Fellows Blogs 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.

Traditional thatched huts in a cultural village in Lesotho

Fellows Blogs

Technology in Lesotho: A Computer Scientist’s Journey

December 17, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Written by Abdel El Aoami

It was a longer than usual day in July when I received the email that I was accepted to work with rise. The day had become long as I had helped a friend move apartments and the last thing I wanted to do was more work, let alone check my email. Though what I needed was rest, my eagerness to get things done is what motivated me to catch up on what I may have missed, and I’m glad I did.

rise has developed quite the reputation for being the most impactful non profit when it comes to visualising real change, and knowing that there was only two spots for software developers, I knew my acceptance should become known immediately. To understand why I was eager to accept, I should explain what makes rise so special.

White school buildings with blue roofs in Lesotho

rise has accomplished much over the years. Most of their work can be summed up by aiding in the developing in healthcare, technical infrastructure, and adequate quality of life improvements. With knowing all of that, and knowing that there comes a time in every young professional’s life when they want their work to help progress change, partnering with a non profit such as rise would help provide the perfect medium for me to deliver my work. I was connected with a handful of local businesses and entrepreneurs to discuss all the infrastructure and technological issues that are presented to them on a daily basis and what solutions can be remedied, and specifically how I could help to remedy them.

After arriving to Lesotho, I’ve realised the mountainscapes alone were worth the travel, but experiencing the community was what should be noted. I was cheery to see their inherit willingness to support one another; a community with such focus and drive is quite the honor to work for. Being part of such team work made me sharper. As the saying goes, great minds think alike, but it’s more accurate to say that great minds think together.

Nursery school with painted tyres and mountains in Lesotho

After collaborating and completing my work, my perspective changed. I became more careful with resources, I became more mindful with expectations, I became more calculated with practicalities, and most importantly, I became someone who is more proud of their work and what I will continue to achieve. None of the lessons learnt or opportunities produced could have happened without rise, and for that, I thank them.

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.