30th January 2018
Today started with a journey our to the suburbs to meet Me Phomolo Mohapolo who is the Lesotho representative for REPSSI. Their focus is on teaching caregivers skills to develop the wellbeing of children. With the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho many families are missing key caregiving generations and the burden often falls on older children who then need the support of teachers, social workers and other supportive professionals. Getting this right is essential to help the children grow into resilient adults and is a key preventative measure with regards to mental health. Hence we were meeting to explore ways in which we might work together.
Some estimate that 25% of the Lesotho population are HIV positive and there is much focus on people knowing their “status”. There is also a huge problem with TB in some areas although apparently for the herd boys who tend their flocks in the field two of the greatest dangers are still lightning and snakes.
At lunch I decided to test the Rotary claim to be an organisation of international fellowship and went along to a meeting of the Maseru Rotary Club. True to the traditions of the organisation they were extremely welcoming and President Robert gave me a lift back to the B&B at the end of the meal. The Club meet at the Kick4Life Centre. A Conference Centre, Hotel and Restaurant combined with sports facilities. The whole place is run by people from disadvantaged background and the restaurant is called No.7. I am not sure whether there is an official link with Janie Olivers scheme of the same name in the UK but there are similar successes. The venture was started to help with the HIV/AIDS situation and plays a key role in the health education for the community. It wasn’t until I was leaving that I realised that much of the hotel had been realised by the Rotary Club themselves in partnership with a club in Ohio as part of the Rotary International Global Grants Scheme. I was humbled by what they have achieved.
On returning to the B&B I decided a little exercise was needed so I called David and we went for a walk. Our meandering took us past the Prime Minster’s house which, as you can see from the picture is quite something to behold. The juxtaposition between that and the poorly built dwellings people live in just across the road is quite something to behold.
The day has finished with the most spectacular storm which has knocked out the electricity. No sooner was it off than there was a gentle tap at my bedroom door and there was one of the staff with a lighted candle for me. I write this blog by candle light.