We have successfully achieved another great milestone with the completion of the construction of new flushing school toilet blocks for Lithabaneng Primary School. This forms part of the 5 Hub Schools project in the Leqele – Lithabaneng area of Maseru in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training who identified 5 high-priority schools in need of assistance. Those schools being Seboka, Leqele, Makoanyane and Lithabaneng Primary Schools and Lithabaneng High school.
The new flushing toilets that come with hand wash stations are a replacement of the old and unhygienic toilets which the students and the teachers had been using for many years. Unhealthy toilets could easily hinder children from enjoying their education and the teachers and staff can be discouraged to be at work. This is also very important for young girls to clean hygienic toilets, to ensure they do not drop out of school. All these circumstances are to be a thing of the past at Libananeng Primary School.
Action Ireland Trust (AIT) and rise take a holistic approach, which is centered around the needs of the students, teachers, principals and community members. This approach equips the teachers and principals with the right tools thus achieving the mandate of making the schools child friendly, safe and providing an improved learning environment to greatly enhance the students learning experience.
Watch the video below to learn more on the journey of this project.
Human beings have depleted natural resources, cut down trees in forests and led to pollution and global warming. It is high time that we turn to protect our nature and start preserving it. Through one of our pillars, Innovative Building Methodologies, we continue to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, rise joins the global community in this mission.
Over the past two years, we have embarked on the journey to expose the global community, mainly Basotho, to the economic opportunities that come with protecting and caring about the environment. The project aimed to empower local researchers, enhance sustainability in construction and address climate change challenges.
With this project six materials were looked at in depth: 3 indigenous materials being Sandstone, Compressed Earth Blocks, Grass/Straw and 3 repurposed materials being Hemp, Wool, and Packaging Waste.
rise has embarked on this research journey to address Lesotho’s gaps in knowledge, production and use of sustainable locally sourced construction materials. Both desk research and empirical findings were used to better understand Lesotho’s indigenous, and repurposed building materials and techniques to see how those can form the basis for a sustainable environmentally friendly future.
A catalog and Materials Spec Comparison Table of the research materials has been created and can be found in the information Library at www.riseint.org. rise continues to advocate for policy change and implementation of some of the materials for the benefit of the environment and the communities to which they belong in creating employment opportunities and economic growth.
Exiting my internship is not an end, it is a testament of learning from the best, and now, it is time to redefine what ‘best’ means in my own journey. I, Salome Mokhali, a 26-year-old Public Relations student from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, embarked on an exciting journey, eager to learn and grow. The opportunity to intern under the communications department has been nothing short of transformative to my career.
From the moment I stepped into the rise office, I was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. The team’s positive energy and commitment to their mission were palpable, making me feel right at home. I quickly realized that this was not just a workplace; it was a team dedicated to making a difference.
The most fruitful aspect of my internship has been the hands-on experience. From drafting press releases to managing social media posts, every task has been a learning opportunity. The mentorship I have received has been invaluable. With patience, my supervisors took the time to guide me through each task, offering insights and feedback that have sharpened my skills and broadened my understanding of Public Relations and communication as a whole.
Working at rise has allowed me to witness the power of collaboration. The team’s synergy is incredible. I have been inspired by the way everyone pulls together, combining their talents and expertise to create impactful community developments. It is a testament to what can be achieved when people are united by a common goal and being team players.
During my time with rise, I was able to see the handover of completed new toilet blocks which the organization had designed and constructed at Lithabaneng Primary School in partnership with Action Ireland Trust. I was also able to be part of the graduation ceremony celebrations of the fifth inloco graduation ceremony, a group of 9 fellows who had gone through 8 months of hands-on learning by doing program, as part of the design and construction of Kick4Life Stadium of Life.
As my internship draws to a close, I look back on my time at rise with immense gratitude. This experience has not only enhanced my skills but also reinforced my passion for Public Relations and Communication. I am excited to carry forward the lessons I have learned and the connections I have made as I continue my journey in this field.
No journey is without challenges, my internship was no exception. There were moments of self-doubt and instances where I felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced nature of the work. However, these challenges were instrumental in my growth. They taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone.
Thank you, rise, for an unforgettable experience. A special thanks to the team for making me feel at home from day one. I look forward to seeing all the incredible things this organization will achieve in the future!
We are thrilled to announce the release of rise International’s Bi-Annual Evaluation Report, highlighting the impactful work we’ve accomplished over the past two years. This comprehensive report encapsulates our dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment in Lesotho.
Key highlights of our achievements.
Thanks to funding from Irish Aid, rise International successfully completed an extensive research on Innovative Sustainable Building methodologies in Lesotho, paving the way for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective construction practices.
Through our ‘in loco’ learning-by-doing program, we have positively impacted over 17,600 lives in Lesotho, empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge to thrive in their communities.
Fig 1 : in loco impact
rise International joined forces with the World Bank to address the critical issue of youth unemployment in Lesotho, working towards creating sustainable solutions for economic empowerment and job creation.
We are proud to continue our partnership with Action Ireland Trust (AIT) as their implementing partner. The ongoing 5 Hub Schools project, designed to enhance infrastructure and facilities in priority schools identified by the Ministry of Education & Training, has already brought essential amenities like running water toilets, boreholes, school kitchens, rainwater harvesting systems, and food gardens to communities in the densely populated Lithabaneng area in Maseru district.
Fig 2 : Opening of Seboka Primary School Kitchen
Our collaboration with local and international universities has enriched our programs with diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring that our initiatives are at the forefront of innovation and best practices.
Fig 3: Uni of Malta Participatory Design Workshop Training
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors for their unwavering support. Without your generosity and belief in our mission, none of these achievements would have been possible. Your contributions have transformed lives, empowered communities, and paved the way for a brighter future for Lesotho.
As we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded of the collective impact we can achieve when we come together in solidarity and commitment to positive change. Together, we are shaping a better tomorrow for Lesotho.
My name is Sello Mohami, but most people know me as Macala. I am a 22-year-old Mosotho man and a certified Construction Management technician having graduated from Lerotholi Polytechnic in 2022.
Sello Mohami
I was born and raised in Maseru central Ts’enola-Motimposo where I got interested in this field of construction due to the lack of roads which leads to a lot of accidents and also lack of advanced infrastructure.
Later on relocated to the south side of Maseru which is Mazenod Ha Sekepe, where I was part of the team which designed and constructed my new home there, that is when I developed a deep love for construction and electric works. I was working directly with the bricklaying and electrical installation team and I was working there as unskilled labour, that is when I recognized how passionate I am with construction works. On the other hand I think I had a positive influence from my uncle who has been in construction for approximately 15 years. He is an experienced Bricklayer who has worked on various projects in Lesotho under Lesotho Steel Products. He has been supportive and very keen to help me grow in this industry.
Mohami on the construction site
I am a student-athlete at Kick4Life and this is where I learned about the in loco fellowship when I was introduced to the stadium of Life project by Kick4Life. Kick4Life knew how passionate I am in stadium construction and they helped me out to apply. I am very grateful to Kick4Life because now I am part of rise International 5th in loco fellowship because of their guidance.
As a fellow in the in loco program, I am privileged and proud to be part of 9 hard working mates where we are trusted to design and construct the 4th phase of Kick4Life – Stadium of LIfe. This is the unique project which uses FSC approved gum poles to construct stands and containers for dressing rooms. In the first months of the project I was given a role of being a site manager, this was quite a challenge because my work was to oversee all the site works and also to lead and come up with solutions.
As a construction manager people always think it’s easy for you to lead but it is never that easy to manage people with different attitudes and disciplines, but as i have always believe i was born a soldier i managed to overcome all the challenges and that is when i was confident about my career choice and i know construction site is my other home and leading people is my favorite meal. Later on I transitioned to being a Buyer where I was capable of preparing Bill of Quantities and procuring all material needed on site. In this role I improved mostly in preparing Bill of quantities, negotiating with hardware and individuals also learned to work within a tight budget.
Mohami on site
When I first joined the fellowship my goal was to graduate from it with all the skills needed in construction which are Plumbing, Bricklaying, Electrical installation e.t.c, But with the cohort I am learning beyond my goal as i am being given business modules where I am guided on how i can turn one of my milestone which is having my own Construction Company. The fellowship has helped me to improve my communication and leadership skills and also the most important part of construction which is being hand-on, meaning bringing the theory acquired from school down to the ground onsite.
Isaiah 60:22
“At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen”.This is my everyday motive, I rely mostly on the Lord’s timing. If things get worse I keep pushing until God presses His timer for them to get better.
rise Hosted Athabasca University Students as part of a knowledge exchange and skills sharing program
Thanks to a Canadian government-funded program, the Global Exchange Opportunities Program, nine students from Architecture, Heritage Resources Management and Computer Science as well three faculty members from Athabasca University in Canada visited Lesotho for a 2-week visit this month.
rise Executive Director – Daniela Gusman with Athabasca University students and tutors upon arrival in Lesotho
During this trip in Lesotho, the contingent had the privilege of visiting Morija, Lesotho’s cultural and historical center, where they spent a large part of their time. Along with 10 Architecture Technology students from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the Athabasca students were trained in how to facilitate a participatory design workshop (PDW) for the proposed development of the heritage park in Morija. After gathering all the opinions, needs and wants of various members of the community as well as key stakeholders, the students worked tirelessly to analyze all the information and came up with some potential layouts for the potential development of the Heritage Park, which they then presented to the community and stakeholders for validation.
Athabasca University students and tutors engaging in a PDW with rise pioneers and Morija community members
While in Morija, alongside community members and rise’s in loco fellows, the students got their hands dirty as they got to learn about how to construct using rammed earth and how to make earth blocks.
Construction of rammed earth and earth blocks
An important element of the visit, was for the students to exchange their knowledge and skills in a practical manner, whereby they got to work hand-in-hand with rise’s in loco fellows who are currently building the Stadium of Life, a football stadium for a non-profit called Kick4Life who use sport as a tool for social change.
The National University of Lesotho also hosted the students for a lecture on The role of Basotho design culture in architecture which was led by Ms Mpinane Qhobela. They also engaged in another lecture session which was hosted by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology on the History of Architecture in Lesotho given by Ms Boikokobetso Mohlomi which can be seen Limkokwing University Lecture Part 1Limkonkwing University Lecture part 2
As part of the study and exploring Lesotho, the group also visited the national monument and mountain called Thaba Bosiu, the rural horseriding community of Semonkong, the University town of Roma and the capital of Maseru at the National University of Lesotho learning about the Mountain Kingdom’s heritage, architecture and tech challenges and opportunities.
rise Executive Director, Daniela Gusman with the staff of Botho University Lesotho and some of the Athabasca University tutors and students after a lecture.
Lastly the students had an opportunity to interact with Basotho artists, musicians, dancers, participate in a drumming circle as well as visiting some of Lesotho’s successful social enterprises including Pheha Plastic and Noma Pads where they joined a session learning about the establishment’s operations and a hands on experiment of using the machinery machines to make plastic recycled products and reusable sanitary pads!
This visit was part of a 2-year program funded by Global Exchange Opportunities which will also include another group of up to 15 students coming to Lesotho in 2024.
For anyone interested in visiting Lesotho on an educational trip contact us at [email protected] or sign up for updates about our International Workshops which you can learn more about here
SPECIFICATION SHEET TABLE FOR DIFFERENT BUILDING MATERIALS:
Materials Specification Table comparing properties and specs of conventional building materials with those of repurposed and indigenous, low-carbon alternatives.
I am Vasiliki, an architect engineer from Greece. During my master’s program in International cooperation in Sustainable and Emergency architecture in Barcelona, my passion for travel and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds led me to Lesotho for a three-month internship with rise international.
After this transformative journey and returning to the comfort of my home, it’s time to share the key aspects of it. Although every experience has its ups and downs, I’ve chosen to focus on the bright side and the new lens through which I now view life.
Working with rise international as an architect in Lesotho was a profoundly enriching and eye-opening experience. It provided me with a unique opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact in a community that I grew to deeply appreciate. riseinternational’s mission to support sustainable development and improve the living conditions in Lesotho resonated with me from the very beginning. As an architect, I was part of a dedicated team working on projects that ranged from building infrastructure to community development. Our work aimed not only to create physical structures but also to empower the local community with the tools and resources needed for long-term growth.
Lesotho is a captivating country. Beyond the picturesque landscapes, the breathtaking waterfalls, and the endless mountains, there’s something extraordinary that words cannot fully capture. It’s the ideal place to regain your relationship with nature, to breathe and walk around the most beautiful scenery. It’s an experience you must live to truly understand.
Someone once told me that life’s experiences depend on how we perceive them. Every encounter and every moment shared with others provides us with a unique perspective, a new pair of glasses through which to view the world. If these perspectives resonate with us, we can wear them from time to time, gaining new insights along the way.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”
Marcel Proust.
To me, the real value of this experience lies in the people. I had the privilege to collaborate with. Despite our cultural differences and distinct backgrounds, they made me feel like I had discovered my rightful place. The Basotho people lead their lives in a simple, authentic manner, a way that I may have, in many respects, forgotten.
They are warm and have a natural gift for hospitality. They eagerly engage with newcomers, welcoming them into their homes and offering food and drink. In their company, I felt an instant connection to their community. They made an effort to familiarize me with their traditions and way of life but also to learn about my perspective of life and my culture.
Basotho people possess a sense of philotimo, a Greek term, which captures the essence of integrity, honour, and respect, shapes social interactions, fosters strong connections within communities, and underpins the sense of pride and identity. It’s a concept that is difficult to fully capture in words but is deeply understood and appreciated by those who embody it in their actions and relationships.
This experience has not only enriched my professional skills but also left a lasting impact on my perspective as an architect, reminding me of the profound impact we can have on communities in need. In Lesotho, I learned that it’s not just about discovering new landscapes; it’s about gaining new perspectives and insights by embracing the world through fresh eyes.
We are very excited to have received support from Irish Aid through our partnership with Action Ireland Trust to spearhead revolutionary indigenous building materials research, that is aimed at capacitating built environment experts, entities, and regulatory bodies to shift towards more environmentally sustainable building methodologies.
Over the course of 2023, we are going to research Indigenous building materials such as sandstone, thatch, and compressed earth blocks as well as repurposed materials such as wool, hemp, and packaging waste materials.
We hope to develop solutions on how Lesotho can reduce its dependency on foreign imports, which currently stands at 70% for building materials. This will not only help the economy by creating jobs but will also help the environment by decreasing the amount of high-carbon building materials used and the high levels of fossil fuels consumed to keep these thermally inefficient buildings warm in winter. The project aims to document building materials in a catalog that will act as a reference document for everyone in the built environment on material specifications, carbon emissions and so much more.
Other phases of the project include:– Training of entrepreneurs in the Circular Economy (Teaser for activities to watch out for April Newsletter)
-Training of policymakers in the built environment
Celebrating 5 years of operation in Lesotho:
In November 2022, we celebrated 5 years of being operational in Lesotho and being fully led by a Mosotho woman as Country Director, which means that the Lesotho team is now 100% Basotho – an important milestone to have reached, which was part of the plan since we opened in Lesotho. We want to practice what we preach and increase the number of African entrepreneurs working in Africa instead of foreign entrepreneurs. Daniela Gusman, the Founder & Executive Director, has transitioned into an advisory role.
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity toward building environmentally sustainable affordable housing prototype:
At the end of 2022, rise signed an MoU with Habitat for Humanity Lesotho to collaboratively build an affordable housing prototype using sandbag methodology or adobe bricks, to help us move towards more environmentally sustainable affordable materials while simultaneously building comfortable and thermally efficient housing for the poor.
– Wrapping up the 4th in loco fellowship cohort:
The 4th in loco cohort is currently wrapping up a school kitchen, at Seboka Primary School in the Lithabaneng Area. This area has been identified, by the Ministry of Education, as one of 5 schools in critical condition in the areas of sanitation, food security, and clean water access. The kitchen is being constructed using the innovative and environmentally friendly sandbag method.
Thank you to donors Action Ireland Trust
The opening ceremony is planned for 5th April 2023.
Be part of international construction, engineering, and architecture students from the USA, Europe, and Asia who will participate in the in loco program alongside 10 young graduates in the built industry, benefit from an international design and build experience, and allow yourself to develop design skills suitable for working in challenging environments, and conditions of scarcity of resources.
This year’s workshop will take place from the 14th to the 25th of August 2023.
Join our monthly webinars, where on Thursday 30th March, Elisa Engel, the Founder of Citizen Architects, who also lectures at various universities, will be talking about Ethics and Values in Architecture.
Join our radio shows at Bokamoso FM 97.4, every Tuesday, at 2:05 pm where you can learn more about opportunities in entrepreneurship, the built environment, rise’s projects, and programs.
