Social Workers Beyond Borders

Following the training, the group created and submitted their constitution to become registered as a business organization. SWBB and Ministry staff will continue to support the business in its early stages to ensure its success not only for the families directly involved but for the community as a whole.

Over 25 groups have graduated Caritas' financial training program and have begun using their group savings funds to lend money at small interest rates to members within the group. Group representatives spoke about their desire to be less stressed financially in order to provide education to their children and other basic needs for their households.

SWBB continues to collaborate with the MOSD on community development projects to continue the transition from a welfare model to that of development. Programs focused on economic empowerment aim to alleviate the the cycle of poverty that has become all too commonplace for over 60% of Lesotho's population.

SWBB Microfinance Project Manager and MOSD Lesotho Community Development Officer visited local farming sites to inquire about price quotations for supplies to assist village groups in income generating activities. Two groups have identified interest in poultry projects, with another group involved in piggery. SWBB has also enlisted the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade to assist with trainings and offer additional support.

Group of women in Leribe District gathered for training on project proposal writing. The women discussed how they would like to become more financially empowered in order to provide education to their children and grandchildren without worry. Financial freedom would also allow the women and their families to enjoy more balanced meals, as their current diet consists primarily of papa (maize meal) and moroho (any cooked leafy vegetable - chopped up cabbage, carrots, spinach, or swiss chard, etc).

Led by intern, Nimo Samater, SWBB sponsored a Christmas Party for the children of God's Love Orphanage. By enlisting the help of local businesses and community members, food, gifts and entertainment were provided for all to enjoy. The children showed off their talents by performing native dance and songs. Even though it might not have been a "White Christmas" like back home in North America, the Christmas Spirit was even more present.

Intern, Nimo Samater, has been involved in creating programming for the underserved population of orphaned and vulnerable children in Lesotho's capital city, Maseru. Photo of Nimo in action, as she works with the kids at God's Love Orphanage.

Community members from Leribe District braved the rain to meet with SWBB and MOSD representatives for a follow-up discussion on capacity building and self-help group concepts. Members were encouraged to voice their opinions and share their ideas on how to work together with the MOSD to solve self-identified problems within their village.

UN Day at Maseru Club, hosted by the United Nations in Lesotho. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry of the UN Charter in 1945. UN agencies and national partners had booths and demonstrations to display their accomplishments and continued efforts in improving the lives of all Basothos.

Pictured from Left to Right: National Community Rehabilitation Officer, Leribe District Representative, and Ministry of Social Development Director of Community Development.

Field visit to Mohale's Hoek High School to meet with orphaned and vulnerable teens engaged in income generating projects. SWBB team members, along with representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Agriculture presented pertinent information to support the students' efforts. Extremely inspirational.

SWBB representatives attended presentations on the Ministry of Social Development's social protection strategies, hosted by the UN and UNICEF at UN Lesotho Headquarters in Maseru.

Photo taken during an individual counseling session at Ithuseng, vocational rehabilitation center in Maseru District. Client is seen practicing EFT ("Emotional Freedom Technique") as one tool to combat the negative effects of stress and increase overall heath and well-being.

SWBB attended International Day of Older Persons, hosted by Help Lesotho and the Ministry of Social Development. Grandmothers and Grandfathers from various districts performed traditional song and dance for all to enjoy. The six oldest elderly persons were also honored, each over the age of 100!

Country Coordinator, Keitu Ayeh, working diligently in our new office space at the Ministry of Social Development Headquarters in Maseru. Moving on up! 

Mathu Raveendran offers insight into her internship experience during her exit interview presentation to the Directors of the Ministry of Social Development in Maseru.

‘M’e Phelleng of Help Lesotho came for an initial meeting with the residents to speak with them and gauge the need for continued support services.