Fellows Blogs

My Enriching Journey at rise

June 4, 2024By 0 comment

Salome Mokhali Blog post

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!

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Breaking the Cycle: A Whirlwind of Events Unveiled

May 23, 2024By 0 comment

Plastic Trainings For Entrepreneurs in Lesotho

We kicked off the month with a two-pronged approach to support local entrepreneurs. First, we held workshops on creating innovative building materials, that were made possible through funding from the British High Commission – Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) and Plastic Bricks. These workshops provided participants with the skills and knowledge to transform plastic waste into useful products, tackling environmental issues while creating business opportunities.

The sessions were industry led by individuals with experience and expertise as seen in fig 1. & 2 Cliff Crutchfield of Crutchfield Engineering and Limpho Thoahlane, founder Pheha Plastic demonstrated to participants how plastic bottles and other waste material can be shredded, melted and molded into different recycled materials such as tiles and earrings. This innovative solution could help in addressing both the plastic waste crisis and the need for affordable housing.

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ICEB training for fired brick entrepreneurs 

The plastic workshop was followed by ICEB training for fired bricks makers to raise awareness on the use of an alternative sustainable construction material which is both durable and cost effective.  

The training was led by rise site supervisor, Chokotsi Mokoma who has been working on the production of the blocks.

Capacitation of Entrepreneurs & Raising Awareness

Following the technical workshops, our Business Trainer, ‘Maneo Seekane, provided entrepreneurs with valuable financial and marketing skills to strengthen their businesses.

Material Specification Sheet

New running water toilets launched at Lithabaneng Primary School

We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of new flushing toilets with hand washing stations at Lithabaneng Primary School! This project, part of our 5-Hub-Schools initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, replaces the old and unhygienic facilities. Safe and sanitary toilets are essential for student well-being and contribute to a more positive learning environment, particularly for young girls who might otherwise miss school due to a lack of proper facilities.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners

We are incredibly grateful to Action Ireland Trust for funding this vital project and for the dedication of over 65 volunteers who came from Ireland to work alongside the communities in Leqele and Lithabaneng.

There are many ways you can be a part of rise International Lesotho’s mission to empower communities and build a brighter future. Visit our website to learn more about volunteering and donation opportunities.

Fundraising
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rise News

Join the Club! The rise Together Movement 🌍

March 26, 2024By 0 comment

Thank you for supporting our entrepreneurship development programs in Lesotho in the past. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to graduate over 50 fellows from our design, build and entrepreneurship in loco program, 71% of whom have gone on to become Pioneers and created over 183 jobs for others as a result of the skills and business training we have provided them with thanks to your assistance.

JOIN THE RISE TOGETHER MONTHLY DONORS CLUB

Your support has already had an impact on our Pioneers’ Business Incubation Program and others who are following in their footsteps being our in loco program fellows. But the reality is, in order for us to continue touching more lives and spreading the impact to transform more job seekers into job creators, we need your help.  

This year, we invite you to make your valuable support go even further by joining the rise Together Club – a monthly donating program to support our youth skills development and employment generation programs. Your ongoing monthly support will:

  • Contribute towards training more job creators
  • Provide business coaching for more entrepreneurs 
  • Equip entrepreneurs with essential tools and workspace 

You can easily sign up online here to make an impact without ever worrying about writing another cheque! (Unless you want to).

in loco projects

Become a rise Together Club member today and you’ll enjoy:

  • The knowledge that your donation is put to work immediately.
  • Monthly newsletters on the difference your dollars are making.
  • Hassle-free automatic monthly donations from your credit card.
  • The ability to change or suspend your donations at any time.
  • Complete statements provided for tax purposes.
  • The joy of knowing that you’re improving someone’s life.

Sponsor young Basotho through our Pioneer Business Incubation Program by making a $50 donation a month and experience the fulfillment of changing a life.

Alternatively you can also start a fundraising initiative on behalf of rise by simply visiting here where we have numerous fundraising opportunities for you.

Sponsorship Opportunities
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rise News

Let’s change more lives together in 2024!!

February 28, 2024By 0 comment

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.

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Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.
Daniela Gusman
Founder and Executive Director

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Fellows Blogs

Motivated by lack of infrastructure

December 14, 2023By 0 comment

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. 

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rise News

Growing in bounds and leaps

December 5, 2023By 0 comment

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 1 Limkonkwing 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.

Additionally, the Heritage and Computer Science students got to collaborate with students and tutors from Botho University, the Innovation Hub at the National University of Lesotho as well as the Morija Museum & Archives, the Seriti Sa Makhoarane Heritage & Tourism Project, The Hub in Morija and the Morija Arts Centre. 

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 info@riseint.org or sign up for updates about our International Workshops which you can learn more about here 

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