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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​Vacancy Announcement 
With the support of Open Society Foundation in Southern Africa (OSISA), the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a accounts officer for twelve (12) months starting on 01 January 2023 until December 2023 for LNFOD projects. with the possibility of contract extension subject to availability of funding.

Closing date for Applications is; ​09 January 2023.

​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here  
​
Vacancy Announcement 
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Nutrition and Disability Project Officer for 6 months starting on 1 October, 2022 for our Early Identification of Disability and Nutrition Screening in Lesotho project (Early ID project) with the possibility of contract extension subject to availability of funding.
Deadline for applications is the 23rd September 2022.
​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here

Notice for the vacancy for the representation of persons with disabilities in the MCA – Lesotho 2 (MCA-L) Board of Directors.
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD hereby invites suitably qualified Lesotho citizens with disabilities to apply for the position of being a representative of persons with disabilities in the MCA – Lesotho 2 (MCA-L) Board of Directors.
The notice for this vacancy is published on the 17 January 2023 and shall be closed on the 31st January 2023 at 12:00 tonight.
The applications should be addressed to the executive director LNFOD, P.O box 9988 Maseru 100 along with certified copies of your academic qualifications.
The subject line on the email must explicitly state application for the position of being a representative of persons with disabilities in the MCA – Lesotho 2 (MCA-L) Board of Directors. “and must be only sent to recruitmentlnfod1@gmail.com.
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks to fill up the position of Inclusive Social Protection Officer. 
​
Closing date for Applications is; 27th July 2022.

​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

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VACANCY:
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) intends to fill the position of Advocacy & Human Rights Officer.
Submit your curriculum vitae and certified copies of educational qualifications plus list of addresses of three (3) referees to the following email address on or before Thursday, 29th July 2022 at 12:00 midnight.
Recruitmentlnfod1@gmail.com

​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here  

Vacancy Announcement 
Vacancies! LNFOD is looking for a suitably qualified youth to be LNFOD communication officer on voluntary basis. Youth is a person between the age of 18-35.
Applications must reach LNFOD not later than the 25 March 2022.

​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here  

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Call For Short Proposal:
Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled is urgently looking for a suitably qualified individual consultant to undertake a review of disability insensitive distance learning for learners with disabilities during COVID-19.
 Applications must reach LNFOD not later than the 28th February 2022.
​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

​Advertisements:
LNFOD is urgently seeking to fill up two temporary positions,  Disability and Nutrition Advisor.
Women with disabilities with the specified academic qualifications and work experience are strongly encouraged to apply. 
Applications must reach LNFOD not later than the 11 January 2022.
​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

Vacancy Announcement 
Vacancies! LNFOD is urgently seeking to fill up two temporary positions, an Accountant.
Women with disabilities with the specified academic qualifications and work experience are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 Applications must reach LNFOD not later than the 11 January 2022.
​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

Call for Consultants:
Request for quotations from independent consultants on review of the COVID-19 response and recovery plan. 
​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

Call for Proposals
LNFOD with the financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation they have created an innovation grant to support organizational capacity building for Organisations representing Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
​For Full Terms of Reference  please click  

 Request for Qualifications: 
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks to engage an independent consultant to evaluate the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, legitimacy and lessons learned from the ‘Lesotho National Disability Mainstreaming project for 25 days.
This project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) And LNFOD from the 1st March 2020 to 30th April 2021.  
​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

VACANCY: 
  Request for Proposals
The Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks services of an independent, competent and qualified consultant to support the organization to develop gender action plan to be implemented by the organization under the ongoing Gender and Disability in Practice Project 202/2023. The action plan is expected to fully promote the institutionalization and operationalization of LNFOD Gender Policy 2015 to Promote Gender and disability Mainstreaming within LNFOD.
​Duration: 20 days
Interested consultants are required to submit their proposals on or before 19th March 2021

​​For Full Terms of Reference please click here 

VACANCY:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of being a procurement officer.
The purpose of this position is to ensure that LNFOD purchased items are cost efficient and are of high quality. Qualified women with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
All interested candidates are encouraged to visit LNFOD’s website at www.lnfod.org.ls  to access full terms of reference for this position not later than the 20th November 2020.
​
For the full terms of reference on the position, please click here

Lesotho National Association of the Physically Disabled (LNAPD) is working to promote and protect the rights and interests of persons with disabilities with the particular focus on the rights of persons with physical disabilities.
LNAPD is registered as a voluntary association of persons with physical disabilities under the Societies’ Act of 1996.
It is against this background that LNAPD is looking for a committed and dedicated Executive Director to lead and manage the organization on a voluntary basis as it will be agreed with the board with the intention of retaining the said Executive Director to provide oversight on the general administration of LNAPD as soon as the resource mobilization is being successful.
​for full advert  please click

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Consultant Required: 
Advert for the national disability mainstreaming consultant.
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) and the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) are inviting applications from suitably qualified companies or individuals to review the national disability mainstreaming plan (NDMP) adopted by the Ministry in 2015. The plan is meant to promote mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in the public sector in order to enable persons with disabilities to access public service delivery on an equal basis with others.
The deadline for the applications of the consultant is the 20th April 2020. 

For the full terms of reference, please click here

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS:  
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks a consultant to conduct a comprehensive training for fifteen (15) personnel as accommodation providers for witnesses with mental and intellectual disability to access justice within the law enforcement and the judicial administrative system.
The deadline for the applications of the consultant is the 26 March 2019.
For the full terms of reference, please click here

Program Officer Required:
 The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks a human rights oriented program officer to join LNFOD to fill in the post  of a program officer responsible for coordinating access to justice for persons with disabilities program.
The deadline for this position is the 15 February 2019 at 1700 hours.
For the full terms of reference for this position, please Click here  

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks consultancy services from an independent company or individual to facilitate development of the new Organisational Strategy.

For full details click here


REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks a consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on the laws, procedures, and rules administering courts  proceedings which could be used to argue and support the provision of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities who directly become witnesses in cases before the courts of law.
The application deadline is on the 28 February 2019.
For full details click here

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Position: Inclusive Education Officer
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks to fill up the position of the Inclusive Education Officer.
The deadline for this position is the 12 October 2018 at 16:00
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications for this job, CVs with two referees plus unedited essay on the following topic: “some people believe that inclusive education cannot fully function for all children with disabilities as there are those who can only be fully catered for in special schools” To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The essay must not exceed one thousand words (1000) words.
Please visit http/ www.lnfod.org.ls   for full terms of reference.
Qualified women with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Click here for full Terms of Reference

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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

Morero oa Kalimo ea Lichelete oa ho Matlafatsa Basali ba nang le Bokooa 2021:

​`Mamekhatlo oa batho ba nang le bokooa Lesotho (LNFOD) e etsa phatlalatso ena ho mema basali le banana ba nang le bokooa ba ka khahloang ke ho etsa likopo tsa kalimo ea lichelete ho iqalla merero ea likhoebo tse nyane. 
Likopo li ntse li buletsoe mme li koalloa ka la 09 Phupu 2021. 
Bakeng sa lintlha ka botlalo  Penya mona 
                                                                                
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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​For the full terms of reference on the position, please click here 

​Consultant Required: 
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) seeks the services of a resource mobilization consultant familiar with the NGO sector to train and mentor organisations of persons with disabilities on organizational resource mobilization in order to sustain their advocacy work. The consultancy is expected to commence his work from the 1st June upon the signing of contract between the consultant and the Lesotho National Federation of the Disabled.
Kindly note you can access full terms of reference for this assignment at www.lnfod.org.ls. The closing date for the applications is the 20th May 2018 at 5:00 pm.
For Full Terms of Reference click here 

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 
Provision of Reasonable Accommodations for –women and girls with disabilities Survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) slowly becoming recognized in the justice system?
On the 27 March-2023, LNFOD attended court proceedings at the Quthing magistrate court, where a woman with speech and hearing impairment was sexually assaulted by a villager around December-10-2022. 
During the trial, the court afforded the witness an opportunity to freely and effectively participate in court the proceedings.  LNFOD monitored the proceedings to assess the level of inclusion especially because the survivor used informal sign language. The evidence given by the witness seemed credible before the court, and the accused was found guilty of the offence. He was sentenced to ten (10) years imprisonment for sexual assault and five (5) years for house breaking. 
For full story, please click here. 

The Sun Finally Rises on the Persons with Disability Advisory Council:
The Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) held a breakfast meeting on the 18th April 2023 at Mohokare Guest House in Maseru with the support of OSISA. The meeting was convened for institutions/organizations charged with the responsibility to nominate potential members of the Council by the Persons with Disability Act 2021, as a lobby initiative to speedy-up the nomination and appointment process of the Council membership by the Minister of Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development.
 For full story, please click here.

Congratulations Mr. Pitso Lesaoana:
​Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is particularly pleased congratulate Mr. Pitso Lesaoana, a candidate for Maama #45 Constituency for his strong championship and breaking the social barrier and ensuring representation of persons with disabilities in public space. ​
Please click here for full statement. 

​Securing participation of persons with disabilities in the Constitutional reforms and fostering inclusive education:
Please click here for full statement. 

LNFOD conducted a rapid assessment study to identify and determine teaching and learning needs of teachers and children with disabilities; determine teachers’ experience in teaching children with disabilities; and to find out the learning experiences of children with disabilities in the selected schools.  ​

Please click here for full report. 
LNFOD STATEMENT ON STEPHEN THOAHLANE’S SEXUAL VIOLENCE CONVICTION:
LNFOD is dismayed and therefore condemns in strongest terms the horrendous sexual abuse of a 11year-old girl child by Mr. Retšelisitsoe Stephen Thoahlane, the Community Based Rehabilitation Manager, under the Ministry of Social Development, as pronounced by the judgement in the Children’s Court by Her Ladyship Honourable Motebele yesterday.​ 
Please click here for full statement. 
​​Summary of LNFOD review of the national COVID-19 response and recovery plan and the impact of budget cut on women and girls with disabilities in Lesotho: 
This brief is intended to highlight the findings and recommendations proposed by the LNFOD desktop study on the review of the National COVID-19 response and recovery plan and the impact of the budget cut on the programs which support women and girls with disabilities in Lesotho.
​Please click here for more. 

As the world celebrate World AIDS Day, LNFOD calls upon the HIV/AIDS stakeholders including government through the Ministry of Health and NAC to consider persons with disabilities as a key population which requires targeted approach in order to curb the spread of HIV/AIDs among them. ​

Please click here for more.

LNFOD Press Statement on the inauguration of Persons with Disability Advisory Council 

Persons with Disability Equity Act is the legislation passed by the Parliament with the object of establishing the Persons with Disability Advisory Council, provide for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and recognise the rights of persons with disabilities in Lesotho. Persons with Disability Equity Act entered into force on the 12 March 2021 when it was published through a notice on the gazette.
Please click here for full press statement.

The Long-Awaited Disability Law welcomed by PWDs in Lesotho 
After 12 years of ratification of the united Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, The Kingdom of Lesotho has on the 12th March 2021 domesticated this treaty through the Enactment of Persons with Disability Equity Act N0 24 of 2021. 
Please click here for LNFOD's Press Release 

Policy Brief on effective implementation of inclusive Education in Lesotho for benefit of people with disabilities: 
LNFOD prepared reports which pointed to problems indicating policy issues in relation to the right to education of persons with disability hence LNFOD prepare this policy paper to communicate the policy issues and propose possible effective solutions thereto.

For Full Policy Brief, Please Click here


Understanding Disability: 
Understand Disability, Change attitude and participating in Building advisability Inclusive society. The world has changed its perspective towards disability. This was basically shifting from the old medical perspective/ model of disability to a new social perspective/ model. 

To read more, Please Click here

Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled press statement on the passing of the Persons with Disabilities Equity Bill by Senate
​November, 24, 2020. The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) notes with great appreciation the passing of the Persons with Disability Equity Bill on the 18 November 2020 by the Senate. 
Please Click here​, for full Press Statement

Ground Breaking Ceremony of its Head Offices:  
August 19, 2020. LNFOD and partners celebrated World Humanitarian Day with the ground breaking ceremony of its Head Offices at Naleli outside Maseru capital. The offices are being designed and built by Rise International – Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise - a non-profit organization. Present at the ceremony was Member of Parliament for Motimposo constituency, Hon.  Thabang Mafojane, representative of the minister of social development, leadership of Rise International and other dignitaries. 
For Press Release, please Click here

NACOSEC welcomes Disability Inclusive Response to COVID-19:
LNFOD through its advocacy task team (ATT) held lobbying meeting with the National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC) on 12 August 2020 demanding full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the COVID19 interventions. On behalf of NACOSEC, Deputy Chief Executive - Operations Support, Mr. Litsebe Jimson said leaving persons with disabilities behind in the response against the COVID-19 Pandemic would be the biggest mistake that the country can make. He welcomed the submissions from LNFOD and promised to discuss them with the entire secretariat and then call LNFOD management to map a way forward.

LNFOD - COVID-19 strategy for persons with disabilities: 
LNFOD has published its COVID-19 strategy for persons with disabilities, on www.lnfod.org.ls,  outlining strategies which LNFOD should do to promote protection of persons with disabilities in this trying time and urging government, development partners, private sector and the wider community to provide COVID-19 interventions which are taking into account the situation of persons with disabilities. LNFOD in particular call upon the development partners supporting government of Lesotho to fight COVID-19, and  ensure that their support reaches out to persons with disabilities by setting up disability specific and targets within COVID-19 programmes.
LNFOD urges development partners to consider funding the work of the representative organisations of persons with disabilities in advocating for the space of persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 decision making bodies; designing accessible COVID-19 health related messages in different formats and reach out to persons with disabilities living in the communities about the means through which they can protect them  selves from contracting COVID-19.
Please read LNFOD Strategy for COVID-19 here

BREAKING NEWS:
Today, 26 February 2020, honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro announced in his 2020 budget speech post meeting held in Maseru Avani that, the Government of Lesotho has for the first time budgeted for provision of disability grant to deserving persons with disabilities . He however said that, he has forgotten to put this information on his budget estimates statement read in Parliament earlier this morning. It is not yet clear to LNFOD how much will each person get per month and eligibility criteria has not yet set for the grant. LNFOD will follow up with the Ministry to advise and monitor the implementation of this right to social protection for persons with disabilities

Impact of COVID-19 on the Lesotho General Education System for Persons with Disabilities:
​
Research shows that, persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the Corona virus pandemic and states are taking emergency measures across the world. As the Ministry of Education and training hasten to respond to the negative effects brought by this pandemic, it is important for the government to ensure that the measures undertaken remain inclusive of learners with disabilities and are respecting all human rights including the right to inclusive education for learners with disabilities. 
​For the full research paper, please click here


In 2019 - 2020 fiscal year, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro stated in his budget speech that the Government of Lesotho is working towards making Disability Grant and establish the Disability Trust Fund which will be used to collect funds that will be used towards the development of the lives of people with disabilities. LNFOD is hoping that the 2019 - 2020 fiscal budget speech will highlight persons with disabilities about the progress made towards the implementation of providing disability grant and when the public fund will be running.

Persons with Disability Equity Bill: 
Kindly note that the Persons with Disability Equity Bill is currently under review by the Parliament from the 4-5 Nov and the expectation is that it will be read for the second and third time in the parliament on Monday the 11th.
LNFOD has luckily got the copy of the bill and has made a rapid review in which it has found that the Ministry of Social Development has changed some of the provisions including one on employment of the Director General to be done by the Minister instead of the council. This is very dangerous and will jeopardise the independence of the council.

For full Press Statement, please Click here

​INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY:
LNFOD recognised and appreciate the efforts of the government of Lesotho by tabling and reading for the second time the Persons with Disabilities Equity Bill in Parliament on the 21st November 2019 but, also concerned about the slow pace at which the Bill is moving towards its finalisation. The Persons with Disability Equity Act is meant to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities living in Lesotho in line with the human rights standards set out by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: 
LNFOD recognised and appreciate the efforts of the government of Lesotho by tabling and reading for the second time the Persons with Disabilities Equity Bill in Parliament on the 21st November 2019 but, also concerned about the slow pace at which the Bill is moving towards its finalisation. The Persons with Disability Equity Act is meant to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities living in Lesotho in line with the human rights standards set out by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 

Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities:  LNFOD has made significant strides in the implementation of the project on Securing Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities.  The effect of the ​Koali Moshoeshoe and Others v DPP and Others (Constitutional Case/14/2017) judgment is that people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities also have an equal standing before the law to testify as witnesses in cases concerning them. 
​
For more information, please Click here

Ministry of Education and Training engage Sign Language Interpreters: 
​LNFOD would like to congratulate the Ministry of Education and Training for keeping their word by engaging two Sign Language interpreters to ensure inclusion of Learners with special educational needs. Earlier this year, the minister of Education and training Professor Ntoi Rapapa pledged that he will ensure inclusion of people with disabilities in every activity the ministry hold by engaging Sign Language interpreters.

Securing Access to Justice for PWDs in the Criminal Justice of Lesotho.
LNFOD with the support of OSISA is implementing a project to secure access to justice for persons with disabilities in the criminal justice of Lesotho. This follows LNFOD’s success in challenging the constitutionality of Section 219 of the Criminal Procedure & Evidence Act No.9 of 1981 in the High Court (Constitutional Division).
For more Details please click here  

The Maseru Declaration on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of PWDs.
LNFOD and other fifteen civil society organisations together with government ministries namely; Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Police (CGPU), the UN development partners; UNFPA and UNICEF, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Cluster, gathered in Maseru from the 04th through the 05th April 2019, and made a declaration to fast track the realisation of the sexual and reproductive health rights for persons with disabilities.
 Please click here for full Declaration

`Maitumeleng Letšoara, a Change Agent:
`Maitumeleng Letšoara a member of the intellectual association of Lesotho, IDAL is the agent of change toward children with disabilities who facing daunting barriers to their right to education.  She is a parent of a child with disability who serves as a disability focal person in the Maoamafubelu community council in Leribe. 
For full story  click here
 
TABLING OF DISABILITY EQUITY BILL IN PARLIAMENT:
 The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) notes with great appreciation the tabling of Disability Equity Bill in parliament by the Honourable Minister of Social Development on the 31st August 2018.
For full story  click here 

Disability Equity Bill In Parliament
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Moving on to the Parliament with the Lesotho human rights Civil Society Organisations in protection of disability rights after the review of the final Disability Equity Bill.

Lesotho Parliament to call Minister of Social Development of account:

The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) held a lobbying meeting with the social cluster committee with the aim of sensitizing the members on the situation of people with disabilities in terms of access to justice, social and human rights protection including the need to pass the Disability Equity Bill.
It is in this meeting where the decision was reached by the members of Parliament that the Minister of Social Development be pressured to bring the much awaited Disability Equity Bill before parliament in the first quarter of 2018. 

​For full story  click here

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).
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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
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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
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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”. 
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​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. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane reaffirmed the commitment of his government 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