fellowship Archives - Page 2 of 2

May 2023 – in loco 5th cohort intro

June 6, 2023By RISE INT0 comment

We are excited and proud to introduce our in 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.

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in loco fellows blog series 2020 #6: Great things never come from our comfort zone

January 7, 2021By RISE INT0 comment

My name is Ramarou Tsoho, a 30 year old Mosotho man. I was born and raised in the highlands of Lesotho “Raleqheka”. I am privileged to be part of the 2020 cohort of the in loco fellowship at rise international. I hold a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Lerotholi Polytechnic. I have chosen this programme because I believe engineers are among the fortunate since they build their own monuments with public consent, public approval and often public funds, most importantly they bring construction ideas and dreams in to reality.

Relationship Inspiring Social Enterprise (rise) offers a great opportunity for new graduates from the built environment, to have experience through learning by doing in the in loco fellowship programme. Most importantly it raises young Basotho entrepreneurs who then become job creators. This programme gives clear insight into what the work environment is like; we learn time management, prioritizing, we feel real pressure to ensure completion of tasks and gain an array of skills that sharpen us to be field ready. I am a personal believer in the power of being humble and teachable because the world is way bigger than our view of it. There is always room for a new idea, a new step and a new beginning, so it is wise to open yourself up to learning.

I started the fellowship in July 2020, with absolutely no experience in the construction of buildings and in running a business as a whole. However, being assigned to be part of the research team taught me a lot in gathering information on all aspects that are needed in obtaining the success of a project. It was in this team that we were searching and sourcing the materials that the design team wanted the proposed building to have. This helps in finance control and time management because by the time the project commenced, we knew where to get materials needed. I was then assigned to be part of the events and digital media team of our cohort. This is where I learnt extensively that punctuality, reliability and consistency are the keys to life. Know the time and frequency to post on the various social media platforms and maintain it so that people can easily follow you. Remember it is through social media where people get to know you better in all things you do.

At this juncture I am now in the quality control, plant and logistics team where we intelligently control the interlinking of material flow and production process. In addition to that, we are also maintaining standards in manufactured products

For this 2020 cohort, we are constructing the offices for Lesotho National Federation for Disabled (LNFOD). This will be one of the most outstanding buildings I’ve ever known here in Lesotho. It has a cavity wall which is not usually included in the buildings in our country. Cavity walls make it possible for the temperature in rooms to be inversely proportional to the temperature that surrounds the building. This building is also inclusive; it is structured such that it accommodates both disabled and able people to utilize it with ease. For instance there is a ramp made for people who use wheelchairs and electric plugs are installed at lower positions of the building than usual which will allow excess for people on wheelchairs.

Through rise I saw a light at the end of the tunnel; because of the in loco fellowship I will be a job creator one day. Your world can be an entirely different place than the world you lived in just moments ago, once your attitudes towards it changes. I almost gave up on my career but rise rescued me by giving me hope. I am gaining the much needed experience to be field ready, I now believe that I indeed have a bright future ahead of me.

2020

IN LOCO FELLOWS BLOG SERIES #13: MAKING THE DREAM A REALITY

February 23, 2020By RISE INT0 comment

YOU CAN DREAM, CREATE, DESIGN AND BUILD THE MOST WONDERFUL PLACE IN THE WORLD, BUT IT REQUIRES PEOPLE TO MAKE THE DREAM A REALITY – blog by Bokang TJakotja, in loco fellow 2019 cohort

He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsmen. But an artist works with his hands, head and his heart. With my experience through the in loco fellowship program I’ve learned that anyone can become an artist.

In 2018, before I joined the fellowship program I was a freelance carpenter when I first heard about the fellowship through my ex-colleagues from college who also happened to be part of the in loco fellowship alumni and always went on and on about the opportunities the fellowship presented.

Bokang Tjakotja aka BK – **in loco** fellow and athor of this blog

I started following rise’s social media pages, and in May 2019 I heard that rise was looking to recruit recent graduates to design and build a rehabilitation center for youth living with intellectual disability and autism. As the saying goes “it is in our hands to create a better world for those who live in it” and I made a pledge to work towards creating a better world making an impact in the lives of underprivileged communities and so I applied for the fellowship and I was admitted.

The first two weeks of the fellowship was about the participatory design workshops and the transect walks to better understand the needs of the client and community so as to design and build what works for the client and not what we think will work for them.

BK in front of the IDAL superstructure back in August 2019

After finalizing designs, construction immediately started, and my favorite part about the fellowship is being given a chance to learn about different roles within a short time. I was appointed as a plant and logistics manager then health and safety office and finally I was to oversee the whole construction process as a site manager.

I acquired both soft skills and technical skills during the fellowship, my communication skills, public speaking improved and I acquired some management skills, sometimes making unpopular decisions which are in the best interest of the project and not individuals and developed some sharp problem solving skills. In the business part we held business trainings every Friday which helped us to perform well in our businesses and become better entrepreneurs.

I believe that all growth depends upon activity, and there is no development, physically or intellectually, without effort and effort means hard work.

BK spray painting the external walls of the IDAL Centre

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in loco fellows blog series #6: When opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go after it

November 13, 2019By RISE INT0 comment

It’s a friday afternoon and my tertiary ex-classmate whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while drops me a WhatsApp text. To my surprise, the text is an invitation to the in loco fellowship which at the time, I had not heard of. This was my cue to do a little research. I searched it on Facebook and guess what? I got so excited about the fellowship and wished I had known about it earlier and applied. Before I knew it, I was called for an interview and here I am today, an in loco fellow at rise International.

From my research, I saw the fellowship as an integral part of my long-term career or academic life goal. I saw it as an ideal way of taking my civil engineering expertise from one level to the next. However, the greatest reason I wanted to pursue the fellowship was my desire to change my current path towards something I’m passionate about- Entrepreneurship.

Few weeks into the fellowship at the participatory design workshop, I’m all excited, learning but eager to go on site. And now we are on site as three girls from thirteen fellows. How challenging!

Through the fellowship I have learnt to work with different personalities, although it hasn’t been easy. But now that we know each other, I know how to handle each of them.

Amo in the back with other two fellows – Lits’oanelo (left) and Peter (right)

By nature, I am an introvert and having to work with other fellows was a bit challenging at the beginning. I struggled to express myself but as I get to know them, I’m opening up a bit and I love how they have changed my perspective on a lot of things and on life in general.

One of the most beautiful things about this cohort is that we motivate each other but with a dash of humour attached. I remember this other time when I forgot where a file in the Google Drive was located, and they said, ‘Really Amo?! A month into the fellowship and you still don’t know where the file is?’ From that moment onwards, I made sure I knew where every file is saved and paid attention to even the smallest details. Funny thing is, they also couldn’t remember where the file was!

Three months into the fellowship and I have acquired soft and technical skills I never thought I would have. I have acquired communication and negotiation skills and carpentry to name a few. I now know a bit more about construction from foundations up to the roof and I’m excited about my experience.

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in loco FELLOWS BLOG SERIES #5: Living the dream

November 8, 2019By RISE INT1 Comment

‘’My passion and great enjoyment for architecture, and the reason the older I get the more I enjoy it, is because I believe we-architects can affect the quality of life of the people.’’ Richard Rogers

As an architectural graduate, I first got introduced to rise way back in 2015, at Limkokwing University when rise held their first lecture at my university. From that day, my admiration for architecture and perception about the built environment specifically with building with local materials was activated. I realized that I knew less about various methods of construction that existed in other African countries. From that day, I started following rise’s lectures, after seeing their impact and the drive about helping out less developed countries with resources they have.

Sello overseeing the installation of one of the wing frames

Fast forward, my senior architecture students got enrolled into the in loco program, where they worked on GLC*(God’s Love Centre Orphanage) in 2018 in Sekamaneng. This in loco program was ‘a learn by doing;.’ program, where graduates are equipped with all necessary skills (construction skills) before being introduced to the industry. I was very inspired and hoped they’ll recruit other graduates after the first cohort. It was a dream come true when I realized they were recruiting again this year (2019). I didn’t hesitate, I applied with the hope of being admitted, and my prayers were answered, I was accepted into the fellowship.

The project we are working on as the second cohort of fellows is the IDAL (Intellectual Disability & Autism Lesotho) Center, where we designed and are currently building a pavilion, a timber-made structure, which is so intriguing to work with, because it’s one of the rare methods of construction in the country for big projects like this.

As an architecture graduate, I have learned more than I had anticipated about construction and by actually not just designing and handing over a project to be constructed by a construction professional, but also getting my hands dirty. I also learned concrete mixing, to using a concrete mixing machine, timber construction and tools, detailing, business and entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills.

At first I was appointed to be a buyer or procurement officer, which entails a lot of paper work and buying construction materials and equipment in this context. This was a challenging role, but I got used to it as time went on. Currently I’m working as a site architect, which entails, reporting progress on site, faults, daily tasks and weekly reports.

Lastly, I’d like to thank rise for recruiting us into the fellowship, it has been really amazing and a very valuable experience of reaching out to the communities and empowering youth as fresh graduates before being introduced to the industry to pursue our dreams. And our slogan is, if you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.