The drive down 
We started off in Johannesburg airport and drove down for about 2 hours until we went to a
petrol station got some food and learned that the currency is a lot cheaper there so a meal was only about 4 euro instead of like a 15 quid in Ireland, after we left the petrol station we drove to Clarence and got our rooms then went done for dinner at 7 the food we had was lasagne and there was a salad there which was nice. The next morning we were up for 6:30 for breakfast then back up to the rooms for 7 and Then dressed showered and ready to get the second half of the long drive started at 8, had a nice drive we were driving for about 3-4 hours very scenic with massive mountains then we hit the South African border and got through that fairly quick then we met the Lesotho border and we had to get out of our cabins and get our passport’s stamped then we went through the border and went straight through the hotel got our rooms and ye that was the drive down from Johannesburg to Lesotho. A just under 600km drive.
Each school showcased their dancing, singing, and even recited poetry. We were blown away by their talent and it was difficult to take in. Although we knew we couldn’t top that, we gave it our best shot with Amhrán na bhFiann, Ireland’s Call, the Waka Waka, and Austin. After lots of dancing and photos, saying goodbye was tough, but we knew we’d see them again soon.
We then split up to head to our schools. In Van 3, we went to Lithabaneng High School, where we met the teachers, got a tour of the classrooms, and of course met the students.
Today was an amazing start to the work in the schools and it definitely set the tone for the rest of the trip
We left for Kick for Life at around 5, after a quick meeting. It didn’t take too long to get there, and when we did we walked in through the restaurant out the back to the pitches. We went into the conference room and had the teams made up, I was on team 4. We had to wait a little for the first match to start up, so we stood in from the lashing rain under the roof.
After the 1st game started, we were all cheering for us. Same can be said for the other 3 games we did. The matches were all really well played from both sides, but the Lesotho team were a bit better than us. Think the final score was 10-2 to them.
Afterwards, we came in soaking wet to have dinner, which was burgers, chips and coleslaw. The food was really good, and it was cool getting to hang out with the Lesotho guys too. It ended up with us singing in a big group up the top of the room, which was great fun. We finished off the night by singing Ireland’s call and the national anthem. We listened to them singing their national anthem, and they really weren’t lying when we were told about the harmonies. I think that it was a great night, and it was a really cool experience.
Charlie Costello
Our first few days …
Monday morning we went to Seboka for the opening ceremony. The chief talked to all the schools and we got to see their culture. Then we sang the national anthem, irelands call and teo dances, Waka waka and austin.
We then went to our primary school, Lithabaneng, we met all the teachers and went into all the classes to introduce ourselves, we also did a quick dance head shoulders knees and toes. We also met the other van and other leaders. We had a really good day and we started to get a sense of what we were doing.
On Tuesday we returned to our school and visited all the classes in grades 1 – 3. We worked with the other van in our school to get through as many classes as possible. We did simple easter cards and we adapted them depending on the ages of the children. We sang lots of songs and we did percussion music which they really enjoyed and it was also an easier lesson plan for the younger kids who struggled with english.
At lunch we saw the craio lab and saw then practicing cutting hair and nails and makeup, then at around 2 o clock we went to another school to start painting the classrooms. That evening we had dinner with the Archbishop which we all got dressed up for and performed for.
On Wednesday we did classes making paper airplanes with grades six and seven and in the afternoon we started soke pe classes we then went yo mokoa and did the painting of classrooms in the school and that evening we got dressed up and went to café what and enjoyed a meal.
Kick 4 Life …
We left for Kick 4 Life at around 5, after a quick meeting. It didn’t take too long to get there, and when we did we walked in through the restaurant out the back to the pitches. We went into the conference room and had the teams made up, I was on team 4. We had to wait a little for the first match to start up, so we stood in from the lashing rain under the roof.
After the 1st game started, we were all cheering for us. Same can be said for the other 3 games we did. The matches were all really well played from both sides, but the Lesotho team were a bit better than us. Think the final score was 10-2 to them.
Afterwards, we came in soaking wet to have dinner, which was burgers, chips and coleslaw. The food was really good, and it was cool getting to hang out with the Lesotho guys too. It ended up with us singing in a big group up the top of the room, which was great fun. We finished off the night by singing Ireland’s call and the national anthem. We listened to them singing their national anthem, and they really weren’t lying when we were told about the harmonies. I think that it was a great night, and it was a really cool experience.
Introducing swimming lessons to the learners from the 5 hub schools in Lesotho has been such an incredible and unique experience, as most of the learners have ever been in a pool before. These lessons are providing an essential life skill, developing water safety and confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
As the learners navigated their first encounter with a swimming pool, it was a journey of discovery, resilience, and empowerment.
Watching the learners have more fun and become more comfortable in the water has been a joy to see and the progress they have made in such a short amount of time is so impressive and inspiring.
To the wonderful students at PCS, Lorna, Heidi, Niamh, Dyland and Luke. A heartfelt thank you for your incredible teamwork and dedication in delivering the swimming lessons. Your enthusiasm, patience, and collaborative spirit made this experience truly special for the learners, especially since many of them were stepping into a pool for the first time. Your efforts went beyond teaching swimming skills— you created an environment filled with encouragement, confidence, and joy. You should be proud of the positive impact you have made. Well done, and thank you for your amazing contribution! Karyn x