My name is Ros, I'm 24 and have just begun Team Leading in Lesotho for Skillshare International in a rural district called Thabana Morena. I stay in a village called Ha Khobotle in a mission with my host, Motseoa.
I've been in Lesotho for just over a month now, and my life as a team leader has so far been a hectic one with barely a moment to breathe, but it has also been an incredibly rewarding one! After flying out in April I spent a couple of weeks in the capital Maseru before meeting the new UK and in country volunteers, having in country training and moving to our placement projects for orientation.
So far my highlights have almost all been in Thabana Morena. Living conditions are basic, but have so far been quite easy to adapt to. The area is so beautiful and everyone has been incredibly welcoming and also eager to talk to us about our work. I've had some amazing chats with young people here in the community who have talked of the struggles they face. Due to lack of job opportunities, several young people have said they feel a lack of hope for their own futures and drop out of school at a young age; they say there is nothing to do in such a rural area and when they are bored, it is quite common to turn to drinking and substance abuse. High school students have so far been eager to start playing sports with us during sessions over the weekends in their spare time. Despite all of these, there are young people with high aspirations and a drive for the future, who we are hoping to turn into young ambassadors for their community.
Getting our schedule sorted in Thabana Morena has taken time to get up and running, but people have been so receptive so far it gives us a lot of hope for weeks to come! I have 4 brilliant volunteers with me in Thabana Morena working in 2 partnerships- 2 in country and 2 UK; Jack and Yungazane and Jess and Lieketseng. So far they have been brilliant in overcoming challenges we have faced and have already achieved some great first steps. I'll leave it to them below to introduce themselves and explain about their experiences as Skillshare ICS volunteers so far...
My name is Jess I'm 25 and I'm from Bristol. I found out about Skillshare from a friend who had volunteered for them previously and had a really positive experience.
I was placed in a country called Lesotho in Southern Africa. When I arrived I spent the first few days staying in a guest house with the other UK and in country volunteers, and had in depth training on the project and practicalities of living in my placement. I found this really useful and interesting learning about Lesotho culture. The in country volunteers were very friendly and taught us a lot about Lesotho life. I was placed on a project called LENEPWHA which supports local people infected and affected with HIV and aids, and educates and empowers young people on the issue through sports.
I was then taken to meet my host family who live in a small village called Linotsing in the Thabana morena area. They were really welcoming and lovely to me, and although communication was difficult at first we got on really well. Conditions are fairly basic but my family do everything they can to make sure I am comfortable and safe.
We spent the first few days introducing ourselves to the community members, explaining and promoting our project and organising our first sessions in the schools and clinics we would be working in. We met some really incredible people in our communities, we were met with a very positive response from them and a lot of people offered their own time and support in getting involved with our project.
So far I have run several sessions in the local schools running sports groups and activities that promote a general understanding and awareness of HIV, as well as life skills and team building. I've also been working with patients and support groups in the clinics in my area, focusing on harm reduction and adherence to medication. Through support from LENEPWHA I am assisting them to apply for funding with the aim of running a sustainable farming project led by the local people, which will continue to run long after I leave my placement.
I have found living in Lesotho very eye opening and educational. I have gained a lot of perspective and insight on the realities of living in a developing country. I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here and hope to learn a lot more in the coming weeks, as well as a deeper appreciation of how lucky I am to live in a privileged environment. I hope to make a difference that will continue on after I return home through LENEPWHA and the inspiring people I've met here.
Hi! My name is Lieketseng Sebele. I love working with my partner Jess Thato Manley. She is an exciting person, I learned a lot from her so far. We have been a great team for the last two weeks. We visited Thabana Morena Clinic, Linotsing Primary School and Mount Tabor Clinic where we carried sessions on HIV/Aids and helped students with life skills programmes.
Our first few weeks volunteering in Thabana Morena, Lesotho with Skillshare International have been challenging, at times frustrating, but also rewarding and very enjoyable. The local community have been very warm and welcoming. We have worked with local schools and health clinics to organise a promising, busy schedule. Although our first few sessions with schools have been difficult to control at times, overall they have been successful. All the children have been very keen to participate and the health clinics are happy for us to help. I am looking forward to continuing our work here, putting our ideas into practice and helping to make as much of a positive impact on the community as possible.