Brief Description

Among the Southern African Nations Lesotho continues to distinguish herself for her rich historical and cultural heritage. A good part of this is enshrined in practices and leadership styles, rule of law and value systems. There is an inextricable link between Lesotho’s culture and her natural resources. They are at the core of factors that shaped Lesotho’s progression during colonial times through to the current post independence era. Unfortunately many perspectives of Lesotho’s royal culture as a national heritage, especially the oral aspects thereof, are being gradually lost and eroded. Sustainably managed, this unique national wealth can positively influence development policy, socio economic development including nation building.

This project seeks to build national and local capacity to formulate and implement effective development strategies, plans and activities unique to Lesotho, through applied research and establishment of a research and information hub at Matsieng the Royal Village.

Outputs:

1. Support the establishment of a royal archives at Matsieng as a one stop information centre and research hub on Lesotho’s royal history, heritage and the chieftainship system

2. Capacity of NGOs project staff, the Board of Trustees , The office of the Royal Palace , and Matsieng Royal Village to manage the archives strengthened

3. National capacity for applied research i.e. research on royal cultural history and heritage and its application to Lesotho’s development policy , plans and activities by scholars, historians , relevant institutions and other interested parties supported and strengthened

4. Local and global partnerships and additional support and resources mobilized

Contact:

Ms. Lineo Mdee
lineo.mdee@undp.org