A Charity Trek to Lesotho in May 2007 was the inspiration for two Irish women to set up the ‘ACARA Lesotho Build Project’. Lesotho is an independent country totally landlocked by South Africa and is one of the 6 poorest African Countries. There are over 180,000 orphans in Lesotho.

Colette O'Sullivan (from Cork) and Helen O'Malley (from Dublin) had the good fortune to meet with the Lesotho Ambassador to Ireland, Mannete Ramaili to discuss how ACARA could help make a difference in the lives of the Lesotho people.  

"This charismatic lady told us stories of the hardship of the Bosotho people. The need for schools especially in the mountainous areas and also an urgent need for medical centres where Mothers can bring their children for medical care and counselling. At the moment Lesotho has one of the highest rates in the world of people affect and infected by HIV and AIDS. She told us stories about the lives of the children that have been orphaned, loosing both their parents because of this disease.    The Ambassador, Mannete Ramili spoke so passionately, the pride and love of her country was very visible to us.  For us, we knew, it was the start of a life long attachment to Lesotho and its people."

The ACARA Lesotho Build Project was established to build and facilitate the construction of Safe Houses, Schools and Medical Posts in Lesotho. The ACARA House is a “Safe House” for vulnerable children who have been orphaned, in many cases through HIV / Aids. This facility enables the children to attend local schools, learn life skills, help them integrate within their community and lead a normal life like every child deserves.

The ACARA House is committed to helping the children build their self esteem and prepare them for life while in a safe environment.The Key Hole Garden plays a vital component to the ACARA Safe House facility as many children are currently benefiting from the vegetables and constantly planting more.  It was designed for use in African countries, especially Lesotho, where drought and flash rainstorms make the growing of vegetables very difficult. It’s a design that is easy for them to maintain and sustain which is very important in countries such as Lesotho. In October 2008 the first ever Safe House in the country of Lesotho was built by 60 amazing Irish Volunteers in just 14 days.

If you require further information don’t hesitate to contact Colette or Helen on 01 4784505 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it