The Department for International Development of the British government has approved M1,5 million for the Lesotho Council of Non governmental Organisations (LCN) to support the civil society in its participation poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP).

According to press statement issued by LCN, the funds will be used to build LCN’s capacity to enable them to address issues of poverty, ranging from social exclusion, poverty dialogue, rights-based policy advocacy and a right to livelihood.

The statement indicated that a more focused programme would be developed on the basis of choices and rights of the poor through poverty dialogue and policy intervention by the poor themselves, and also through the mediation of the NGO community.

Meanwhile, MS-Southern Africa, has committed itself to support LCN’s activities with more than M100, 000 for 2002 financial year. MS-Southern Africa has further promised to continue their support until 2004.

The organisation will also dedicate the funds to improve LCN’s information unit in the production of quarterly newsletter, printing of T-shirts, purchase of information equipment and other promotion materials. Others would be to fund financial management workshop for NGO’s members and development of a financial manual for NGOs.

 05 July,2002