Empowering Exciting Developments in Our Community – Partnerships, Sustainability & School Projects!

May 12, 2025By Chris Theko0 comment

Empowering Local Artisans: ICEB Training & Business Workshop

During the month of March, rise International hosted an informative workshop at Durahm Link in Maseru, aimed at educating local stone artisans about Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) and providing essential business training. This initiative is part of the “Build Smart, Build Local” campaign, which promotes sustainable and innovative construction methodologies within the industry.

The session was led by Business Trainer ‘Maneo Seekane, who facilitated an open dialogue, encouraging artisans to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Through interactive discussions, participants explored the balance between input and output in their businesses, gaining practical insights to enhance their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills.

This workshop underscores our commitment to equipping local artisans with knowledge and tools that foster sustainable construction and economic growth.

Celebrating the Kick4Life & Wrexham AFC Partnership

In late February, rise International had the privilege of celebrating with our partner, Kick4Life, as they launched their club twinning partnership with Wrexham AFC from Wales, UK!

This collaboration goes beyond football—it’s about empowering young people through sport, skills development, and life-changing opportunities. With the newly constructed Stadium of Life, Africa’s first-ever FSC-timber football stadium, this partnership will open even greater pathways for youth to develop their talent and build a brighter future.

Biodiversity Stand: A Step Towards a Greener Future

The Biodiversity Stand at the ‘Stadium of Life’ is making great strides and is due to be completed by the end of March. This innovative feature will not only provide additional seating in a beautiful garden setting of indigenous plants, trees and shrubs, but will also serve as an educational and cultural space with an amphitheater for performances and events, all helping to promote environmental awareness.

Using sustainable building methods and materials, the Biodiversity Stand showcases our commitment to green construction and community engagement. We are excited about the impact this will have on promoting biodiversity and sustainability within our community.

New Sanitation Facilities for Makoanyane & Leqele Primary Schools

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving school infrastructure, we are preparing to begin construction on new toilet blocks for Makoanyane and Leqele Primary Schools, thanks to the generous support of Action Ireland Trust and their partners. These facilities will ensure a healthier and safer learning environment for students, contributing to better hygiene standards and overall well-being.

The construction will be spearheaded by rise International pioneers, Peter of Pro Construction and Seabata of XYZ Collaborative, showcasing local expertise and commitment to sustainable development. This project is part of the larger initiative to enhance sanitation in schools and is made possible through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, including Lesotho’s military, Lesotho Defence Force whose officers will be volunteering their time at the Makoanyane Primary School.

New Sanitation Facilities for Makoanyane & Leqele Primary Schools As part of our ongoing commitment to improving school infrastructure, we are preparing to begin construction on new toilet blocks for Makoanyane and Leqele Primary Schools, thanks to the generous support of Action Ireland Trust and their partners. These facilities will ensure a healthier and safer learning environment for students, contributing to better hygiene standards and overall well-being. The construction will be spearheaded by rise International pioneers, Peter of Pro Construction and Seabata of XYZ Collaborative, showcasing local expertise and commitment to sustainable development. This project is part of the larger initiative to enhance sanitation in schools and is made possible through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, including Lesotho’s military, Lesotho Defence Force whose officers will be volunteering their time at the Makoanyane School.

News

Browse the Impact: July August Highlights

August 23, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

A New Outdoor Kitchen for Motimposo Primary School

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our partnership with Motimposo Primary School to build a new school kitchen! This project is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives of communities through sustainable and impactful initiatives.

“When rise International told us they were looking to partner with us to build a school kitchen pavilion, it felt like a dream come true… It is challenging to feed all the kids when the weather is extremely dusty or rainy because our current cooking area is too exposed, making it difficult for food to be prepared.” Mr. Mafanti, Principal, Motimposo Primary School

The new outdoor kitchen, constructed using eco-friendly Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs), will provide a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for preparing meals for over 1,400 students. This project is not only about building a kitchen; it’s about creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment for our young learners.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

We believe in the power of collaboration to create lasting change. Your support is essential in helping us continue our work. Consider donating to the Motimposo Primary School kitchen project or supporting our youth empowerment programs.

Donate

Donate to the Motimposo Project here

Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.

Empowering Youth Through Employability Training

We are proud to announce the successful launch of our Employability Training Program in Kenya! This program equips young people with essential skills for the job market, including CV writing, job interviews, and communication skills. By providing practical work experience through internships, we’re helping young people gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

We are grateful to our partners, APS Bank, Uwepo.watamu, and our generous sponsors and work placement hosts for making this program possible.

Get Involved

Stay connected and follow us on social media for updates on our projects and initiatives.

Together, we are building brighter futures!

Programs

Kick4Life Stadium of Life

August 15, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Stadium of Life: A Beacon of Sustainable Construction in Maseru

Maseru, Lesotho – The heart of Lesotho is beating with excitement as the innovative “Stadium of Life” takes shape in Maseru. This 1,280-seater football stadium is not just another sports facility; it is a groundbreaking testament to the power of sustainable construction and community-driven development.

An Ambitious Collaboration

The “Stadium of Life” project is the result of a unique collaboration between several influential organizations. Local charity and football club Kick4Life (K4L), which has long been dedicated to empowering young people through sports and health education, joined forces with rise International, a non-profit organization focused on creating social enterprises and building resilient communities. Together, they have partnered with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a global leader in promoting responsible management of the world’s forests, and DNV, an independent expert in assurance and risk management.

A Sustainable Vision

What sets the “Stadium of Life” apart is its commitment to sustainability. The stadium is being constructed primarily from sustainably sourced timber, a choice that not only reduces the carbon footprint of the project but also highlights the potential of eco-friendly construction methods in large-scale infrastructure. The use of timber, certified by the FSC, ensures that the materials are responsibly harvested, maintaining forest biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Community-Centered Development

The project has a strong community focus, engaging local workers and artisans in the construction process. This not only provides much-needed employment opportunities but also empowers the local community with skills and knowledge in sustainable building practices. The stadium is envisioned as a space that will serve the broader community, hosting not only football matches but also cultural and social events that bring people together.

Progress and Impact

As construction progresses, the “Stadium of Life” is already making an impact. The project has garnered attention for its innovative approach, setting a new standard for how sports infrastructure can be built in harmony with the environment. Upon completion, the stadium is expected to become a central hub for sports and community activities in Maseru, inspiring other projects in the region to adopt similar sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

The “Stadium of Life” is more than just a sports venue; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when sustainability, community involvement, and innovative design come together. As the stadium nears completion, it stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Maseru and beyond.

Many First

The Stadium of Life notches several firsts. It will be Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium and the first FSC-certified project in southern Africa. The structure, certified by DNV as an FSC project, sets a new standard for responsible construction practices.

The wooden poles used in construction come from MTO Forestry’s FSC-certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa. By choosing FSC-certified timber, the project directly supports responsible forestry practices.

Beyond sport, the stadium is a multi-purpose hub designed for climate change education, gender empowerment, academic tutoring, health testing, and entrepreneurship training.

The Stadium of Life fosters a connection between football and the environment. Its design, developed through a collaboration with rise’s in loco design and build training programme, features 8,584 treated Eucalyptus poles, minimizing concrete use and highlighting the potential of sustainable building materials.

News

rise International’s Impact in the First Quarter

July 26, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

We’re excited to share the positive impact rise International has made during the first quarter of 2024! This newsletter highlights our achievements across our three core pillars: Entrepreneurship Development, Promoting Social Enterprise, and Enhancing Design & Construction Through Research.

The Full Report Here

1,848 Lives Impacted!

Through our innovative approaches in social enterprise, advocacy, design & construction research, and more, rise International positively impacted the lives of 1,848 people in Q1. This includes projects completed at Seboka Primary School, Lithabaneng Primary School, and The Hub in Morija.

Key Achievements:

Improved Sanitation and Security: Our “Pioneers” program graduates successfully constructed new toilets at Lithabaneng Primary School and installed burglar bars at Seboka Primary School’s kitchen, enhancing sanitation and security.
Effective Waste Management: At Lithabaneng Primary School, new septic and drainage system construction started thanks to rise International’s efforts in partnership with Action Ireland Trust!
The “Stadium of Life” on course for completion: The 5th cohort of the in loco fellowship program contributed to the design and construction of Africa’s first FSC-certified stadium, the “Stadium of Life.” They successfully constructed the posting rails and part of the spectator seating stands.
Entrepreneurship on the rise: 32 graduates from the in loco program transitioned to the “Pioneers” program and established their own businesses, creating a total of 16 new jobs in Q1 alone!

in loco Fellowship Graduation:

We celebrated the graduation of the 5th in loco cohort! Muso Molomo, a graduate, shared his experience:

“I’m grateful to rise International for the opportunity to build the first FSC stadium. This program honed my skills, and their support allowed me to lead the stadium’s development.”

Promoting Social Enterprise:

rise International made significant strides in promoting social enterprise on a national and international scale. Collaborations with various organizations provided training and education to hundreds of participants worldwide.

Pioneer Professional Development Session:

We continue to support and provide skills development to the entrepreneurs in Lesotho. In February and March we provided financial and marketing training to nine local fired brick manufactures and five in loco pioneers.

Looking Ahead (Q3&Q4 Priorities):

Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs): We’ll be focusing on promoting the use of ICEBs, a sustainable building material.
Hemp Production Advocacy: rise International will advocate for the legalization and production of hemp in Lesotho.
Showcasing Sustainable Building Materials: Stay tuned for exciting initiatives showcasing sustainable building materials!

Donate To The Cause

Stay Connected!

We invite you to learn more about our work by visiting our website or subscribing to our YouTube channel for insightful content:

Website rise International

YouTube rise International.

Thank you for your continued support!

Design and Build

New Learning Space For Morija Hub

July 8, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

The doors to Morija Hub brand-new study space and library are open! The place was opened with excitement and welcomed by community members of all ages, especially the primary and high school students. The students will highly benefit from the spaces of quiet, learning, free resources, and inclusivity.

The library is open Mondays – Saturdays, 9am–5pm!

The design and construction of the library was carried out by rise, on behalf of The Hub in Morija all thanks to Glasswaters Foundation for their support of educational opportunities at The Hub!

The building is made out of an innovative construction project using shipping containers. It was officially completed and opened in March 2024 hosting a library, learning- and storage space!

The Hub’s loan-out library is open Monday – Saturday
Only loan-out library in Morija

The library is made possible with book donations from:

African Library Project
Books for Lesotho
Makosholo family
Individual donors

The structure also provides an extra classroom and quiet learning space and includes secure storage space.

Lecture Series

Sustainable Affordable Housing in Lesotho (Mokhotlong and Maseru)

June 24, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Lecture Series

APS talk The architecture of care nurture

June 24, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Design and Build

New Flushing Toilets For Lithabaneng Primary School

June 18, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

We have successfully achieved another great milestone with the completion of the construction of new flushing school toilet blocks for Lithabaneng Primary School. This forms part of the 5 Hub Schools project in the Leqele – Lithabaneng area of Maseru in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training who identified 5 high-priority schools in need of assistance. Those schools being Seboka, Leqele, Makoanyane and Lithabaneng Primary Schools and Lithabaneng High school.

The new flushing toilets that come with hand wash stations are a replacement of the old and unhygienic toilets which the students and the teachers had been using for many years. Unhealthy toilets could easily hinder children from enjoying their education and the teachers and staff can be discouraged to be at work. This is also very important for young girls to clean hygienic toilets, to ensure they do not drop out of school. All these circumstances are to be a thing of the past at Libananeng Primary School.

Action Ireland Trust (AIT) and rise take a holistic approach, which is centered around the needs of the students, teachers, principals and community members. This approach equips the teachers and principals with the right tools thus achieving the mandate of making the schools child friendly, safe and providing an improved learning environment to greatly enhance the students learning experience.

Watch the video below to learn more on the journey of this project.

rise News

Circular Innovations for a sustainable future

June 5, 2024By Chris Theko0 comment

Human beings have depleted natural resources, cut down trees in forests and led to pollution and global warming. It is high time that we turn to protect our nature and start preserving it. Through one of our pillars, Innovative Building Methodologies, we continue to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, rise joins the global community in this mission.

Over the past two years, we have embarked on the journey to expose the global community, mainly Basotho, to the economic opportunities that come with protecting and caring about the environment. The project aimed to empower local researchers, enhance sustainability in construction and address climate change challenges.

With this project six materials were looked at in depth: 3 indigenous materials being Sandstone, Compressed Earth Blocks, Grass/Straw and 3 repurposed materials being Hemp, Wool, and Packaging Waste.

rise has embarked on this research journey to address Lesotho’s gaps in knowledge, production and use of sustainable locally sourced construction materials. Both desk research and empirical findings were used to better understand Lesotho’s indigenous, and repurposed building materials and techniques to see how those can form the basis for a sustainable environmentally friendly future.

A catalog and Materials Spec Comparison Table of the research materials has been created and can be found in the information Library at www.riseint.org. rise continues to advocate for policy change and implementation of some of the materials for the benefit of the environment and the communities to which they belong in creating employment opportunities and economic growth.

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!