Working Together

Well, right after we posted our blog last night, a huge thunderstorm rolled in.  We quickly jetted back to our rondavel (round hut) that we were staying in to avoid being rained on.  Almost as soon as we entered our room, the rain broke and a massive storm rolled in.  The thunder and lightning was simply awesome.  Because we usually visit Lesotho during their winter, experiencing thunderstorms is a bit of a rarity.  And, as the storm build strength, it knocked out our electricity and we had to light candles in our room for light.  It was a great way to wind out our first night in Lesotho.

We are busy getting our high fives for the Put 5 On It campaign

We started the day with Team Lesotho at 7:15AM so we could visit Manonyane High School.  Manonyane (meaning vultures) High School is in a rural setting, about an hour’s walk from where we are staying in Roma.  Team Lesotho set up our first pen-pal program at this high school, so we went to visit the students and teachers who helped set this up.  The pen-pal program was very popular, and many of the students enjoyed writing their new friends in the United States.  We were able to get a tour of the facility and spend time with the principal who explained to us some of the challenges he faces at his school.  After visiting the school and many of its teachers, we were off with the next part of the day.

Andrew & William addressing over 500 high school students

The rest of our day was spent at the National University of Lesotho.  There, we walked around campus greeting students and professors, introducing ourselves.  In anticipation of our meeting with the students tomorrow evening, we were able to greet some classes and invite them to come and hear more about Bloom Africa tomorrow.  But the highlights of our day were our meetings with two NUL faculty members with collaboration being a main topic of discussion.

Our first meeting was with Ledzadzo Kometsi, a lawyer and law professor at the University.  Ntate Kometsi is helping us draft a constitution so we can become a registered NGO in Lesotho.  We will be also working together to help create a Bloom Africa chapter on campus.  He has helped facilitate workshops on campus on behalf of Bloom, and is very involved in advocating for social issues in Lesotho.  One amazing, exciting, thing he does is walk.  This common way of life in Lesotho has given Ntate Kometsi the vision to use walking as an advocacy tool.  Each month, he orchestrates a two day walk, up the mountains of Lesotho, for a cause.  This past month, his group walked to promote advocacy for environmental and wetlands protection.  What an awesome, mission driven person. 

Our next meeting was with Ntate Maraka, the HIV/AIDS Coordinator at NUL.  Ntate Maraka is responsible for creating and stewarding partnerships with NUL and other organizations and institutions when it comes to HIV/AIDS.  He has conducted fascinating studies and research projects about HIV/AIDS and how it affects NUL.  He works closely with PEPFAR and the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS.  He also expressed his excitement to have a Bloom Africa presence on campus.  In addition to providing his professional expertise and support, he will help us partner with the myriad of other organizations working to combat HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.

Team Lesotho and us with Ntate Maraka

The common theme of today was working together to impact orphans and vulnerable children in the community.  After such a wonderful and insightful day, we decided to go for a run before dinner.  At first we didn’t understand how counter intuitive running for “fun” is in Basotho culture.  As we were jogging down the dirt roads and up the hills during a setting sun, people passing us would laugh and smile.  We must admit, we looked pretty darn goofy running, and insanely out of breath. But it was still a beautiful experience, especially since many of the children in the village recognized us and called out our names.  Tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to spend more time in the community and Leratong Community Center to plan out specific next steps collaboratively.

Khotso,

William & Andrew