in four districts namely; Mafeteng, Mohale’shoek, Berea, Leribe and Butha-Buthe.
The objective of the external evaluation is to assess the extent to which the project has achieved its objectives and results as articulated by the plan. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted on or before the 31st July 2017 at 12:00 am, in English at the address below.​
Click here for full terms of reference.

Consultant Required: Baseline Study on Access to Financial Services for Persons with Disabilities
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is implementing a three-year program, “Capacity development for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities” with the financial support from Diakonie Austria whose back-donor is Austrian Development Agency.
One of the key envisaged activities of this program is to conduct a baseline study to determine the level of existing inclusion of people with disabilities living in the program area in the economic, livelihoods programs, access to financial services for the establishment of income generating activities provided by the Public and Private Institutions including Civil Society Organisations.
The applications should be hand delivered at House no. 22, Mobile Rd, Old Europa, Maseru or submitted at admin@lnfod.org.ls on or before the 8 June 2017 at 5:00.
​
Click here for full terms of reference.

Legal Practitioners Required
LNFOD is currently implementing the project titled ‘Reforming justice and Education Sector for persons with disabilities’ which seeks to increase access to judicial justice and inclusive education for persons with disabilities. der this project, LNFOD seeks to engage two legal practitioners who will represent people with disabilities in their cases. LNFOD is therefore inviting expressions of interest and quotations from the practising legal practitioners for legal representation services which will be rendered to persons with disabilities.

Please click here​ for full terms of reference

Consultant Required​
​LNFOD is urgently looking for the disability rights consultant to conduct a two day capacity building training workshop for the Police Investigators, Prosecutors and Magistrates on access to justice for persons with disabilities.
Applications should be sent at the following email addresses;
Admin@lnfod.org.ls cc malehlohonolo@lnfod.org.ls on or before the 31 January 2017.
Please click here for full terms of reference


Job Opportunities
                                                                                
VACANCY-ADVERTISEMENT:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks to fill up the position of Assistant Advocacy officer.
Applications should be emailed to admin@lnfod.org.ls not later than the 19 August 2016 to the following address

Please click here​ for full terms of reference.

CONSULTANT REQUIRED: EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT
Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is seeking a qualified Consultant to conduct external evaluation of the project implemented in the districts of Butha-buthe, Berea, Maseru and Mohale’shoek.

​Click here for full terms of reference.


Consultant Required:
LNFOD is implementing the project named ‘Equal Rights and Full Participation’.  It is therefore looking for an independent, competent and experienced consultants to conduct a mini-survey on the access to health care and facilities by persons with disabilities. 
 
Please click here​ for full terms of reference.
​
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ADVERTISEMENT - CONSULTANT REQUIRED
LNFOD is seeking the services of the experienced and qualified Consultant for the development to develop an organisational gender policy to guide efforts in gender mainstreaming within the organisation. The deadline for the submission of the applications and supporting documents must be submitted on or before 14 October 2015 at 13:00.

Please Click here for full Details.
If you still need more information about the terms of reference. Do not hesitate to contact Executive Director at the following;
Email; nkhasi@lnfod.org.ls cc admin@lnfod.org.ls
Tel: +266 22320345+266 22320345

VACANCY-ADVERTISEMENT 

Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled intends to fill the position of Human Rights & Advocacy Officer. Applications are requested from suitable candidates. Curriculum vitae and certified copies of educational qualifications plus list of addresses of three (3) referees should be to LNFOD on or before Friday 25th September 2015 at 16h30.

Please Click here for full Details.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONSULTANT REQUIRED
LNFOD is seeking the services of the experienced and qualified Consultant for the development of the five year organisational strategy. The deadline for the submission of the applications is 15 May 2015, at 13:00. 
Please Click here for full Details
If you still need more information about the terms of reference. Do not hesitate to contact Executive Director at the following;
Email; nkhasi@lnfod.org.ls cc admin@lnfod.org.ls
Tel: +266 22320345

VACANCY-ADVERTISEMENT              
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled intends to fill the position of Executive Director. Applications are requested from suitable candidates. Curriculum vitae and certified copies of educational qualifications plus list of addresses of three (3) referees should be to LNFOD on or before Friday, 07th February 2014 at 13H00.                                                                                                                                             Please Click here for full Details.

ADVERTISEMENT-CONSULTANT REQUIRED:
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is looking for a qualified consultant(s) who has extensive knowledge and experience in development of training manual and facilitating rights based approach community advocacy trainings, to develop an advocacy training manual.
Applications should be send to LNFOD on or before Wednesday, 22nd January 2014.
Please Click here for full Details

VACANCY - ADVERTISEMENT
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) intends to fill the position of Accounts Officer for a three-year contract.  
Submit your curriculum vitae and certified copies of educational qualifications plus name and addresses of three (3) referees.
Please Click here for full Details

ADVERTISEMENT - CONSULTANT REQUIRED:
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is implementing a project on the Policy and Legislative Reform for Persons with Disabilities. This is funded by the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). LNFOD is looking for a qualified consultant(s) who has experience working in the Justice sector to review the existing laws and policies to determine harmony with article 4 of the UNCRPD.
Applications should be send to LNFOD on or before Friday, 20th February 2015, at 13:00.
Please Click here for full Details

ADVERTISEMENT 2 - CONSULTANT REQUIRED
LNFOD is seeking the services the services of the Consultant to  develop the organisational capacity of the  (LNAPD) and (NADL) organisation in close collaboration with the staff of the two so as to ensure skills transfer during the implementation of this consultancy.
The deadline for the submission of the applications is 22 May 2015, at 13:00. 
Please Click here for full Details
If you still need more information about the terms of reference. Do not hesitate to contact Executive Director at the following;
Email; nkhasi@lnfod.org.ls  cc admin@lnfod.org.ls
Tel: +266 22320345

News
Walking in the Shoes of the Visually Impaired: 
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) constitute a section of the population, which is most backward, least served and grossly neglected. They are the poorest of the poor, who have been socially, educationally and economically disadvantaged; thus having customarily denied their right to self-assertion, identity and development. However, where they are given a fair chance, PWDs flourish and achieve a lot in life.
​For full story  click here

MOVING TOWARDS THE PASSING OF THE DISABILITY EQUITY BILL
 
“Capacity development for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities” program is taking LNFOD to the next level of advocacy by bringing all key stakeholders together to work for the passing of the Disability Equity Bill.
This program is financially supported by the Diakonie Austria whose back-donor is the Austrian development agency (ADA).

​For full story  click here

MOVING TOWARDS THE PASSING OF THE DISABILITY EQUITY BILL
 
“Capacity development for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities” program is taking LNFOD to the next level of advocacy by bringing all key stakeholders together to work for the passing of the Disability Equity Bill.
This program is financially supported by the Diakonie Austria whose back-donor is the Austrian development agency (ADA).
​
For full story  click here

​UN COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is implementing a three year program “Capacity development for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities” with the financial support from its partner, Diakonie Austria which is supported by the Austrian Development Agency. 
One of the key important activity of this program is to influence the official partners of Lesotho to mainstream disability by doing the following; provide technical assistance to the government of Lesotho to pass the Disability Equity Act into an Act of Parliament. 

For full story  click here


THE FIRST SITTING OF THE 10TH PARLIAMENT OF LESOTHO
 The first sitting of the 10th Parliament of Lesotho took place on the 12 June 2017 post the 2017 June snap General Elections.
In his opening remarks, the newly elected speaker of the 10th Parliament Mr. Sephiri Motanyane raised the hopes of people with disabilities by highlighting the dire need to make the parliament of Lesotho inclusive of the self-representation of people with disabilities.
He uttered that, people with disabilities have been left behind in the parliamentary affairs due to absence of their self-representation of which continues to perpetuate social inequalities among the Basotho nation as a whole.

For full story  click here

FACILITATING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL OR PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITIES THROUGH STRATEGIC LITIGATION IN LESOTHO
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is implementing “Reforming access to justice” program funded by (OSISA). Ever since the implementation started in September 2017, the grant has empowered LNFOD to advocate for the removal of the procedural laws which explicitly inhibit people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities from testifying in the courts of law on the basis of their disability.
​For more information click here

Honourable Molahlehi Letlotlo to pass Land-Marking Disability Law
 
The Minister of Social Development Honourable Molahlehi Letlotlo is adamant that Disability Equity Bill will be passed before this calendar year ends. The minister said this during an interview on Re Otlolla Taba Program of Radio Lesotho. Responding to questions asked by  Mpho Mosala of Radio Lesotho, Hon. Letlotlo said the bill is in its final stages now and soon it will the office of Attorney General and then be taken to the parliament for passed into law somewhere in August this year.
​For full story click here ​

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2016
​
Last Friday, Lesotho joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2016 edition. This event which was led by the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) collaboration with Minister of Social Development (MoSD) made sure that Persons with Disabilities in Lesotho become part of the '1 Billion Voices' around the world shouting for implementation of the CRPD.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2016
​
Last Friday, Lesotho joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2016 edition. This event which was led by the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) collaboration with Minister of Social Development (MoSD) made sure that Persons with Disabilities in Lesotho become part of the '1 Billion Voices' around the world shouting for implementation of the CRPD. This took place in Mafeteng district where about 1500 persons with disabilities and their supporters took a procession from the market place leading to the Leshoboro Seeiso stadium where formal speeches feed-backing on progress of the CRPD were made under the Theme “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”. 
​

​MASERU DECLATION
LNFOD urge the government of Lesotho to budget for the implementation of the National Disability Mainstreaming Plan 2015 for 2017-2018 financial year to foster the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities into the budgetary ministerial plans. Lack of budget allocation to government document such as the National Disability Mainstreaming Plan continues to hinder the effective inclusion of people with disabilities in the government national agenda.

For full story click here

OPPORTUNITY:
ADF Logo Design Competition
Do you have a disability, and/or are a member of a DPO and have an artistic flair, or just want to have a go, then you are invited to create a New Logo for African Disability Forum (ADF). 
Win an All-Expense Paid Trip to Attend the Next ADF Executive Council Meeting and Learn How ADF Works!
The Dead line: Entries close at 5pm, Addis Ababa time on Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is a member of African Disability Forum (ADF). 

 For more information please click here



PUBLIC LECTURE ON ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) will be hosting a public lecture on the 25 January 2016 on access to justice for persons with disabilities.
The public lecture will be conducted by the law Professor Mechelo Hasungule from the University of Pretoria. He has extensive knowledge and experience on the disability rights law.
LNFOD has therefore invited all the stakeholders dealing with access to justice which includes; Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, Ministry of Law, Human rights and Constitutional Affairs, police and the magistrates so as to promote the respect and protection of the rights of people with disabilities in the justice sector of Lesotho. 

 For more information please click here

More than a thousand join hands to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Lesotho
Over a thousand of persons with disabilities and supporters participated in a march across the streets of Maseru in support of equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities in Lesotho.
This event, established by the United Nations is celebrated each year on 3 December and it aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities campaigned carrying placards voicing their concerns directed to the minister of social development who failed keep his promise of bringing the disability equity bill to the parliament before end of 2015.
Please click here for full details

This year’s celebrations take place right at heart of the Maseru City.

Hundreds of people with disability are set to take to the streets of Maseru to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 03rd December 2015. This day is celebrated each year to draw attention to issues affecting people with disability and to influence policy initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between people with disability and the rest of society.  

For more information please click here

LNFOD part of the history! 

Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is proud to be part of the history made by DPOs who formally established African Disability Forum (ADF) - the first pan-African all-inclusive, representative, democratic, membership organization of DPOs in Africa.

Please click here for full details.


National Disability Mainstreaming Plan - hope to the persons with disabilities in Lesotho - LNFOD

The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) sees the adoption and subsequent launching of the National Disability Mainstreaming Plan as strong statement by the Government of Lesotho towards improving lives of the Basotho with disabilities. however the turning here would the government commitment to implement the plan through budget allocation by the respective ministries. This was said in a statement by the Executive Director of LNFOD during the official launch of the plan by the Minister of Social Development, Hon. Molahlehi Letlotlo, at the Lesotho Avani, 27 October 2015.

Please click here for the full statement.

Minister of Social Development, Hon. Molahlehi Letlotlo

Minister celebrates graduation of the 2015 Sign Language Interpreter Graduates

The new Minister of Social Development actively took part at a sign Language graduation ceremony, which took place at, LANFE few weeks ago; this to LNFOD shows a positive start. On this occasion, he delivered a very powerful speech that shows determination and positive promises towards the issues of PWDs.   LNFOD has no doubt that they will work hand in hand with the Minister towards the enactment of the drafted law, which protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities.
On an interview with Pascalina Letsau, the Minister explained that his first interaction People with Disabilities was a way back in 1999 when he assumed duty in the office of district Secretary Mafeteng, in that office one gets to interact with different kind of people. He further explained that, It is a challenge to interact with PWDs because they have special needs, in order to appreciate their need one has to understand their disability, then one can be able to assist them.
“My vision as the Minister regarding people with disability is that they understand that they are not a curse to the society, they have rights to live,” Said the Minister of Social development.

Reasonable accommodation in the work place:

Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is implementing a one year project under the United States Embassy Democracy and Human Rights Fund on the promotion of employment of persons with disabilities in the public and private sector. The objective of this project is to increase employment of people with disabilities through the application of reasonable accommodation by the employers. LNFOD is engaging with employers from different sectors of the economy, the Lesotho Employers Association and workers with disability to create awareness about rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
For full story click here 

Creation of African Disability Forum (ADF) 
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) participated at the Creation of African Disability Forum (ADF) which took place in UN Conference Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on (17-19) November 2014. LNFOD is proud to have contributed in successful establishment of this history-making body, thanks to NAD who supported the Lesotho delegation to partake in this important initiative. In this launch meeting LNFOD further scored when one of their delegates, Adv. Nkhasi Sefuthi was nominated in the technical working committee to work on the development of bylaws for the constitution of the continental body for the next six (6) months.
For full details Click Here to download Media release post the event.

Hundreds march in Qacha’snek to celebrate international day of persons with disabilities
Hundreds of persons with disabilities gathered in Qacha’snek to on Wednesday, 03rd December 2014 to celebrate international day of persons with disabilities. Since 1992, this event is recognized by the United Nations with the aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
For full story click here 
LNFOD holds a guest Lecturer for students of the Lesotho College of education
The realization of inclusive education for learners with disabilities in Lesotho is still facing many challenges, amongst them the lack of and National Inclusive Education Policy that would ensure uniformity of approached towards inclusive education. One of the many challenges is the lack of sensitization on the rights of persons with disabilities and the continuing discrimination faced by persons with disabilities. The lack of assistive services, devices and technology needed for learning by learners with disabilities is also another major challenge.

In order to sensitize teachers in training on disability rights LNFOD held a guest Lecture Series at the Lesotho College of education coordinated by the Department of Special Education on the 12th September 2014. The Lecture was attended by over 500 students of the college together with lecturers from various departments within the college and the Dean of Social Sciences.

For full story click here 

The government of Lesotho appoints disability focal persons and the Ministry of Social Development holds a capacity building workshop on disability mainstreaming.
LNFOD has advocated for the appointment of disability focal points within Government Ministries as a strategy for the roll out of disability mainstreaming advocacy. This model is being practiced in public administration in several countries and is a strategy to implement the UNCRPD.
Disability Focal Points are appointed government or public officers in Ministries, departments, agencies or parastatals.
They are assigned disability mainstreaming and advocacy roles as part of their performance contracts. For effectiveness, focal points are persons with decision making powers and the current focal persons are directors, head of departments and Deputy Principal Secretaries to ensure decisions are easily implemented. Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with LNFOD held a capacity building workshop on the 11th August 2014 forthe ten appointed disability focal persons.

For full story click here 

BUTHA-BUTHE District Council Welcomes Disability Inclusion
Butha-Buthe District Council welcomed disability inclusion as their top priority in whatever development projects they are involved in.  This was said after a one day training which was conducted by LNFOD. The training was themed around steps followed to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities in development.    Having equipped with skills Butha-buthe district council made commitment that they accommodate persons with disabilities as active members in their move to achieve universal design in all their projects. They also made an example that in one of their project which did not have persons with disabilities as part of their plan before, that they are going adjust their plan to accommodate persons with disabilities are beneficiaries to the project.  

For full story click here 
Elevating Disability Rights in Africa Roundtable: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Lesotho
Maseru US Embassy organized employment roundtable for persons with disabilities with Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) on the 25 June 2014 at US Ambassador house in Maseru. The Lesotho private sector and the relevant government ministries were invited to share the experiences in how they accommodate people with disabilities at the workplaces as well as to how they ensure the recruitment of employees with disabilities in the companies. The invitees included the ECONET Telkom Lesotho, Vodacom Lesotho, and Lesotho Standard Bank, Employers association, Principal Secretaries of the Ministry Of Labour And Employment and Others.                                     
Carl B FOX, who spoke on behalf of the US Ambassador, expressed the US government commitment to elevate disability rights in Africa and in this instance Lesotho will not be an exception. For full story click here



Lesotho Government Committed to Implement UNCRPD - PM
The Right Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Motsoahe Thomas Thabane reaffirmed the committement of his governement to improve lives of People with disabilities. This was said in a press conference held on the 9th October, 2013 following his trip from the United Nations General Assembly, New York USA.  When he highlighted on some of the agreements made by the general assembly Dr. Thabane pointed out that in order for the nations to realize sustained development, issues of persons with disabilities have to be mainstreamed in such developmental projects and programmes.


LNFOD celebrates EU week        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               On the 28th April, 2014 LNFOD in partnership with the EU celebrated the EU week in Semonkong. European Union is one of the Developmental Partner which is funding the programme of Deepening Decentralization on issues of Disabilities within rural communities. Making the week successful, LNFOD campaigned for Inclusive Education to learners with disabilities. The campaign was to place their coloured painted hand prints on the Lesotho map to support inclusive education in the country. The campaign started in Semonkong where the week was launched. LNFOD delegation started early on the day by running the flag to the schools around `Makhoalipana A10 community council in Semonkong. For full details click here 

LNFOD meets Committee on Social Cluster   
LNFOD held a seminar on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) for members of the Social Cluster Committee of Parliament On the 30th May 2014. The agenda for the meeting was progress on the domestication of the UNCRPD. The Government of Lesotho acceded to the Convention on the 2nd December 2008. As an affirmation of its obligations under the Convention the Government has allocated a budget towards the development of a Disability Equity Act and the implementation the National Disability and Rehabilitation Policy. This is seen as a huge victory for the disability movement which has been advocating for the domestication of the treaty. For full meeting details click here