17 December 2011

The Community Capacity Enhancement through Community Conversations (CCE-CC) is a UNDP supported programme based on the premise that communities have the capacity to identify and solve their own needs and concerns. CCE-CC was re-introduced in Lesotho in September 2009 with the training of 37 Community Facilitators who have been facilitating conversations in three community councils, Mafeteng, Butha Buthe and Leribe.  The project aims to enhance the capacity of local communities to tackle challenges posed by HIV & AIDS in a manner that will acknowledge the various community structures, culture, behavioural practices and beliefs.   

The day’s events began with a tree planting ceremony that was led by Hon. Nkere, Chairperson of the Seshote Community Council. By planting these trees the community symbolized and celebrated the partnership that had been formed between the community and the CCE facilitators as well as to demonstrate their aspirations for an HIV free generation. It is hoped as these small shrubs grow so too will the community’s knowledge and capacity to respond to the HIV epidemic. 

 HIV & AIDS has been singled out as a major challenge in Leribe as the district’s prevalence stands at 30%. In her remarks, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) Technical Suport Officer, Mrs 'Malithapelo Mosuoe stated that “the recent 2009 DHS indicates an HIV national prevalence of 23%. It is imperative therefore to go back to the source and close the tap by scaling up prevention efforts if we truly aspire for an HIV free generation. This aspiration is possible with the use of CCE as a methodology for enhancing behaviour change.”

Speaking at the same occasion, representative from the Office of the Member of Parliament for the Maliba-Mats'o Constituency, Rev. Mafatlane, thanked the Ha-Theko community for providing care and support to orphaned and vulnerable children as well as congratulating them for having been exposed to and benefitting from the CCE methodology.

The outcomes of the programme are testament to the fact that this methodology enhances the capacity of local communities to tackle challenges posed by HIV & AIDS, as one community member referred to how the conversations  encouraged and aided the community to address stigma;

“Before the Conversations there was a fear of knowing one’s HIV status, but as a result of the conversations we have support groups and free testing and counselling at Ha Theko hall and at the Health Centre”

The Leribe district has more than 15,000 orphans mainly because of the escalating spread of the epidemic, and as a result of the conversations  a community effort was embarked upon to support and care for this vulnerable group; hence identified orphans were presented with care packages as part of the on-going support on the day of the event.

Undoubtedly, the highlights of the day were the numerous performances by both community and school based groups. In particular the youth played a dominant role in the entertainment. In many of the previous conversations the community expressed its concerns regarding young people and HIV. As a direct outcome of the conversation youths have been trained as peer educators specifically focusing on HIV, STI’s, substance abuse and Risk Reduction Behaviour. 

In conclusion, the first series of Community Conversations show that this methodology is all-encompassing and its community focused nature enables communities to address not only HIV but other key developmental challenges. The Lesotho experience has revealed that strengthening the community’s voice enhances not only the communities’ own capacities but also the accountability of policy makers, motivating them to be responsive to the needs of communities and stimulating demand for better public services from service providers.

 Fiona Coyle, HIV & AIDS Officer, UNDP Lesotho