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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐨

October 30, 2024By 0 comment

By: Chris Theko

Tristan Leonard
Master’s Degree in Architecture Student
Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

As I reflect on my three-week internship with rise International in Lesotho, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. This experience not only allowed me to apply my architectural knowledge in a real-world setting but also deepened my understanding of sustainable practices and community empowerment.

The Journey Begins

Arriving in Lesotho, I was immediately struck by the stunning landscapes and the warmth of the people. As a student from Germany, stepping into a different culture and environment was both exciting and challenging. However, I quickly realized that I was part of something much larger than myself—a community dedicated to making a positive impact.

My internship was part of a skills-sharing and learning program facilitated by the African German Youth Office. It was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with local professionals and fellow interns, sharing knowledge and skills while learning from each other’s experiences.

Making a Difference at Motimposo Primary School

One of my key projects was contributing to the finishing touches of the Motimposo Primary School kitchen. This kitchen is more than just a cooking space; it is a vital resource for the students and the community.

Using Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEB) for construction, we created an eco-friendly facility that aligns with rise International’s mission of sustainable building. Being part of this project, I witnessed firsthand how a well-constructed kitchen can enhance the daily lives of students by providing healthy meals and a safe environment.

Working on the Stadium of Life Project

In addition to my work at Motimposo, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the Stadium of Life project at Kick4Life. This initiative is a landmark endeavor in sustainable construction, showcasing the potential of using locally sourced timber and innovative building techniques.

During my time there, I focused on the roof of the west seating stand, where I collaborated with skilled craftsmen and other interns. The experience taught me not only about architectural design and construction but also about teamwork and the importance of integrating local resources into building practices.https://youtu.be/AHYjZL0SJnM?si=nua5kNoXol3YCZsb

Lessons Learned

As I reflect on my internship, I recognize the immense value of hands-on experience in architecture. The challenges we faced—whether they were technical, logistical, or cultural—pushed me to think creatively and adapt quickly. Working alongside the rise International team and local community members was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful change.

This experience has solidified my passion for sustainable architecture and community-focused design. I am more committed than ever to exploring innovative building practices that prioritize environmental sustainability while meeting the needs of communities.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to rise International for welcoming me into their family, the African German Youth Office for facilitating this program, and the incredible people of Lesotho who shared their stories, culture, and insights with me. My time here has been transformative, and I look forward to applying what I have learned as I continue my studies and embark on my career in architecture.

Final Thoughts

Lesotho has left an indelible mark on my journey, and I am excited to take the lessons learned here into my future endeavors. Together, through sustainable architecture and community empowerment, we can create spaces that foster growth, connection, and resilience.

Thank you, Lesotho, for an unforgettable experience!

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News

rise Partners with Kick4Life for the Construction of a Gymnasium in Maseru as Part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Legacy

September 13, 2024By 0 comment

rise International has joined forces with Kick4Life in the design and construction of a new gymnasium at the Kick4Life Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, as part of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kick4Life is one of only 10 projects across Africa selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to receive support through the Impact 2024 International legacy programme.

The gymnasium will be constructed using converted shipping containers, adding to Kick4Life’s existing social enterprise portfolio, which includes the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre and No.7 Restaurant. These ventures are essential for generating income to sustain Kick4Life’s gender-based sports programmes. The new gym will further contribute to the organization’s mission of using sport as a tool for social development.

Empowering Young Women and Vulnerable Communities

An important aspect of the gymnasium is its focus on empowering young women from Kick4Life’s programmes, who will be trained as fitness professionals to run the facility. The gym will not only cater to Kick4Life’s staff and players but will also provide fitness sessions to vulnerable local community groups, such as older people and those with disabilities. This initiative reflects Kick4Life’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for marginalized groups in the community.

Excitement from Key Project Partners

Steve Fleming, Co-founder of Kick4Life, expressed his excitement about the initiative:  

“We are thrilled to be supported by the IOC for a project which will have so many benefits for the local community, for the organization, and for the sustainability of our Sport for Development programmes. In developing the Gymnasium, we are also delighted to be working with Rise International, who are currently constructing the Stadium of Life, and The Health & Fitness Institute, and look forward to bringing additional partners and sponsors on board.”

Daniela Gusman, Co-founder and Executive Director of rise International, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration:  “We are excited to partner with Kick4Life on the design and construction of the gym container conversion. This initiative will enhance the Stadium of Life and serve as a significant addition to Kick4Life’s social enterprise projects.”

Greg Sayer, Head of Operations at The Health & Fitness Institute, also emphasized the social significance of the project:  “We’re really excited to be part of the Kick4Life Gymnasium project. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use sport and fitness as a tool for real social impact. The Health & Fitness Institute will be supporting the project by training and mentoring the fitness coaching staff, helping design the gym, and sharing expertise in running fitness facilities. This partnership is more than just building a gym; it’s about creating jobs, empowering young women with new skills, and contributing to a brighter, more equal future for the community in Lesotho.”

A Legacy for the Future
With the combined efforts of rise International, Kick4Life, and The Health & Fitness Institute, the new gymnasium will leave a lasting legacy for the local community in Maseru. It not only aims to provide a space for fitness and well-being but also to support the financial sustainability of Kick4Life’s gender-based sports programmes. This project exemplifies the power of sport to drive social change, offering a pathway to a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for Lesotho.

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Programs

Kick4Life Stadium of Life

August 15, 2024By 0 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.

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Design and Build

New Learning Space For Morija Hub

July 8, 2024By 0 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.

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Programs

New Flushing Toilets For Lithabaneng Primary School

June 24, 2024By 0 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.

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rise News

Circular Innovations for a sustainable future

June 5, 2024By 0 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. 

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