in loco program Archives - rise International

My Experience at the rise International Students Workshop:

August 5, 2025By Chris Theko0 comment

A Journey of Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration

From July 21st to August 1st, I had the privilege of attending an international workshop hosted by rise International, designed to promote skills transfer for emerging professionals in the built environment. As a Candidate Engineering Technologist, this experience significantly enriched both my technical knowledge and practical skills, deepening my understanding of foundational and advanced construction techniques.

The workshop was a dynamic blend of learning, creativity, and professional exchange, facilitated by local and international experts in architecture, engineering, and construction.

One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was learning how to conduct foundation setting out — a critical step in the construction process. This involves accurately marking the positions and depths of foundations on the ground to ensure structural stability and proper alignment. Gaining hands-on experience with experienced professionals boosted my confidence and gave me clarity on this fundamental stage, which often determines the overall success of a project.

Another key focus area was soil evaluation. We explored different methods of assessing soil properties through field tests, which help determine soil suitability and inform appropriate design strategies. Engaging in these trials alongside international practitioners gave me invaluable insight into global best practices and industry standards.

The spirit of innovation was ever-present throughout the workshop. One particularly memorable exercise involved using clay to redesign an existing urinal system. This task challenged me to think creatively, applying engineering principles in a hands-on and unconventional way.

With my background in materials testing — especially in soil, cement, and sand — I was able to contribute meaningfully to group discussions by sharing insights on quality control and material behavior. This knowledge exchange highlighted the workshop’s collaborative spirit and helped establish strong professional relationships.

A major highlight for me was learning how to produce Interlocking Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (ICSEBs), an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional bricks. This sustainable construction technique utilizes locally sourced soil, offering a cost-effective and low-carbon building solution. I was involved in every stage of the process: soil excavation, drying, sieving, testing, batching, and operating the hand-press machine used to produce the blocks.

Collaborating with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds fostered a rich learning environment that strengthened my technical abilities and inspired new ways of thinking. I am confident that the skills and insights I’ve gained will positively influence my future work, equipping me to contribute to more efficient, sustainable, and innovative engineering projects.

Fellows Blogs

Thato Nkikana: Rising Through the Ranks in a Male-Dominated Industry

July 15, 2025By Chris Theko1 Comment

Born and raised in Maputsoe, Lesotho, Thato Nkikana is forging new paths in an industry where women remain underrepresented. As the founder and Managing Director of Basa Architects and Contractors a growing architecture and construction firm based in Maseru Nkikana is not only building infrastructure but also opportunities for women in the built environment.

Armed with a National Diploma in Architectural Technology from Lerotholi Polytechnic, Thato entered the construction field with bold determination. Her journey led her to rise International’s in loco fellowship, where she stood out as a leader among peers. The fellowship sharpened her hands-on experience and deepened her commitment to transforming how infrastructure is planned and delivered in Lesotho.

Today, she also serves as Construction and Projects Manager at rise International. In this capacity, she leads on-site construction teams, coordinates with partners and consultants, manages procurement, and ensures projects are completed on time, on budget, and to high quality standards. From sustainable school buildings to pioneering social infrastructure, Thato plays a vital role in making rise’s built projects a reality.

Since stepping into the role, she has managed some of the organisation’s most ambitious and high-profile projects. These include:

The Stadium of Life for Kick4Life—Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium,
The Biodiversity Stand, a key legacy feature of the stadium project,
Flushing toilet blocks at Lithabaneng Primary School,
A pavilion kitchen built from Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) at Motimposo Primary School,
And the ongoing construction of a Community Hall and Youth Health Centre in collaboration with Solidarmed.

Each of these projects has required a high level of coordination, problem-solving, and leadership, skills Thato brings to every site she steps onto. Beyond construction, she is deeply committed to building inclusive spaces not only for the end users of the buildings, but also for the people who build them.

Founding Basa Architects and Contractors was not just a personal achievement for Thato—it was a statement. She created the company to open doors for other women in architecture, engineering, and construction—industries traditionally dominated by men. Her firm aims to provide inclusive job opportunities, mentorship, and a workplace where women can thrive without bias.

“Women belong on site, at the drawing board, and in the boardroom,” Thato often says. “We’re not here to compete; we’re here to contribute.”

Her vision for equity and her ability to lead with both empathy and precision make her an inspiring force within rise, and across Lesotho’s construction sector. Thato Nkikana is not just managing projects, she’s laying the foundations for a more inclusive future.

Fellows Blogs

Technology in Lesotho: A Computer Scientist’s Journey

December 17, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Written by: Abdel El Aoami

Traveling to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho was an experience like no other, and something I believe cannot be replicated elsewhere. As a software developer and IT professional, Lesotho provided me opportunities to test my skills and to provide solutions, all thanks to rise.

From the beginning, my objectives were clear, and the main one being to help bridge technological gaps. Seeing the disadvantages local schools and communities had first hand, I quickly understood how importing advanced systems would not be the solution, but rather to adapting existing resources. Limited resources required creative solutions, and the collaborative spirit of the local communities was a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork. It reinforced the idea that technology is not just about devices and software but about the people who use it and the impact it can have on their lives.

Through rise’s initiatives, I had the opportunity to participate in workshops with the Basotho people. These sessions were met with incredible enthusiasm. As much as I was hoping to share my own knowledge, I continually felt myself at a pause with how much I needed to learn first. Basotho people have taught me ways to adapt and innovate in methods I have never considered before. This left me having a very reinforced idea that technology is not just about devices and software but about the people who use it and the impact it can have on their lives.

rise played a pivotal role in making this journey impactful.

Their commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment is commendable. Beyond technology, they are addressing critical issues like education, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Being part of their mission in Lesotho was an honour. Their work is a testament to the fact that meaningful change is possible when people come together with a shared vision.

Leaving Lesotho, I carried with me more than memories. I brought a renewed sense of purpose and a profound appreciation for the human touch of technological innovation. The experience reinforced my belief that the most powerful technology is that which empowers people, bridges gaps, and creates opportunities.

To my fellow technologists, I offer this insight: our most advanced programs will never match the ingenuity of human connection. Lesotho is not just a place–it’s a testament to the transformative power of understanding, adaptation, and shared vision. And for that, I am deeply grateful to rise for an experience that has fundamentally reshaped my professional and personal perspectives.

Fellows Blogs

My Enriching Journey at rise

June 4, 2024By Chris Theko0 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!

Fellows Blogs

Motivated by lack of infrastructure

December 14, 2023By Chris Theko0 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.

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.

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.

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.

in loco program

Being open to redirection

July 27, 2023By RISE INT0 comment

“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 5^th-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.

in loco program

Working Towards Improving The Environment

July 20, 2023By RISE INT0 comment

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, 5^th 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.

in loco program

I’m still going because the journey has just begun

May 10, 2023By RISE INT0 comment

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.

in loco program

Breaking out of a cage

April 20, 2021By RISE INT0 comment

“You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself, the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery, the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others,” – Leonardo da Vinci. My name is Thato Nkikana, born and raised in Maputsoe, Lesotho. I am a Mosotho woman holding a Diploma in Architectural Technology from Lerotholi Polytechnic. As a fellow in rise’s in loco program, our 2020 cohort designed and constructed the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled headquarter offices at Ha Ts’osane Maseru, Lesotho. I was the Site Architect of this great project which we have successfully completed and now awaiting inauguration.

Thato preparing for placement of trusses

From my childhood, I was always fascinated by young and vibrant women who were classified as successful in their respective careers, this is where my aspiration to become a prominent career woman was birthed. With a great passion for architecture and construction, I decided that if I ever needed to, I would push and breakdown doors to bring about change and empower women in the built environment industry. I consider myself a supporter of well-being and employability for women in this sector and I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is the rightful path to our progression.

Educational institutions equip us with much needed theoretical knowledge, but in this field theory is only as good as the person practicing it. As a young graduate, I felt the need to join the in loco fellowship to gain practical experience in architectural design and construction. The “learning- by- doing” motto lured me into having interest in the program, and I am glad I gave it a chance because my life will never be the same again. Being a site architect in the project we just completed sharpened my eye on design correlating perfectly with actual construction work, it trained me on paying great attention to detail and making sure no stone is unturned when working in the field.

Thato operating transportation for bricklaying

The in loco fellowship improved my professional perspective and also contributed to my personal development. We create as a team, and this has shaped my soft skills. I can now communicate effectively and work well in a group of people, being a part of such a creative and forward thinking group challenged my abilities in a very positive way. Hence I am coming out more motivated and inspired to build a future for myself in the built environment industry. My creativity has reached beyond ordinary because I now take initiative and I am committed.

We were provided with business training sessions that refine well equipped entrepreneurs of the future; many skills which I did not have before the fellowship. I now have skills in market research, knowing how to grow my business through marketing, bookkeeping, and money management. I can draw a business plan from scratch and execute it meticulously, all credit to the objectives of the fellowship. The LNFOD project is one of its own kind in Lesotho. The building accommodates all Basotho with unique abilities by inclusive designs throughout the building. The project will benefit the community and LNFOD because they will generate income from renting out their boardroom to the community to secure economic sustainability of the building, it is truly heart- warming to have been part of creating such a life impacting structure in the country.

I am proud to have been part of rise international’s in loco fellowship, specifically the cohort of 2020. Through it, I have made bold moves. I established a start-up called Wom Designs & Construction, fully known as Women in Design and Construction. It provides architectural and construction services from project inception to completion. The mission of my company is to bridge the ever-expanding gender inequality gap in the built environment industry. I have become a woman who makes courageous moves to better myself, my community, and to do my part in solving the world’s problems of unemployment, gender inequality and exclusion of differently enabled people.

in loco program

Do your best and the rest will follow

February 22, 2021By RISE INT3 Comments

My name is ‘Mathebe Rampielo, AKA “Pepper”, “Thibi turner” or “Pepper at de ground”. I am a young charismatic and kind hearted Mosotho girl at the age of 24. I am a graduate from Lerotholi Polytechnic tertiary institution and I have an academic qualification in Carpentry and Joinery. I am currently a fellow in rise international’s in loco program. I learnt of this program on social media, but was lucky enough to learn more about rise as an organization through its collaboration with Kick4Life in developing the infrastructure of Kick4Life’s Campus, as I am a member of Kick4Life’s female football club.

I am a very hands-on, “do it yourself”, “if you can do it, I can do it better” kind of girl. This is why I am known for my bold choices, one prominent one being to study a very male dominated practice; carpentry and joinery, and also being a football player. Pursuing such male dominated fields, I believe I am a boundary breaker. On the contrary, I am daddy’s little girl and I think I had a lot of positive influence from my father. He is an excellent and very experienced carpenter, a construction worker and fanatic when it comes to football. I bet that by now you can attest to the fact that I am my father’s daughter right? So, I applied for the in loco fellowship 2020 because I wanted to improve my portfolio as a professional carpenter because I knew I would acquire business training skills and that would therefore broaden my mindset as an entrepreneur.

I am an entrepreneur at heart; I tried out so many business ventures from when I was a kid, something rare for a young girl living in Lesotho. However, I lacked a lot of business and entrepreneurial skills, from planning to budgeting, documenting, market research, all the way to efficient customer service. It is so exciting that I have gained all these skills since I joined the fellowship. My approach to my business really improved due to the intense training I receive from the fellowship.

One of my favorite things about being in the fellowship is that I am an active participant in the designing, managing of a project and the actual construction of a building. We are building the head quarter offices of the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations for the Disabled (LNFOD) in Naledi, Maseru. The building is due for completion at the end of March 2021. For the duration of this project I have taken the roles of being a plant and logistics manager, health and safety officer and finally a site manager which were all satisfying and challenging in their own different ways.

But my key takeaways from this project, which I did not know or have before, are the art of accurate bricklaying, plastering and compiling the Bill of Quantities. In addition to this I have learned the standards of building and standard names of construction techniques and practices that were never in my vocabulary. In a nutshell, being part of both the design and the practical part of construction has solidified the construction theory that I learnt in varsity. My aspiration is to have my own construction company that hires mostly females. My main aim is to empower women in the construction industry. And my experience with rise international has helped me get exposure and experience diversity in the working environment; working in different professions, allowing a peer-to-peer learning experience that one can only get in a fellowship. My motto is “do not hold back, be your best and the rest will follow”, and I live by it every day of my life.