2010 World Habitat Day in Lesotho

World Habitat Day is a day designated by the United Nations for the world to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to alert the world to its collective responsibility to maintain that right for all people. Since 1985, the global community has recognized the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day to raise awareness of the need to improve human settlements. The theme for 2010 is “Better City, Better Life.”

The celebrations in Lesotho will be spearheaded by a partnership of Habitat for Humanity (HFH) (Lesotho), World Vision and UN-HABITAT and will feature a service event on October 9, 2010. HFH Lesotho has mobilized over 200 volunteers to help vulnerable families renovate their homes in the Nazareth area. At the celebration, HFH Lesotho plans to officially “hand over” more than 150 Habitat homes to orphan-headed and vulnerable families. Volunteers and HFH Lesotho staff will work hand-in-hand to refurbish six Habitat homes. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) currently reside in these homes and will be present to partake in the day of community service. Renovation activities include: painting, plastering, gardening, tree planting, and other activities.

The celebration is achieved through the help of sponsorships from different organizations in Lesotho.

'Mathabo Makuta - Programme Manager, UN Habitat