rise International is happy to see one of its long-serving team members, Retsepile Rammoko making his way to the United Kingdom where he will pursue a Master’s in Design For Change at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Retsepile is already a University of Pretoria graduate holding both a BSc Architecture Degree and a Hons Degree in Architecture. Prior to his studies, he shadowed at K.T.M Architects and received a basic background in Architecture as a career.
He is also an in loco 2019 Pioneer and became part of the rise team as a Design and Media assistant following his in loco program at rise. The multitalented architect also took up the role of a site architect at the ongoing Kick4Life Stadium of Life construction while also being a digital media content creator. This multidisciplinary creative hopes to open a creatively diverse architectural studio.
He is amongst the six recipients of the Chevening Scholarships which is the UK government’s international scholarships programme. It is funded by the foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Offices and partner organizations offering awards to study in the UK for one year on a fully funded master’s degree course.
🚀We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of the Research and Innovation program in March 2022! Our mission is to revolutionize sustainable construction materials and significantly reduce environmentally damaging carbon emissions, particularly from concrete and cement. Thanks to the generous support of a capacity-building and knowledge exchange grant funded by Irish Aid, in partnership with Action Ireland Trust, our research division has expanded to explore the use of innovative building materials.
🏗️ Phase I: Pioneering Sustainable Materials In the first phase, we embarked on a groundbreaking journey by selecting six materials, three traditional and locally sourced, and three recycled or repurposed materials. Our objectives were ambitious:
Identifying the sources and availability of these materials
Determining their cost and accessibility
Evaluating the environmental impact of extraction or reuse
Exploring local knowledge and building techniques
Assessing material durability in relation to modern counterparts and local climate conditions.
💡 Phase II: Circular Economy & Domestic Building Materials Workshop The second phase saw the remarkable Circular Economy & Domestic Building Materials Workshop that began on 2nd June 2023 at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s Entrepreneurship Acceleration Platform (LEAP) in Maseru. Here, 20 entrepreneurs from various backgrounds and disciplines delved into a 7-session workshop led by industry experts. Together, they explored a wide range of indigenous materials and experimented with alternative construction approaches.
🏠 Introducing Sustainable Materials Participants enthusiastically engaged with locally-sourced and natural materials, such as sandstone, compressed earth block, and thatch. Additionally, they explored the potential of recycled materials, including hemp, wool, and packaging waste. The workshop’s ultimate goal is to create job opportunities through local production of sustainable building materials while reducing the use of environmentally harmful construction products.
🌿 Empowering Entrepreneurs for a Greener Future One participant, Morongoe, who specializes in producing recycled plastic bricks, expressed her joy and appreciation for being part of this transformative program. She believes the knowledge and skills gained will elevate her business as a young entrepreneur. Moreover, this initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs in vulnerable local communities, with a special focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, to establish circular economy businesses.
🏢 Phase III: Paving the Path to Eco-Friendly Building Practices As we look forward to the third and final phase starting in August, our objectives are set high:
Enhancing capacity among Lesotho’s policy-makers
Establishing regulatory professional bodies in the built environment
Compiling building codes for energy-efficient practices.
🌟 Promoting Green Building Practices in Lesotho This project holds immense promise for transforming the built environment in Lesotho! Our research findings will be shared with policy-makers, private sector practitioners, and relevant government ministries. By supporting policy makers in reviewing and revising outdated construction regulations and standards, we aim to foster energy-efficient building practices and contribute to sustainable development in the region.
📢 Stay Tuned for More Updates! We are excited about the strides being made to promote sustainable building practices in Lesotho. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates on this groundbreaking initiative that has far-reaching implications for the future of eco-friendly construction worldwide! Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable planet for generations to come. 🌱
“Flow like water and you can make it through any hard rock” – Roger Lee. I am Lintle Mofolo, a Mosotho woman who just recently turned 31 and holds a diploma in Engineering and Architectural Technology. The above statement may bring pride to a lot of people but my journey was an interesting one thus far. I was born and raised in Ha Mabote, a village on the outskirts of Maseru in the district of Berea. Growing up, I had a passion for drawing, whether dresses, floor plans or even doodling. Flipping through my childhood books there was always a drawing.
Additionally, I studied Civil Engineering with the thought that I could incorporate this love for drawing in my work or do a short course in Architecture later not knowing that one way or another, my “calling” would chase me down. I then went further to pursue Architectural Technology after feeling lost in trying to practise civil engineering and furthering my studies in it. Lost as I was, I knew I wanted to remain in the construction industry while being creative and Architecture was it for me.
For a long time, I believed having studied Civil Engineering was a mistake, and I believed I was starting over in my career path, thinking that I had “lost” a significant number of years in my life. However enrolling for Architecture when I did was a blessing, as among other things I got to learn about rise International. The lectures on climate change, sustainability and vernacular architecture stirred up my interest in the organisation and I followed their social media platforms. When the call for in loco 2023 was made I jumped at the opportunity to apply and be part of this organisation. When I joined in loco I had little to no knowledge of it but I am thankful to be here.
Not only does the programme help me incorporate and appreciate both my fields of study but it is a great opportunity to see how they both complement each other in practice. The fellowship, to me, has not only been an opportunity to grow professionally but on a personal level as well. The interaction with other fellows, their disciplines of study, the knowledge they have and their different characters have helped me hone my interpersonal skills. The “learning by doing” methodology has helped me acquire skills that I probably would not gain due to my fear of exploring new avenues. Lastly, the business training sessions and the modules at large incorporated into the fellowship have helped increase my knowledge of the construction industry and entrepreneurship.
Because I believe in design that speaks to the end user, the participatory design process was both fascinating and an educative tool to take away from the fellowship. Being a site architect for the past few months gave me the confidence to practise what I learned in school. With these gains and more the fellowship has helped me to grow in one way or another and with all that I am learning, I already see an improvement in other avenues of my life outside of the fellowship. In his speech “Lessons from a 5th-grade dropout,” Rick Rigsby said “Make sure your servant’s towel is bigger than your ego” and it is through serving, not only the community through rise and in loco but the fellows at rise team that I get to grow.
My name is Lintle Ramathatele, “mekoari” (Construction workers) call me “ ‘M’e Popi” and I am 22 years old, soon to turn 23. Currently, reside in Ha Pita though I grew up in Maputsoe, an industrial town in Northern Lesotho in a small village called Ha Chonapase.
Completed my high school in Maputsoe Community High School where I can say my career started. This school is situated just next to the waste disposal and sewage disposal areas and during my time there, classes were often disturbed by the smell of the sewage and that of the smoke (that was caused by the chemical reactions, from solid waste, hospital waste to liquid waste).
These experiences turned into a search for my career and they helped shape me into a person I am today. They inspired me to pursue my dreams, as I believe that “if you want things to change you must change first, if you want the things to be better you have to be better” Jim Rohn , I have been following these words for a long time because they help me take responsibility of every situation in my life.
After high school, I then enrolled for water and environmental engineering at Lerotholi Polytechnic because I wanted to change that situation for other kids coming after me in my hometown, who would like to attend high school where I attended.
I believe that this country needs more people with best sustainable planning skills, environmental management and environmental laws knowledge to strive for environmental protection and the circular economy in the built environment. This is where I came to know about rise international during their visit in the school. Though I did not pay much attention, I followed their social media pages.
After graduation, I saw a post about a circular economy workshop, I then recognised that this is where I belong, not long after, my friend forwarded the post about the fellowship, I applied and luckily, I got admitted. I joined the in loco fellowship, 5th cohort in March; this has been one of the best moments of my life. I am very happy to be one of the youths that are planning and constructing the Stadium of Life, the stadium that would be very sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Currently I am a Plant and Logistics manager and a buyer. The experience, knowledge and skills acquired here are a turning point for me as they are helping me discover my strengths and my weaknesses, and are teaching me valuable skills that I believe I will use in the future. During these few months, I have worked in various fields (irrigation system installation, drainage systems, retaining wall, etc). We are not just hands on, we are also taught very important skills that are needed in the real world, and some modules I liked most are sustainable architecture, negotiating and entrepreneurship. Each experience has taught me something new and helped me collaborate with other people which was something I did not know before I became part of the fellowship, most importantly they help me put all the theory gathered at school into practice.
Looking back on my time here as a fellow, I am very grateful for the experience and this opportunity that has come my way, as I know that there is always room for growth. My goal is to continue learning and pushing myself to become the best version of myself, but most importantly, I want to start my own waste management company that would be a stepping stone in the direction of fixing Lesotho’s problematic management of waste and contributing towards the circular economy.
We are excited and proud to introduce ourin loco fellows for 2023
Meet our in loco 2023 fellowship team. This year we are happy to announce that we have reached another milestone. These fellows are the cream of the crop that was picked out of the largest pool of hopefuls, as we had the largest number of applications this year.
Sipho Thoane – Sipho is an exceptional young man with an unwavering determination to succeed in all areas of his life. His thirst for knowledge surpasses architecture and construction, and he embraces failure as a stepping stone towards his goals. Through the fellowship program, Sipho aspires to expand his expertise in coordination and supply chain management within the construction industry, making the most out of collaboration with people from different backgrounds and professions to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Sipho’s pleasant demeanour, kindness, and warm-hearted nature make him a delightful presence in any setting, further enhancing his remarkable character.
Sello Mohami – Affectionately known as Macala, Sello is a dedicated individual who pursued studies in Construction Management. With a deep passion for the construction industry, Macala aspires to acquire a comprehensive skillset that encompasses all aspects of construction, including plumbing and electrical works from the fellowship program. His enthusiasm extends beyond technical expertise, as he also strives to develop strong leadership skills. Macala is driven by genuine care for people and possesses a remarkable ability to understand and fulfil client needs. In addition to his professional pursuits, Macala showcases his talents on the football field as a player for Kick4Life, demonstrating his well-rounded nature and commitment to both personal and team excellence.
Rethabile Chaka – Rethabile, a talented graduate in Architectural Technology, brings a unique blend of skills to architecture in the fellowship program. With a passion for the built industry, Rethabile aspired to infuse the art of architecture with photography and video production, in order to offer a fresh perspective and creative flair to his projects. His curiosity and willingness to learn the skills and creativity in architecture and photography position him to create visually captivating designs. Beyond his technical abilities, Rethabile’s charming personality allows him to connect effortlessly with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Muso Molomo – A graduate in Plumbing and Sheet Metal Work, Muso has set his sights on becoming an entrepreneur while expanding his knowledge in various construction fields through the fellowship program. Muso looks forward to acquiring the skills necessary to prepare and present comprehensive reports through his participation in the fellowship program. Though initially a bit shy, Muso’s genuine nature becomes evident as he gradually opens up, taking the time to truly build meaningful connections with people.
Lintle Mofolo – With diplomas in both Civil Engineering and Architecture, Lintle has shown dedication to expanding her knowledge and skillset. Despite her fear of venturing into new territories, she remains determined to explore new frontiers by absorbing all she can in the fellowship program. Lintle’s inquisitive nature and love of learning are evident in her appetite for knowledge, whether it be through reading, watching educational videos or engaging in insightful conversations. Lintle has a passion for growth and a determination to embrace new challenges.
Lintle Ramathatele – Lintle, a Water and Environment Engineering graduate, seeks to gain entrepreneurial skills, enhance public speaking abilities, and learn fieldwork in construction, networking, communication, and collaboration through the fellowship program. Although an introvert, Lintle is known for her exceptional kindness, unwavering dedication, and passion for making a positive impact. Lintle finds solace in reading and researching environmental issues, striving to create a better world for future generations.
Moipone Sekola – Moipone, affectionately known as Ponyda, is a talented graduate in Civil Engineering. Ponyda is excited to participate in our fellowship program to bridge the gap between her academic knowledge and practical experience. Beyond her engineering pursuits, Ponyda enjoys playing tennis and finding joy in comedy videos. With a grounded demeanor and natural leadership abilities, she thrives at the forefront and is highly proactive in her approach.
Liteboho Korea – A dedicated individual who studied Construction Management. With a clear vision for his future, Liteboho is eager to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully run his businesses and embark on new ventures. Through the fellowship program, he aims to establish construction and entrepreneurial networks, fostering collaboration and growth. Liteboho’s strong work ethic, versatility, and adaptability allow him to thrive in any environment. He excels in teamwork, communicates effectively, and possesses a decisive leadership style.
Makhabane Khoanyane – Makhabane, a graduate in Occupational Health and Safety, eagerly joins the fellowship program to further his aspirations and dreams to become a risk manager and establish his own consultancy in health and safety. Beyond his professional pursuits, Makhabane’s proactive nature, quick wit, and intelligence shine through. He finds joy in exploring the art scene at Cafe What, expressing his creativity through music composition, and venturing into the world of filmmaking.
My name is Moipone Sekola, a 23-year-old Civil Engineering graduate. I graduated from Lerotholi Polytechnic in 2021. My life’s mantra is ‘If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it’ – Michael Jordan.
Since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to be a woman in construction. I believe this inspiration was from an engineering TV series I used to watch or craps computer game I used to play when I was younger. In this series, the lead actress was an engineer, who despite opposition from her father that engineering is a male-dominated sector, went on to succeed and exceed all his expectations. What also inspired me to become an engineer, was the fact that my lifelong role model; my father, was working in the built environment.
After a year of graduating, I had the privilege of learning about rise, through a post I saw on a friend’s page, that the organization was holding a design & build entrepreneurship training program for graduates in the built environment. Without any hesitation, I swiftly applied. Little did I know that my entire life would be changed forever, for the best.
I am originally from Nazareth but was raised and brought up in Tsoapo-le-bolila AKA Tsoapos. I attended my primary and high school locally in the neighbourhood schools. My driving force was the fear of stagnation and hunger for financial freedom. Hence I grew up willing to get dirty from working and helping my dad in his concrete works, which in turn made me physically able to carry ‘men’s stuff’, pushing me further in the ‘men’s world’ of the built environment. The path has not always been smooth and friendly, but I’m happy to say though I’ve been knocked down a couple of times, I’m still going because I’m not where I want to be yet.
After completing my Civil Engineering course I was set on starting my own family company in construction and thanks to rise’s entrepreneurship modules and guidance, that goal is soon to be achieved. From the first weeks of orientation, the fellows have been equipped with the necessary skills for venturing into successful entrepreneurship through business training sessions; from generating a business idea to conducting market research and compiling a business plan. This has helped me a lot in growing my business through conducting market research for my business idea to determine how efficient and viable it is.
As a fellow in rise’s in loco program, our 2023 cohort is responsible for designing and constructing Kick4Life’s Stadium of Life. It is an ongoing project that entails structuring stands around the pitch and designing a container city and social enterprise. However, for a period of 6 to 8 months, our cohort will be working on stands, fencing, home and away container changing rooms, fencing, retaining walls, levelling and paving of the parking lot among others. I am the Site Manager of this fascinating project which is set on using only gum poles in its construction. This is to attain and maintain the already existing timber language features. Kick4Life’s staff members, players, and youth were involved in the design stages of the concept through what we call Participatory Design Workshop (PDW). This is a very unique approach which I felt privileged to have been part of.
In the in loco fellowship we work as a team, and this is helping me a lot in improving my personality and people relations skills. Everyday interaction and working from one space is benefiting every single one of us in personal development from shared hard and soft skills to blending with everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. We tackle challenges together and come up with creative and forward-thinking solutions. I’ve experienced first-hand that indeed no man is an island.
Although we are still at the initial stage of the project, I can already visualize us sitting in the audience stands one day celebrating our successful project. I am very honoured to be part of this amazing project and I hope it becomes a success.
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.
God’s Love Centre is an orphanage for vulnerable children in the peri-urban area, called ‘Sekamaneng’.It was established in 2001 by Mme Neo Motants’i, and has become a refuge for over 60 orphans and children without families. Many of the children at God’s Love Centre have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. The center is located 20km outside of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho in a nearby district of Berea.
The Problem
The orphanage was highly overcrowded. With only 2 bedrooms, it was initially built with the aim of housing about 12 or 15 children but when we discovered it, there were 45 children living there. The grounds needed immediate improvement, the number of children was also increasing rapidly, and there was no privacy between the younger children and the adolescents. There was a desperate need for a new building.
rise built a new residence for GLC solely for those above the age of 18. This building was constructed as the first in loco project in 2018, and was officially handed over in February 2019. The residential area has a tuck shop for means of income, a computer laboratory for the residents and community to learn how to be tech-savvy, and food gardens for a sustainable means of food provision.
Methodology
rise purchased land about 10 km from the initial GLC site and then designed and built a new building for the orphanage. This building was designed for adolescents of ages 13 to 18. A shipping container was converted into a computer center and a tuck shop on the other end.
The Impact
Over 20 young boys and girls were given a home every year. The community computer center was a good resource for the community to have access to the internet and computer facilities, especially in this day and age of technology. The adolescents also got capacity training for financial independence. A group of young graduates from the Design, Architecture, and Built environment fields from local universities got relevant work experience as they designed and built the extension of the orphanage.
Testimonials
” We are so grateful to ‘M’e Daniela and rise for all of their help. Now the orphanage has dignity, the older children will now have privacy and I am hoping they get the independence they need to take on life as adults.” – Neo Motants’i, Founder of God’s Love Centre
