Action Ireland Trust Lesotho Blog.

Lesotho at Last!

After 9 months of planning, we have finally arrived at our destination. 

On Sunday morning the 12th April, 45 intrepid TYs, 3 brave teachers, 8 generous parents and 14 dedicated adult volunteers assembled at Dublin airport on behalf of Action Ireland Trust to make the long journey to Lesotho. 

With high spirits we set off on 2 separate flights, travelled through 3 different countries, in 13 separate vehicles, crossing 2 borders on our way to meet thousands of students in 5 hub schools, and on Wednesday morning we were warmly welcomed at an unforgettable opening ceremony. 

All were moved, many to tears, and one of the 45, Sarah Louise Jones, offered to share her reflections on her experience so far. 

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As we left the hotel grounds and went through the gates were met with a big smile and a cheerful wave from the hotel security. The mountains grew higher and higher the more we looked at them. One of them even looks like the head of a lion! I now understand why Lesotho is called “The Kingdom in the Sky.”. 

We passed a golf course on the way to Lithabaneng school. On the golf course there was a huge tree that had fallen down completely and had all of its roots coming up from the ground. In the distance, we saw a notorious prison. 

The drivers here are very crazy. There are people over-taking you at every turn, making up their own lanes, and there is lots and lots of beeping. 

The town is so alive. We saw plenty of people walking to work. On the side of each street there are people selling fruit such as oranges, apples and bananas and other people are selling things such as grilled corn and crisps. Some people even walk through the roads selling goods.

As we approached the school the learners ran alongside us, cheering loudly and waving. It was like we were famous. The people of Lesotho are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. When we parked up the van at Lithabeneng primary school, it was swarmed by the learners. 

My heart melted as we were greeted by each person. They had such big smiles and they were so excited to see us. I’ve never felt so proud of the whole group and I’m even more proud to say that I’m a part of it. 

I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings, so stay tuned for more updates from us.

Slán a chairde!