One of our project here in South Africa is helping a small community in Lesotho. The village is called Ha Semenyane and its situated in the south-east of Lesotho at an altitude of 2.300 meters. Lesotho, a small land-locked country surrounded by South Africa, is also referred to as the Mountain Kingdom, as it is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1000 meters above sea level, and 80% of the country is above 1800 meters. Ha Semenyane does not have electricity, no running water in the house and cannot even be found on Google maps. Our team had been there on several occasions; recently we started building a crèche (Preschool). “Mountain peaks are never crowded. Why? Because it’s hard work getting there. Not very many people desire to climb mountains”.

It all started two years ago when we went for the first time in Lesotho. One of our friends, Anton, knew this particular region so we went along with him. We found the people extremely friendly and kind and right away we fell in love with this village. The chief of the village, Philip, offered to put us up in his house. “There is more light on the mountain. Long after the valley is in darkness, you can still see the sun. The valley is almost always dark-full of people and things, but usually in darkness. The mountain is windy and cold, but thrilling.”

During our stay in this village we visited families in their traditional huts as well as the local school, and soon we felt part of the small community. We spent a lot of time with the children, playing with them; whenever we went for hikes in the beautiful mountains surrounding the village, we had quite a following of eager children to show us the best path. The hospitality of the people in the village was overwhelming, and we decided there and then that we wanted to do something for them.

Once we were back South Africa Anton contacted a prestigious school that was willing to donate the school uniforms that the students don’t use anymore. I collected books and educational material, toys and clothes for the children of the village. Because of the difficult weather and road conditions several months went by before we were able to visit Ha Semeyane again, this time with a large team of 14 people. The vehicles were filled to the brim with the things we had collected, which was all very much appreciated. Our friendship with these wonderful people of the village grew.

Once again the chief, Uncle Philip, offered us to stay with them in their house. It got a little crowded, but we had a happy time together. We had put together a program consisting of a puppet theater and a clowns and magic show, which we performed at the primary school in Ha Semenyane as well as several schools in the surrounding areas. In the evening we showed a motivational film, which for many was the first time they had ever seen a movie. We also spent time assisting the teachers with their crowded classes, and we set up a small library. After only a short time we felt ‘at home’ and had made many new friends. “Only pioneers climb mountains-people who want to do something that few have ever done before, people who want to get above the multitude and go beyond what has already been accomplished”.

When visiting the pre-school the idea was born to build a new building. The walls of the present building were damp, moldy and crumbling due to the humid climate, and were not safe or healthy for the children. We presented the idea to Uncle Philip (the chief of the village), who enthusiastically offered to oversee the construction. He had a meeting with the village council and many of the men offered to help. We got started right away by hauling sand from a near-by riverbed to make bricks and digging the foundation.

Philip promised that on our next visit they will have the walls up. We left not sure if they really meant what they said, as often here in Africa we hear a lot of empty promises so we were hesitant, but deep in our heart we knew that the children needed a better place. We had offered to compensate the workers, but the beautiful thing was that the workers didn’t want to be paid right away as they wanted to complete the job first. Once back in South Africa we contacted a few people to see if they were willing to help, and some did. While on a visit to Italy I organized a fundraising dinner, which we dubbed “Mission Possible 1”, to raise funds for this school in Lesotho. Many people attended and we raised a substantial amount, which helped to pay for part of the materials. “Pioneers must have vision-vision to see what no one else can see; faith-faith to believe things no one else believes; initiative-initiative to be the first one to try it; courage-the guts to see it through!”

January 2014 we headed out on our third trip to Ha Semenyane. We were happily surprised to see the walls up. Philip kept his word; we were so trilled and encouraged by this sweet people. We were able to pay the worker and order the materials needed for the roof. In this remote part of Lesotho everything is imported from South Africa and the materials need to be transported by trucks on very rough dirt roads. Soon the school will be finished; it will be a new day for this remote village.

So this is our story so far of this project of providing a suitable and safe early learning centre for the young children in Ha Semenyane. Of course, this is not the end of our involvement in making this village a better place: The elementary school needs another class room as the classes are overcrowded. New toilet blocks are needed. For our next visit we are organizing a soccer tournament in which all the surrounding villages will participate. And we also have lots of activities planned for the children in this part of Lesotho.

This year in July we will held another fundraising dinner “Mission Possible 2”, hoping to generate more funds to help our friends in Ha Semenyane village, Lesotho. Will you help us too? “Nothing ever build arose to touch the skies unless some men dreamed that it should, some men believed that it could, and some men willed that it must!”.

Text by Romano Satanassi.

For more information:
www.familymission.net