Theses and Dissertations

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The challenges encountered by people with physical disabilities at work
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-05) Senekane, Relopolotsoe
People with disabilities (PWDs) are a leading minority group globally, that anyone can become its member at any given time (Aroonsrimorakot, Laiphrakpan, Nilthongkum et al., 2020). In addition to accidents, population ageing and chronic health conditions such as diabetes contribute to the increasing prevalence of disability (Alswang, Bandawe, Bastian et al., 2022). To its members, disability is an obstacle to success. Gaining employment is an uphill struggle for PWDs, because they face recruitment discrimination. When they have been successfully enrolled in employment, they are confronted with human rights issues that exposes them to innumerable challenges such as stigma, discrimination and all sorts of inequalities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges that PWDs encountered in the workplace in Maseru. The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the challenges and to achieve the objectives. The objectives of the study were to find out the employer’s contribution to ‘reasonably accommodate’ workers with disabilities, to explore the workplace relationships between PWDs and other employees and to investigate the stigma experiences of PWDs in the workplace. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from twelve people with disabilities, who were and have been employed in Maseru. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used in the collection of data. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that stigma and discrimination were the most pervasive and persistent barriers. The study confirmed that some participants with disabilities were discriminated and stigmatised when they came for interviews and others when they first reported for work. The participants were not ‘reasonably accommodated’ in terms of transport provision, housing, support and the built environment. Furthermore, the participants had strained relationships with both colleagues and managers, they were discriminated during promotions and were excluded in extra-mural activities. The findings suggest a need for interventions by the employers to ‘reasonably accommodate’ workers with disabilities and to reduce stigma especially enacted stigma that seems to prevail in the workplace, in Maseru.
Challenges experienced by social workers after handling traumatic cases in Maseru district hospitals, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-07) Ngatane, Tiisetso; James, Priya
There is an increase in trauma cases in Lesotho and globally, and this leaves social workers with a lot of work to help survivors of the traumatic events to cope. The main objective of the study was to explore the challenges experienced by social workers after handling traumatic cases in Maseru district hospitals, Lesotho and data was collected in the first two weeks of May. In spite of the high increase of traumatic cases, that expose social workers to different kinds of traumatic material, there is lack of literature, both in Lesotho and globally. This study took a qualitative and phenomenological research design to interview ten social workers from Maseru district hospitals and their affiliating clinics in the first two weeks of May 2021. Participants were selected using purposive and snowballing techniques, while data was collected using unstructured interviews and each interview lasted for forty to sixty minutes and was analyzed using content analysis. The study found out that majority of social workers experience challenges after handling traumatic cases, these challenges include anxiety, tiredness, loss of concentration, insomnia, irritation and stability, low mood, low self-esteem, avoidance, poor service delivery, lack of support, re-experiencing of traumatic events and affected interpersonal relationships. However, the study also found few social workers stated that they receive support from supervisors, they do not experience the client’ traumatic events, and their self-esteem is not affected. The study recommendations include escalation of awareness of the challenges experienced by social workers, the other recommendation to agencies and supervisors is to frame and develop professional network forum with different professionals and volunteers who can help each other.
Challenges experienced by social workers after handling traumatic cases in Maseru district hospitals, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-07) Ngatane, Tiisetso; James, Priya
There is an increase in trauma cases in Lesotho and globally, and this leaves social workers with a lot of work to help survivors of the traumatic events to cope. The main objective of the study was to explore the challenges experienced by social workers after handling traumatic cases in Maseru district hospitals, Lesotho and data was collected in the first two weeks of May. In spite of the high increase of traumatic cases, that expose social workers to different kinds of traumatic material, there is lack of literature, both in Lesotho and globally. This study took a qualitative and phenomenological research design to interview ten social workers from Maseru district hospitals and their affiliating clinics in the first two weeks of May 2021. Participants were selected using purposive and snowballing techniques, while data was collected using unstructured interviews and each interview lasted for forty to sixty minutes and was analyzed using content analysis. The study found out that majority of social workers experience challenges after handling traumatic cases, these challenges include anxiety, tiredness, loss of concentration, insomnia, irritation and stability, low mood, low self-esteem, avoidance, poor service delivery, lack of support, re-experiencing of traumatic events and affected interpersonal relationships. However, the study also found few social workers stated that they receive support from supervisors, they do not experience the client’ traumatic events, and their self-esteem is not affected. The study recommendations include escalation of awareness of the challenges experienced by social workers, the other recommendation to agencies and supervisors is to frame and develop professional network forum with different professionals and volunteers who can help each other.
Challenges of accessing family planning services by women of reproductive age in Maseru Industrial Areas
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-07) Lephoto, Mafumane Jane
The focus of the study was on challenges faced by women of reproductive age when accessing family planning services in Maseru. The research is qualitative in nature as it sought to enable the respondents to express themselves without many interruptions. The socio-economic as well as cultural and health factors that influence women’s access to contraceptives have been documented in the study. The study findings revealed that there is high knowledge of contraceptive use among women. Respondents used mostly pills and injections. The health-related effects of using these contraceptives such as weight-gain, heavy menstrual flow and nausea resulted into some women no longer seeking family planning services even when they had confided in the healthcare worker about their problems. Contraceptives are accessed freely in public hospitals and clinics in Lesotho but young women in the study stated that they often buy expensive contraceptives in private clinics and hospitals to avoid humiliating questions that health workers in public hospitals and clinics ask them. However, married women are treated better in healthcare facilities when they seek contraceptives. COVID-19 also became a challenge for women to access contraceptives in Lesotho due to the strict lockdowns that were put in place by the government to curb the spread of the disease in 2020. This resulted in movement restrictions and when some women did manage to visit hospitals to get contraceptives, security officials would often harass them which influenced them to sometimes not get their contraceptive package. Long queues and congestion in hospitals made some women not to seek services as they feared contracting COVID-19. Shortage on contraception method of choice also made some women to abandon use of contraceptives. With these various challenges, the researcher advices the government to make contraceptive access adolescent-youth friendly so that young people receiving the services express themselves freely instead of feeling prejudiced. Access to family planning services should be there all the time even in pandemics like that of COVID-19. COVID-19 should, in fact, serve as a lesson in strengthening access. Contraceptive access and, delivery should not be hampered and, the policy makers, health rights activists should keep on reminding the government v and relevant stakeholders in the delivery of family planning services to prioritize the delivery of family planning, and should also not leave men behind in this discourse. They have a crucial role in the drive for women to access family planning services effectively
Community participation in health education programmes: A case of study of a tuberculosis programme in the rural communities of Thabana-Morena, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2012-09) Molale, Mosemote G.
Consolidating Democracy through integrating the Chieftainship Institution with elected Councils in Lesotho: A case study of four community councils in Maseru
(Rhodes University, 2010-12) Kapa, Motlamelle Anthony; Dr. Hoeane, Thabisi
This study analyses the relationship between the chieftainship institution and the elected councils in Lesotho. Based on a qualitative case study method the study seeks to understand this relationship in four selected councils in the Maseru district and how this can be nurtured to achieve a consolidated democracy. Contrary to modernists‟ arguments (that indigenous African political institutions, of which the chieftainship is part, are incompatible with liberal democracy since they are, inter alia, hereditary, they compete with their elective counterparts for political power, they threaten the democratic consolidation process, and they are irrelevant to democratising African systems), this study finds that these arguments are misplaced. Instead, chieftainship is not incompatible with liberal democracy per se. It supports the democratisation process (if the governing parties pursue friendly and accommodative policies to it) but uses its political agency in reaction to the policies of ruling parties to protect its survival interests, whether or not this undermines democratic consolidation process. The chieftainship has also acted to defend democracy when the governing party abuses its political power to undermine democratic rule. It performs important functions in the country. Thus, it is still viewed by the country‟s political leadership, academics, civil society, and councillors as legitimate and highly relevant to the Lesotho‟s contemporary political system. Because of the inadequacies of the government policies and the ambiguous chieftainship-councils integration model, which tend to marginalise the chieftainship and threaten its survival, its relationship with the councils was initially characterised by conflict. However, this relationship has improved, due to the innovative actions taken not by the central government, but by the individual Councils and chiefs themselves, thus increasing the prospects for democratic consolidation. I argue for and recommend the adoption in Lesotho of appropriate variants of the mixed government model to integrate the chieftainship with the elected councils, based on the re-contextualised and re-territorialised conception and practice of democracy, which eschews its universalistic EuroAmerican version adopted by the LCD government, but recognises and preserves the chieftainship as an integral part of the Basotho society, the embodiment of its culture, history, national identity and nationhood.
Determinants of public-private partnership activity in Sub-Saharan Africa
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-06-17) Motsoane, Tebello
Public-Private Partnerships are seen as an alternative for infrastructure development in the face of financial constraints in many developing countries. Using panel data from 36 selected Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2019, the study uses both the Pooled OLS and Negative Binomial regressions to determine the drivers of PPP activity in the medium term. PPP activity, the dependent variable, is measured in two ways: average total investments and; as the total number of PPP projects. The results of the study show favorable market conditions, as proxied by population and GDP per capita, to be the most significant determinants of PPP activity as they represent demand and affordability respectively. For macroeconomic conditions, the results show that money supply and high debt levels are also key in determining PPP activity. Though some of the results on governance are inconsistent with expectations while others are not significant, improvement of overall governance conditions leads to increased PPP investments. In order to attract the required levels of PPP investment to bridge the infrastructure gap, the study recommends that SSA regions formulate policies that will improve market conditions and strengthen governance and accountability systems.
The effects of teenage pregnancy on teenage mother
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-06-07) Phoobane, Jabolina
The study explores the effects of teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers at Ha Ratsiu and Lithabaneng in Berea. The study is deemed significant in that it may raise awareness on the psychosocial effects of teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers, thus, assisting the government and relevant stakeholders to recognise the need to enact policies to reduce effects of teenage pregnancy in Lesotho. The study examines the psychological effects, and discover social effects as well as interventions to reduce the psychosocial effects of teenage pregnancy. Qualitative research and phenomenology design was undertaken to assist the researcher to gather natural data, understand and interpret meanings. The study established that teenage mothers face financial difficulties, rejections from partners, as such, lack of family support led them to having feelings of depression, poor self-image, stress and suicidal thoughts. The findings also revealed that teenage mothers drop out of school due to parents not being able to pay for their fees while providing for their babies’ needs too; and others are expelled from school due to pregnancy. Apart from that, teenage pregnancy and motherhood result in deteriorating relationships with both parents and friends. The study shows that there are various measures to reduce the psychosocial effects of teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers in Ha Ratsiu and Lithabaneng, Berea, Lesotho. Such measures include, amongst others, financial support from the government in the form of scholarships and grants as well as teenage mothers support groups. The study concludes that teenage pregnancy has psychological and negative social effects on teenage mothers such as depression and dropping out of school; and lack of social support makes normal functioning increasingly difficult for teenage mothers as they face new roles and responsibilities. The recommendations include the formulation of abortion policies to provide pregnant teenagers with safe termination of pregnancy and reduction of abortion-related deaths. In addition, forming teenage mothers support groups within communities for teenage mothers to draw strength and support from members who share similar experiences and challenges in Lesotho
Experiences of Senkatana healthcare professionals during the first wave of Covid-19
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-05) Maloisane, Malitsoanelo
The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected healthcare professionals‘ psychological and mental health. Despite a plethora of research exploring the experiences of healthcare professionals during the first wave of COVID-19 globally, very little of this research has explored this issue in the context of Lesotho. The purpose of this study was to examine Senkatana HCPs‘ experiences of work- related stress during the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020; to understand how healthcare professionals felt when providing care to patients during the first wave of COVID-19; to establish challenges brought by the COVID-19 emergence on Senkatana healthcare professionals in the first wave of COVID-19, and to investigate how healthcare professionals coped with work-related stress and the kind of support that was available for Senkatana healthcare professionals during the first wave of COVID-19. A qualitative research design was adopted. Data was collected using interview guide from a sample of ten purposively selected nurses at Senkatana clinic. The majority of the participants were registered nurses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Therefore, the study used Stress Process Model by Pearlin, Menaghan, Lieberman and Mullan (1981) to theorize the experiences of Senkatana healthcare professional during the first wave of COVID-19. The findings revealed that the nurses experienced work-related stress. The sources of work-related stress were significantly associated with lack of knowledge, lack of PPEs, increased workload, strained marital relationships and no support from the union (LNA), as the findings show. Therefore, stress manifested in fear of COVID-19 and depression. It also emerged that the kind of support that was available during the first wave of COVID-19 included social support and organisational support. Again, it emerged that the nurses coped with work-related stress either by oath retaken at work or with religion (prayer)
Experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in Roma, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-07) Molise, Ntemana Tsepang; James, Priya; Mushonga, M
Parenting for some people is a wonderful learning experience. However, parental substance abuse may pose a threat to the beautiful endeavor of parenting. This is because of the negative outcomes that come with parental substance abuse and the extremely high prevalence of substance abuse in Lesotho and across the globe. There are currently many studies which deliberate the experiences of minor children raised by substance-abusing parents while ignoring young adults. As a result, the study is exploring the experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in Roma, Lesotho was conducted. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents by finding out how parental substance abuse affect young adult's intimate relationships, exploring the effects of parental substance abuse on young adult's social interactions, and examining the effects of parental substance abuse on young adult's emotions. Also, the study aimed to explore how parental substance abuse affects young adult's emotions and finally exploring discovering the coping mechanisms of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents. The study also seeks to impart knowledge about parental substance abuse and how it affects young adults in Lesotho. Data were collected from thirteen young adults who were raised by substance-abusing parents during the first three weeks of May 2021. The researcher collected data through in-depth interviews. One interview was conducted for each participant which lasted for forty-five minutes to one hour. Of the thirteen participants, nine young adults were single, while four of them were married. All these young adults were between the age groups of 17-30. Research participants were selected using both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data while thematic analysis was employed to analyze data (Brown and Clarke, 2012). The Study further revealed that young adults raised by substance-abusing parents have suffered tremendous consequences because of parental substance abuse. Such consequences included mistrust and bad communication between their intimate partners. This also included Intimate partner violence (physical and emotional abuse) in young vi adults' intimate relationships. Further, young adults raised by substance-abusing parents also experienced bad family relations and bad treatment from family members. This also leads to them having dysfunctional families, low self-esteem, and high rates of self-isolation, stigmatization and discrimination. A small fraction of the findings also indicated that young adults had less experience the above-mentioned consequences of parental substance abuse. Young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in this study further experienced child abuse and neglect while growing up. This was attributed to parental substance abuse. As a result, while growing up, young adults were bullied (by other children) and they also bullied other children. Consequently, young adults also experienced loneliness and had suicidal thoughts while growing up. This, therefore, resulted in a majority of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents resorting to substances as a means of coping with parental substance abuse. A small fraction of the findings also revealed that young adults less experience the above stipulated negative effects of parental substance abuse. Subsequently, the following recommendations were made to significantly reduce or eliminate challenges or problems that are a result of parental substance abuse. These included counseling or therapeutic interventions, advocating for more foster care homes, substance abuse treatments, the building of rehabilitation centers across the country, suggestions to community volunteers and educators (about parental substance abuse), and finally mentorship programmes for young adults raised by substance-abusing parents.
Experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in Roma, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-07) Molise, Ntemana Tsepang; James, Priya
Parenting for some people is a wonderful learning experience. However, parental substance abuse may pose a threat to the beautiful endeavor of parenting. This is because of the negative outcomes that come with parental substance abuse and the extremely high prevalence of substance abuse in Lesotho and across the globe. There are currently many studies which deliberate the experiences of minor children raised by substance-abusing parents while ignoring young adults. As a result, the study is exploring the experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in Roma, Lesotho was conducted. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents by finding out how parental substance abuse affect young adult's intimate relationships, exploring the effects of parental substance abuse on young adult's social interactions, and examining the effects of parental substance abuse on young adult's emotions. Also, the study aimed to explore how parental substance abuse affects young adult's emotions and finally exploring discovering the coping mechanisms of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents. The study also seeks to impart knowledge about parental substance abuse and how it affects young adults in Lesotho. Data were collected from thirteen young adults who were raised by substance-abusing parents during the first three weeks of May 2021. The researcher collected data through in-depth interviews. One interview was conducted for each participant which lasted for forty-five minutes to one hour. Of the thirteen participants, nine young adults were single, while four of them were married. All these young adults were between the age groups of 17-30. Research participants were selected using both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data while thematic analysis was employed to analyze data (Brown and Clarke, 2012). The Study further revealed that young adults raised by substance-abusing parents have suffered tremendous consequences because of parental substance abuse. Such consequences included mistrust and bad communication between their intimate partners. This also included Intimate partner violence (physical and emotional abuse) in young vi adults' intimate relationships. Further, young adults raised by substance-abusing parents also experienced bad family relations and bad treatment from family members. This also leads to them having dysfunctional families, low self-esteem, and high rates of self-isolation, stigmatization and discrimination. A small fraction of the findings also indicated that young adults had less experience the above-mentioned consequences of parental substance abuse. Young adults raised by substance-abusing parents in this study further experienced child abuse and neglect while growing up. This was attributed to parental substance abuse. As a result, while growing up, young adults were bullied (by other children) and they also bullied other children. Consequently, young adults also experienced loneliness and had suicidal thoughts while growing up. This, therefore, resulted in a majority of young adults raised by substance-abusing parents resorting to substances as a means of coping with parental substance abuse. A small fraction of the findings also revealed that young adults less experience the above stipulated negative effects of parental substance abuse. Subsequently, the following recommendations were made to significantly reduce or eliminate challenges or problems that are a result of parental substance abuse. These included counseling or therapeutic interventions, advocating for more foster care homes, substance abuse treatments, the building of rehabilitation centers across the country, suggestions to community volunteers and educators (about parental substance abuse), and finally mentorship programmes for young adults raised by substance-abusing parents
Exploring health consequences of problem gambling among adult gamblers in Maseru
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-10) Motjolopane, Mapitso Exinia
Problem gambling is globally recognised as a public health issue requiring funding for prevention. It includes gambling behaviours that compromise, disrupt, or damage an individual’s life and relationships. This study adopted Pearlin’s (1981) stress process model to understand the health consequences of problem gambling among adult gamblers in Maseru, focusing on sources of stress, coping mechanisms, and health implications of problem gambling. The research study was qualitative in nature and employed a case study design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews among twelve participants who had been gambling for over two years. The participants were purposively selected and data were thematically analysed. The findings of the study revealed, as the primary stressor experienced by adult gamblers, the financial strain, which was a result of debt accumulation, misdirection of funds, lying about gambling behaviour and stealing money. Gamblers reported social support and maladaptive coping mechanisms as the main coping strategies employed to reduce stress caused by problem gambling.The health implications identified as a result of problem gambling included depression, mood swings, and headaches. The study concluded that problem gambling in Maseru is associated with heightened risks to psychological, emotional, and physical health. It therefore emphasises the urgent need for policy interventions, recommending that the government of Lesotho strengthen regulations on gambling activities. This study adds to the ongoing debate and existing literature regarding the health consequences of problem gambling
Exploring perceptions of a link, between social media usage and suicide risk among young people
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-09) Khalechane, Macce Mary-Louise
The study investigated views among young people in Lesotho regarding a potential connection between social media use and suicide risk. Its goal is to comprehend how young people view the connection between their social interactions and suicidal thoughts or actions. The social comparison theory of Leon Festinger and Emile Durkheim's theory of suicide served as the foundation for this qualitative investigation. The study employed purposive and snowball sampling strategies to identify participants who resided in the Roma community. Data for the study was gathered through social media content analysis and in-person, in-depth interview guidance. The gathered information was translated into English and transcribed. The data was then subjected to thematic analysis. According to the study's preliminary findings, social, psychological, and economic factors are the main ones that increase the risk of suicide among young people. The study also showed that sadness and mental pain are caused by a complex interaction of factors, such as social comparisons, cyberbullying, and pressure to maintain an online identity. Young people are therefore at risk for suicide since they are more susceptible to stress and sadness. Thus, it can be said that youth suicide risk is increased by active social media use, which is linked to mental health and relationship issues. To lessen the possible harmful consequences of social media, the research also emphasizes the necessity for focused mental health interventions and campaigns advocating for appropriate social media usage.
Factors contributing to child neglect among young mothers incarcerated for neglecting their children
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-06) Mothabeng, Manana M
Child neglect is a major public health concern that compromises the socio-emotional, psychological and academic functioning of toddlers, young children and adolescents born to young mothers. This study set out to explore the factors contributing to child neglect among young mothers incarcerated for neglecting their children in Maseru, Lesotho. The study, is informed by the Problem-behaviour theory. In an attempt to provide suitable responses to the research problem, the qualitative phenomenology design was adopted and semi-structured interviews were utilised with four social workers and nine young mothers to collect the data. Thematic analysis was useful in identifying the themes and subthemes from the data gathered. The study found out that child neglect among young mothers is extensive and that young mothers’ poor background in terms of poverty increases the rate of child neglect. Additionally, the findings also show that the most prevalent subtypes of child neglect were supervisory neglect and physical neglect. According to the results of the study, multiple factors cause young mothers to neglect their children, and among these are: unemployment, limited knowledge that leaving a child unsupervised is a criminal offence, maternal history of childhood abuse, lack of social support, mental illness and in some cases, spiritual attacks. In light of these findings, young mothers have seemingly developed a positive attitude towards parenting yielded by the provision of time to time rehabilitation services. The study recommends that, parenting practices and provision of family support be developed. Specifically, the provision of parenting education and training in this capacity, for all parents, guardians or future parents can also be advantageous.
The Impact of Child Grant Programme (CGP) on vulnerable households in Kanana Community Council in Berea, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-07) Senaoana, Makatleho
The provision of child grant programme is argued to be the most beneficial for reducing child poverty in many vulnerable households in Lesotho. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of Child Grant Programme (CGP) on vulnerable households in Kanana Community Council in Berea District, Lesotho. The study population was 761 people- this was the number of beneficiaries of CGP in Kanana Community Council, Berea Lesotho. The objectives that guided the study were to assess psychological impacts of Child Grant Programme in children in Kanana Community Council, to establish social impacts of child grant on households in Kanana Community Council, to examine the economic impacts of Child Grant Programme on households and to establish possible interventions for making Child Grant Programme functional. The mixed method research approach was used entailing qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sampling techniques which were used were purposive sampling for qualitative aspects and random sampling for quantitative aspects. Data was collected using in-depth interviews using focus groups from five(5) children, focus groups of five(5) parents and three(3) key informants for qualitative purposes and a survey method which used questionnaire from 70 respondents for quantitative purposes. The main findings of the study showed that there were negative psychological impacts of child grant; this has been confirmed by the fact that the findings showed that child grant brings financial stress for many recipients as they failed to prioritise how to use their funds. Additionally the study also revealed that some children want to control the use of funds as it’s written in their names, while some guardians treat children harshly in the absence of the money.The study findings revealed that there were both positive and negative social impacts of CGP on households; the positive social impacts revealed that households are able to have access to health services due to clinics available in the village, due to availability of village health workers, as well as access to medical exemption from Ministry of Social Development. Furthermore children are able to enrol in school with high numbers; their attendance has increased and they are able to have school consumables. The negative social impacts showed that nutrition needs of children are not met as they frequently eat unbalanced meals and sometimes sleep without food. The study also showed that the grant cannot reduce child poverty as the amounts are very low and fail to meet the demands of the household.Economic impacts of Child Grant programme revealed that child grant has increased chances of employment for many households. Conclusively, the study revealed that there were negative psychological impacts of CGP, positive and negative social impacts were noted and lastly there were positive economic impacts of CGP noted. The recommendation to the Ministry of Social Development is that the ministry should improve functionality of the grant in order to meet inflation demands, monitoring of usage of grant, speeding up case management processes and reducing inclusion and exclusion errors.
The influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders in Leribe and Botha-Bothe Correctional institution, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-06) Mohau, Mamosa; James, Priya
Rehabilitation is a fundamental aim of the correctional system. This aim is based on the postulation that individuals can be treated to desist from crime. Huebner and Inzana (2020) articulate that rehabilitation programmes are broadly provided to offenders in custodial and community settings around the world. Studies have shown that disciplining inmates is more than just physical punishment but the use of different rehabilitation programmes to reduce recidivism In Lesotho, there seems to be rare recent studies concentrating on the influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders. It is imperative to understand the influence rehabilitation programmes have on transformation of offenders so as to ensure effective utilisation of rehabilitation programmes and that awareness could be raised about the importance of reformation of offenders. This phenomenological study which adopted a qualitative research method sought to explore the influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders in Leribe and Botha-Bothe correctional institutions, Lesotho. The sample of the study was formed of eighteen participants (sixteen males and two females) who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data was collected in May 2021 for three weeks through semi-structured interviews which took forty-five minutes per session. Content analysis was used to analyse the findings. The chosen theoretical framework of this study was Hirschi’s social control theory. The findings revealed that the psychosocial services through social support, counselling sessions, restorative justice and reintegration have positive influence on reformation of offenders. However there were challenges such as lack of social support to some offenders and inconsistency in counselling sessions. The other findings were that the educational programmes were provided by unqualified people however these programmes help participants to boost their confidence levels and to set life- changing goals. Vocational skills training programmes have less influence on the reformation of offenders because they perceive them as punishment and provision of free labour. However they attested that they could help them to become self-reliant. vii Religious belief have significant role in transformation of offenders because they develop new images and meanings of life through religious programmes. Recommendations included; information dissemination strategies, strengthening communication channels, broadening services, rehabilitation policy formulation, establishment of reintegration programmes, engagement of offenders in community activities, employment of qualified personnel in vocational skills training programmes.
The influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders in Leribe and Botha-Bothe Correctional institution, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-06) Mohau, Mamosa; James, Priya
Rehabilitation is a fundamental aim of the correctional system. This aim is based on the postulation that individuals can be treated to desist from crime. Huebner and Inzana (2020) articulate that rehabilitation programmes are broadly provided to offenders in custodial and community settings around the world. Studies have shown that disciplining inmates is more than just physical punishment but the use of different rehabilitation programmes to reduce recidivism In Lesotho, there seems to be rare recent studies concentrating on the influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders. It is imperative to understand the influence rehabilitation programmes have on transformation of offenders so as to ensure effective utilisation of rehabilitation programmes and that awareness could be raised about the importance of reformation of offenders. This phenomenological study which adopted a qualitative research method sought to explore the influence of rehabilitation programmes on the reformation of offenders in Leribe and Botha-Bothe correctional institutions, Lesotho. The sample of the study was formed of eighteen participants (sixteen males and two females) who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data was collected in May 2021 for three weeks through semi-structured interviews which took forty-five minutes per session. Content analysis was used to analyse the findings. The chosen theoretical framework of this study was Hirschi’s social control theory. The findings revealed that the psychosocial services through social support, counselling sessions, restorative justice and reintegration have positive influence on reformation of offenders. However there were challenges such as lack of social support to some offenders and inconsistency in counselling sessions. The other findings were that the educational programmes were provided by unqualified people however these programmes help participants to boost their confidence levels and to set life- changing goals. Vocational skills training programmes have less influence on the reformation of offenders because they perceive them as punishment and provision of free labour. However they attested that they could help them to become self-reliant. vii Religious belief have significant role in transformation of offenders because they develop new images and meanings of life through religious programmes. Recommendations included; information dissemination strategies, strengthening communication channels, broadening services, rehabilitation policy formulation, establishment of reintegration programmes, engagement of offenders in community activities, employment of qualified personnel in vocational skills training programmes.
Intimate partner violence in Mokhotlong Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-06-28) Ndaule, Matheo
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global public health concern whose incidence escalates alarmingly, along with the related death toll of mostly women. Both men and women can be IPV perpetrators, but men are the largest category of perpetrators. Even so, men’s perceptions of IPV (what it is, when or why it takes place) or, for that matter, their experiences, remain under-researched as more focus is placed on restoring affected women’s health and finding them safe alternative housing during IPV-related crisis. As such, inadequate population-based empirical studies have examined men's IPV perceptions and/or experiences in the Sub-Sahara, including Lesotho. On that background, this study had the following objectives: (a) To understudy perceptions of young adult men in Mokhotlong on Intimate Partner Violence, (b) To investigate childhood experiences of young adult men in Mokhotlong on Intimate Partner Violence, and (c) To investigate adulthood experiences of young adult men in Mokhotlong on Intimate Partner Violence. It adopted an explorative qualitative research design to collect and analyze primary data. Participants were young adult men from an Urban Settlement in Mokhotlong Lesotho, with self-reports of previous involvement in IPV who were willing to disclose such involvement. The data was collected from a snowball sample using face-to-face in-depth interviews. Under perceptions of IPV, participants described IPV as any act of physical or emotional aggression towards one’s intimate partner, adding that IPV could be justified under circumstances such as; when women were disrespectful towards men and when women were married. The participants further described their childhood IPV experiences as witnessing significant adults in their lives commit IPV without facing interpersonal or community consequence. Furthermore, participants said that in their adulthood, they had committed IPV when their intimate partners were disrespectful towards them and/or when participants were under the influence of intoxicating substances to mention but a few. The study concludes by identifying the following strategies to prevent and control IPV incidents: establishment of easily accessible and affordable individual and couple counselling services in different community settings; problem-solving and communication skills training for couples; positive parenting skills training by Community-Based Social Workers; development of male-oriented peer support programs and forums where men can receive and offer support to each other, equipping couples with conflict management skills; positive life choices; as well as establishing campaigns and community dialogues aimed at challenging cultural practices that foster violence against physically weaker others.
Investigating inequalities in low birth weight for under-five children in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-10-09) Motlamelle, Topollo Eric
Underweight children, especially those with low birth weight (LBW), tend to face several health challenges as they grow such as chronic illnesses; school dropouts; or even death. It may not be shocking that Lesotho as one of the most unequal societies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiences inequality in health outcomes like LBW. Prior to this study, studies in Lesotho only focused on the drivers of LBW. This study, therefore, contributes by investigating the socio-economic inequalities in LBW for under-five children in Lesotho. It goes further to determine which population sub-group is the most affected by the inequality in LBW. The study used the Erreygers Index to measure the inequality, and then estimated the Recentered Influence Function (RIF-OB) approach to decompose the LBW inequality by areas of residence. It found that inequality in LBW does exist amongst under-five children in Lesotho and it appears to be more focused towards the rural areas. It also found that antenatal care visits and wealth status have been key drivers of LBW inequality in Lesotho. The study concludes by recommending possible remedies to help mitigate the incidence of LBW and its associated consequences.
Investigation of econimic and psychosocial characteristics of people married as children in Menoaneng, Mokhotlong, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-08-22) Halahala, Lijalo; Thabane, T
The study investigated the economic and psychosocial characteristics of people married as children in Menoaneng, Mokhotlong Lesotho. The study employed mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods to reach samples, collect, and analyze data. The study sample was 20 people resident and married as children which were selected using a Simple Random Sampling from a Sampling Frame of people of Menoaneng only. Two Key Informants were further selected using Purposive Sampling. The main tool for collecting data was the semi-structured questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis through Univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and thematic analysis. The study found that people married as children were economically disadvantaged, experienced negative psychological effects, were socially isolated, and deprived of decision-making powers within their families during the early years of marriage. At a later stage in marriage, there was some leverage they were afforded in decision-making. Recommendations raised in the study include: Improving agricultural methods to improve the economic status of people married as children, partnership with the government and non-governmental organizations to introduce vocational training skills development programs was recommended to ameliorate the ordeal of people married as children. Vocational training was seen as crucial as some of the people married as children were not willing to go back to school because of the parenthood responsibilities and humiliation and stigma. The study further recommended curbing child marriage through legislation and penalties for perpetrators and enablers of child marriage. Making education more accessible for children from poor households through free exemption and combined social grants would be instrumental in helping curb child marriage.

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