IN LOCO FELLOWS BLOG SERIES #9: No construction background…yet an in loco fellow
Towards the end of August 2017, that is when I heard about in loco. I didn’t even have to think twice about applying for it but there was a challenge for me, one of the main requirements was that the participants should have “construction related” experience. I almost gave up but the fact that the project was about improving the lives of the underprivileged kept me motivated to pursue the application process.
I remember Pedro Clarke, one of the in loco architects and rise team, asking me why I applied for the program seeing that I am the only person in the interviews without a construction related background. I knew I needed make rise understand why I needed to be part of the team regardless of my inexperience in the field.
My passion for community involvement towards development, improving the less fortunate communities have always been my driving force. Not forgetting the most important motivator to me; my personal experience.
I had an opportunity to be provided a better life and education by a similar facility “SOS Children’s Village Maseru”. That is where the love and motivation to help others came from. Not only did SOS contribute so much towards my development over thirteen years; they also encouraged me to do the same for other vulnerable people around me. I guess the love and care that I got from SOS as a child is beyond measure and the nurturing that I received helped me grow to become an independent young adult. This is basically what I would love to see happening to God’s Love Centre (GLC) youth.
The program started in February 2018 with a Participatory Design Workshop (PDW). I was clueless about building and designing, but that did not matter because the experience was easy to follow and very interesting. It was exactly what I had done in school – community assessment. This is where we interacted with the kids and they were amazing. They were full of energy and excitement as they were given the opportunity to be the decision makers of how their buildings should look like.
Not only did we involve the GLC community; we also involved the community surrounding GLC. Our first visit to GLC was really emotional, seeing the real NEED that in loco will be providing solutions to. We knew we needed to work hard from day one, as fellows to fulfil the mission, and guess what, we are on the 10th month of the project running and things are looking pretty good.
I have been keen to learn from day one. I remember some of the fellows asking me if I ever imagined digging trenches, placing reinforcement and being a labourer on site. Honestly, I had never thought along those lines. However, it has been fun; especially with such a supportive team. Now seeing the building almost done just makes me so proud because I was part of team that started it.
In as much as I have learned so much in the construction side of things; as you can guess from my educational background, my role in the fellowship was not exactly construction related. I have been the link between the project and the GLC community and I have been highly involved in the capacity building of GLC. One of the things I did which I am so proud of is the Business Trainings for the youth of GLC.
We have established six business groups and two of them are about to be launched; an Internet café and Tuck-shop. The other business groups are already running and being improved upon with the help of professional mentors who we identified for them. For example, the Pre-school was already running at GLC, they want to join it together with a day-care facility and their mentor is helping the group to improve it.
Now that we are coming to the end of the fellowship, it is going to be sad to part ways. Relationships were established both with GLC and the fellows; however this is not going to be a goodbye rather a see-you-soon moment. I am going to miss GLC and the kids especially the sessions we had, but we have just started the program “I AM WHO?” that will go beyond January and that will grant me the opportunity to spend time with them. As for the fellows and the rest of the team, we will meet along the business lane because we are definitely going to need one another.
The fellowship has been fun, informative, and full of networking opportunities and definitely there has been great career improvement for me.
International Architecture competition “rise in the city” seeks mentors and sponsors to push the boundaries of design
International architecture competition, rise in the city 2018, has unveiled a renowned line up of high profile International judges who will be coming together to seek the ‘big idea’, that could change the future of Africa’s housing crisis. With an unprecedented number of applications from students and recent graduates from 39 different countries rushing to take part, the competition has clearly captured the imagination and passions of the architecture community. It is hoped it will push the boundaries of design, to find an affordable and sustainable solution for Africa’s rapidly growing population.
“I am delighted be on the rise panel to help shine the light on how the program is addressing local needs and contributing towards genuine economic development in Africa,” says Samuel Oboh, one of the judges on the panel and Principal Architect & VP of AECOM Canada, and continues, “The competition provides a platform to unleash a sizeable dose of creativity, diligence, dedication and discipline needed to give pride of place to the beauty, simplicity and elegance inherent in African architecture.”
The unique competition will see Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho, split into 100 blocks, each of which will be shared between a competition entry, a mentor and a sponsor. Between them, they will enjoy networking opportunities as well as the kudos that comes with international exposure.
The high profile jury will choose 10 shortlisted entries to be exhibited at a series of International events in 2019. From that list, one International winner and one Lesotho winner will have the accolade of seeing their design exhibited in Lesotho and potentially built in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government (subject to funding). It is hoped this will inspire the local population to build more of their own homes from sustainable, locally sourced and affordable materials.
“As designers, we are facing the challenge of our lifetime. Populations are exploding, climate change is threatening our livelihood, and resources are becoming more and more scarce for those who are the most in need,” comments Nicolas Medrano, Associate Director at SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), “We are honored to participate in rise in the city, because it will have a real impact on individual families in Lesotho, and potentially be the beginning of a greater movement of positive change.”
Some of the world’s most distinguished architecture firms such as EYP Architecture and Engineering, Grimshaw, Perkins+Will, Perkins Eastman, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Woods Bagot Architects to name but a few, have stepped in as mentors and global companies such as MAPEI, dormakaba and Johns Manville will be benefitting from networking opportunities by taking up strategic sponsorship of a city block of their choice. There is no charge for mentors to get involved, and 100% of the proceeds go towards a live design and build training program for unemployed youths in Lesotho who are constructing a residential centre and entrepreneurship hub for vulnerable adolescents residing at GLC orphanage.
The competition is being organised by BOND Events and rise International, a social enterprise dedicated to working with communities to build relationships that inspire social enterprise.
There are just 25 places left for mentors to get involved by October 31. Sponsorship opportunities are still available until December 15.
IN LOCO FELLOWS BLOG SERIES #8: 8 months of my life – Four roles in which I rose to the occasion
August 2017:
I had just received a call from the Head of Programs from my former beloved school Lerotholi Polytechnic asking me to apply for some fellowship called In loco. I wasn’t interested until the Dean of the School of the Built Environment called, encouraging me to apply. I remember browsing on my small phone to check the fellowship out. By then, I had not decided what I wanted to do with my life in over 2 years. “This is a good initiative” I exclaimed, making my mind up to join Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise (rise). I had previously organized some charity events in the past but this kind of community work that brings together entrepreneurship, construction, design and social welfare was new and thrilling.
September – November 2017:
I had a life changing decision to make; take a job with one of the biggest architectural firms in Lesotho or accept a position as an in loco fellow. After a lot of careful reflection, I decided to accept the in loco fellowship. I had initially felt a bit discouraged after being informed that the program would be postponed for three months, but i quickly regained my enthusiasm because I knew that this program would help me give back and grow professionally as an Architectural Technician.
February -April 2018:
The project kicked off on a high note. I got to meet 19 amazing fellows who were just as eager to learn and contribute as I was, which really inspired me to work even harder. The planning phase of the project was hectic for me with all the planning, presentations and revisions. It was exciting to create something that we would be building with the help of international students later in the year. I must have made quite an impression, because amongst all the fellows, I was awarded the project manager role first, along with another fellow, Katleho.
The rubber met the road during this time: all of our planning came to fruition, resulting in us managing the face of the program, the social media campaign, the lecture series, the film screenings, the donations and liaising with stakeholders. This was tiring and new. I think I almost reached breaking point while we were preparing for the groundbreaking ceremony. Eventually, we gained momentum and it turned to be amazing. It taught me how to plan and run a project and write press releases. I had never written a press release before, nor even plan an event where the Minister would be invited.
I remember my first film screening, it was not hard, as I have stood before thousands of people to address different issues. However what was new was conducting a discussion about Architecture in conjunction with our country, I was nervous but when I looked at the back of the hall I saw Daniela, director of rise smiling back at me and nodding her head, this gave me courage more than one could ever understand.
May-July 2018:
The construction phase began, as we had all been eagerly awaiting. My site foreman role was exciting. I had always wanted to work in the construction industry. Being a hands-on person, I knew my new role would help me understand my designs better as I grew in experience. This role did not go as well as I had anticipated. During this time, I remember having a session with the project coordinator and the director about my fluctuating performance and I knew they were right. Despite having had a shaky start, I managed to improve on my work output and led the team to meeting milestones.
August-September 2018:
I am confident that I can design and build a building from paper to ground up. This project delivered more than I could ever imagine on experiential learning. In August, we had various international students’ workshops which lasted for about a month. Martina, a friend I made during the workshops, was fun and full of life. She was an architecture student from Florida, USA. She had a million-dollar smile and she worked really hard on the project. These workshops brought exposure to our program and our country, they motivated me to further my studies and to do more. I was given another role, Health and Safety Officer, which broadened my horizons. I was shocked at all the hazards that were on our construction site and how important it was to address them before they cause harm to the fellows. I wasn’t a qualified Health and Safety officer but after reading the file that our mentor Willem compiled, I was confident to wear my green helmet. This role was far better than my previous role, it was new and challenging. It was in this role that I discovered my interest in learning or rather having a qualification in Health and Safety.
September 2018:
As I sit here with teary eyes, I have a few days before my fellowship ends. I am leaving this new home and this family that I have come to cherish so much. What keeps me strong, is the strength I have gained from rise, the construction project and God’s Love Centre orphanage. I am leaving all smiles bursting with renewed optimism and full of blessings from GLC. I leave a better person than I came in, with a better definition of myself. I am taking home the love and the team work that I acquired here. When I came into this program I wanted to achieve 3 major things which were construction, entrepreneurship and improving the lives of those at the orphanage. My team and I were able to achieve this and even more.
I have always been an extrovert and an optimist since I can remember, I have a huge personality at least that’s what I’m told. I am very confident and a leader by birth and firmly believe I can do anything as a woman like a lioness in the jungle. I am grateful for my directors and coaches who love me enough to always tell me when I am wrong and catch me when I fall.
IN LOCO FELLOWS BLOG SERIES #6: Be the change you want to see in the world
“You must be the change you want to see in the world,” Gandhi once said. As a graduate you think that you could never make a difference in the world, but you can. It all starts with your thoughts. They soon become words, which become your actions, which become your habits, which become your character, which become your destiny.
We are constantly making decisions that shape the rest of our lives. Each choice we make can forever affect our future, our impact on society, and the way others perceive us. That’s why it is so important to develop our characters. Even a simple notion can spark a lifetime ideal – positive or negative. When we help out our communities, we are influencing ourselves in a positive way that often follows us throughout our adult lives. Each tiny thought, word, action, and habit, changes your future.
I’m Lebohang Mosiuoa (Figas). The biggest decision that I have ever made was in 2012, when I had to choose whether to study Architecture or a Bachelor of Science. Since I was a little child, I had a passion for architecture, but I was good in sciences and maths in high school. While at primary and high school I spent most of my time on drawing buildings. I had to drop my environmental health science studies and join Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to follow a dream that I have had since I was a child and that dream was to study architecture. My career started in 2016, when I volunteered to join Habitat Youth Build with Habitat for Humanity Lesotho to construct a two-room house for homeless orphanage children at Mafeteng. Later that year, I was among the Limkokwing University Students who were competing to remodel and renovate Lhda Katse Lodge in which our team won.
in loco Fellowship
Learning is a never-ending journey of discovery that can only be enjoyed when it is put into practice. It should never be confined to books and rooms, but instead it should be shared with the world. I’m proud to be an in loco 2018 fellow. When I first heard about the program, I thought it was all about helping an orphanage by building a better place for them. Since it’s in my heart to help vulnerable people, I decided to leave whatever I was doing and join the in loco eight-month fellowship.
Experience at in loco
When it comes to your career, you need to put in the work and practically engage in it as you learn, because it sets the foundation for you to be a champion and the best at your craft. As someone who is practicing architecture, I never knew about participatory design before I joined in loco. In the first week of the fellowship we had a participatory design workshop, which involved the fellows, God’s Love Centre staff and the children. The important things that I learned about it is that, it forces designers to look at things from another’s point of view, it is very important to respect other people’s opinions. It helps designers gather several other facts about certain design situations they may not have been aware of. Because of in loco we now know how to approach design better.
It’s a dream of everyone who practices architecture to work with international architects. Our culture and style of approaching things differ. We learn lot of things from our international architects Pedro and Luca. Because of them, we now know about participatory design, which we never knew about before they arrived. Our local style as people who are practicing architecture in Lesotho, is only to hear what the client wants and never encourage them to take part in the design process. Also they challenged us to came up with a unique brick pattern (see below) that will give the orphanage buildings their own unique shape.
Nothing beats the power of learning by doing, because it creates knowledge and skills foundation that is rooted in your interest and experience of the subject matter. At in loco we practice what we preach, gaining the skills that we never had before. In my life I never thought I would lay a brick, fix the reinforcement and mix the mortar. We do everything by ourselves, but with the help of professionals. I’m proud to say, I can now build a house on my own, because in loco gave us a chance to unveil our hidden skills that I never knew I had before.
Afrisam cement gave us training about the good use of cement, like the quality needed when mixing mortar for plastering, bricklaying and also for concrete. Also I got an opportunity to attend the paint training with Thetsane Paint Centre. I really learned a lot from that training since in my company we are also specializing with epoxy products, but we didn’t know where they are sold in our country. We as Basotho people we use paint for the sake of painting, but we didn’t know the steps to follow when painting walls, ceilings and everything that needs to be painted.
The most important thing that we learnt at in loco is the business training. Even though we are in architecture and built environment fellowship, we are also taught to be successful entrepreneurs. These happen in many ways, like being able to listen to successful business people who come to give us testimonies on how they tackle business and how they started. The important thing that I learned from all of them is that you have to have passion in what you do and also you must have skills. You really don’t need capital to start a business, but as little as you have you can start a business.
Lastly, we learn more about entrepreneurship through the lecture series that are held every month by rise, where successful entrepreneurs and architects share their experiences and business skills to the students and inspire, graduates, lectures and the public. Also the film screenings that are held every month, whereby we have interesting discussions after watching the selected video. It also forms part of our learning as we share and discuss the problems and the solutions that face our community.
In the fellowship we all have roles that I think are going to help in our future. At the moment, I’m a logistics and plant manager. I make sure the tools on site are well protected, safe and clean. For me it’s quite a challenging role because, we as people are not the same, some are irresponsible and some are not cooperative. This kind of work requires a person to keep their eyes open all the time, because some materials might disappear and you never know where to find them. We now have our first two international students from India and Malta from the faculty of Architecture and Structural Engineering, who I believe we are going to learn a lot from them.
After the fellowship
Since I’m from a country of people who believe that, constructing a house is only for people who have money. I’m going to encourage the people to use locally available materials, like building with clay bricks. Lesotho is one of the coldest countries during winter and many people especially living in the urban areas spend a lot of money to warm their house. I’m going to introduce the cheap method of keeping the building warm in winter and cool in summer that I learned from the fellowship.
in loco fellows blog series #5: Learning, fun, out-of-the-comfort-zone experiences
Adventure and Passion; the two words that come to mind when Mamanti Phothane Makara is mentioned (by the way that is my name). They tell me I am “generally” friendly and I have a charismatic smile and I believe them 🙂
I am very passionate about architectural design and interior life in general, but when I need to relax I like to tour and bike; I just love the feeling of the pumping adrenaline. In the biking language I am a “biker chick” well, let me not go much into the details of what that means, but for sure I am a biker.
On the side of my professional passion; Architecture, I am a proud member of the in loco program. I am learning a lot here and becoming better each day. Through the business trainings in the program, I am becoming a better entrepreneurial thinker; which is helping me in my existing businesses.
As I mentioned, I am learning a lot! I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of the First Aid Trainees who are supposed to always be ready on site in case of an emergency. It was not only fun; it was eye opening to the kind of person I am when it comes to dealing with emergencies and the importance of avoiding them.
Another learning opportunity I got was training by Afrisam, a cement manufacturer. We learned how to mix mortar and how to lay bricks. When we were told we are going to lay the bricks ourselves I must admit I was a little scared but the training made me realise that it is not so hard. The certificates we received after the training was the cherry on top; it made me feel like a professional in bricklaying.
Who would have thought that one day I, an Interior Architect, would be given a chance to be dealing with the procurement of such a prominent project but yes, in loco made me step out of my comfort zone completely. I am thinking outside of the box now as far as my career in the built environment is concerned. I am just a week into the role of a buyer for the project and I am looking forward to the next few weeks in this role.
Building confidence came in the package for me as well because one of the unexpected days I had to present to the representatives of World Bank and since that day forward the sky is limitless. I could pinch myself a thousand times; like, me presenting to such high profile people, wow! Not knowing that I will later discover that it was not going to be the last. The great connections we are making at in loco are amazing.
We are also expecting international students from the built environment to visit us in Lesotho and it is really exciting and we fellows are looking forward to meeting them. I am already thinking of places to take them if we get the chance. They will definitely bike with me at least once.
On top of all that, the most wonderful thing is to give back to the community. Having been given the chance to improve people’s lives and value to their wellbeing. Working closely with the orphanage only opened my eyes to the other side of the world and has helped me to value every opportunity that comes my way, and it really helped me to appreciate life as it is.
That is how much experience in the fellowship has been so far; full of learning, fun, out-of-the-comfort-zone experiences and a lot of self-discovery.
Peer-to-peer learning
Visit from Architecture students from Limkokwing University to our live project in Lesotho
Watch the video from the visit here.
Digging the trenches
Digging foundations for Residential Centre & Entrepreneurship Hub for adolescents who will move here from the overcrowded GLC centre for orphans and vulnerable children.
Watch the video here
rise update – May 2018
It has quite literally been a ground-breaking week for rise, as we FINALLY got out the spade and dug the first foundations for the residential center and business hub for vulnerable youth in Lesotho. Over 70 people turned up to celebrate with us and it was amazing to have the support of the Ministry of Social Development, local and international corporates, the local Chief and community members. Not to mention some of the inspirational youth who will benefit from the new building! None of it would have been possible without our awesome sponsors, stakeholders and partners that give their time, expertise and materials to our cause. Feeling proud here at rise!
Here is an artist’s impression of the residential center that we are NOW BUILDING! It was designed entirely by our in loco fellows and will house 6 girls and 6 boys, age 14+ who will be moved here from the desperately overcrowded GLC Orphanage close by. As well as being a safe home for the youth to live and finish school, the residence will help them transition to independent life as they will be launching their own sustainable small income generating activities. It’s so inspiring to be part of their ideas and to genuinely know that these initiatives will not only support them, but others in the community, for many years to come.
International Workshops – July & August
True to our core values, we work hard to build relationships and link expertise from around the world to make lasting change happen. There is no part of this project that isn’t living and breathing social enterprise and at every turn we equip the fellows, graduates, mentors and young orphans with skills that they can benefit from long term and share with others in the community. We believe this is a dignified and long-term path to development.
Part of this is our International Design & Build Workshops in July and August. These act as a hands on knowledge exchange between local fellows and international students, as well as help raise essential funds to make this project possible. We’re excited to see the results of this as our first cohort of adventurous students arrive from all over the world in July. We have a few places left to fill the workshops, so have extended the deadline for applications until 30th May. More information
Making your dollar stretch even further
BIG NEWS on the fundraising front; our co-founder and principal sponsor BOND events, who run networking events for the architecture industry in North & South America, have agreed to donate $1.67 for every $1 we raise.
Shop on Amazon and do good for the world!
This is doubly exciting, as we’ve signed up for Amazon Smile USA. So if you’re purchasing on Amazon PLEASE use Amazon Smile and put rise international as your charity of choice. What better way to feel good about your shopping! Start now
Words from the fellows….
We thought you might enjoy reading about our Lesotho project first hand; our local fellows have been bravely writing their first blogs, sharing some of their experiences of what it means to them to be part of the rise in loco fellowship team. These heartfelt and often witty words, offer an insight to the huge learning curve and day-to-day adventure these guys are on.
February by Palesa, March by Thandi, and April by Madane.
Coming to New York
Finally, our founder, Daniela Gusman, is going to be attending the Real Estate Weekly Women’s Forum, in NYC on June 5th. It’s an honor to be invited as the only not-for-profit sponsor to this event, and to be able to share the innovative ideas and work of rise international with the leading innovators across the business spectrum. Daniela will be looking for industry experts with vision, who are keen to build a CSR program within the architecture and design community by partnering with rise. She will also be unveiling the exciting news about the launch of our architecture competition…designing residential houses for low-income families made from locally sourced materials! More about that to come….but if you’re in New York and interested in getting in touch to find out more, pop by and say hello at the event or email directly on daniela@riseint.org
Follow us live
Thank you for reading our newsletter and supporting us all here at rise International. Keep your eyes open for news on our build and ongoing work, as well our first step into Facebook LIVE, where we will be screening our guest lecture series at Lerotholi Polytechnic! These fascinating lectures, presented by industry experts, have included some interesting debates exploring many issues, relating to the significance of architecture, building from local materials, sustainable development in vulnerable communities and design failures when customers are not an integral part of the design process of any building, product or service.
in loco fellows’ blog series #3
Three months as a Fellow…
I am Madane Bataung, a graduate in civil engineering from Lerotholi Polytechnic in Lesotho. I am also the founder of @Nebulart Recycling Group. I am that nice guy who leaves his car unlocked to offer a safe haven for someone in case they encounter a polar bear! Old music and me…..same WhatsApp group. I would walk away from signing a million dollar contract if anyone offered me vinyls I don’t have already!
It has been such a change in environment these past three months. Let me just put this out there, I feel good to be part of the in loco fellowship. I know some people might ask what I’m doing here or maybe wondering if I have given up on my company, not a chance.
Trust me I have ulterior motives for being here. I get to make and test mud bricks that may be used in the construction. This was super exciting to do because building with mud has been a fantasy of mine.
That is why I have been building with waste cans, glass bottles and mud to build recycle bins (see Nebulart’s Facebook and other social media). So now I am about to get firsthand experience building a home, surely you can see the snowball effect with the mud bricks here. Plus I am also being given business training to improve my company.
We had a trip to Morija two months ago to study some vernacular architecture. I never knew Morija holds the record of having the oldest standing building in the country (Maeder House – built in 1843). That was like those high school trips that will forever get you smiling from ear to ear when they come to mind. For starters, I got the best view in the mini bus, “the back seat”.
I know for a fact that every fellow will not forget when the Boss Lady was on door duty and would shout out “Morija, Morija, phakisa, phakisa (hurry, hurry) at every stop, I think she took a wrong turn in profession, she would have made an awesome taxi driver assistant {hahaha….}
We have just been given feedback on our work so far, which was a nerve-racking moment before I could sit down with the coaches. The feedback was unexpected. I found out new things about myself, where I have been doing a good job and where I need to improve.
I can say it’s safe to say it was an eye opening session of constructive criticism which I have built a “lesaka” (fondness) for. Never thought I am that much of a hard worker, self driven or disciplined (not blowing my own trumpet here!
I had a conversation about music with the Boss Lady (she’s definitely not going to like that name) a few days back and wow! She’s got some dope hip-hop artists I’ve never heard of, can’t wait to hear what everyone else in the studio is listening to.
There have been times in the office when I would just be mind blown by the level of disinterest or reluctance from some of the fellows to take on tasks. In a way, I would be glad I don’t have to be that sick patient who would cut in line at the hospital just because my injury is more urgent. I had more options to choose which skills I would like to learn next without “competing,” but that was then. Now, now I think everyone has figured out, if they want to make it out alive and succeed after the fellowship, it is up to us to add on to our skills because no one can take away our talents.
