Thanks to David O’Rourke, Rory O’Riordan and Mark Barry for filming for us on this project in October 2008 - and a double thanks to David O’Dourke for putting these clips together for us.
This first clip shows footage from the actual build itself and give an idea of the scale of the project and a snapshot of the amazing volunteers. This is the first ever Safe House built in the country of Lesotho. It caters for orphans and vunerable children.
This second clip show us on our day off from building. We took a day trip up into the mountains and delivered clothing, toys and medical supplies from our 40ft container to the hospital in Seboche and a school in Phoku, both in the north of Lesotho and the area we are going back to for the build project in March 2010. In this video you will see a tent which is a calssroom. We are delighted to let you know that ACARA has now replaced with proper classrooms.
The ACARA Lesotho Build Project, founded by two Irish women, was established to build and facilitate the construction of Safe Houses, Schools and Medical Posts in Lesotho, Southern Africa.
In October 2008 the first ever Safe House in the country of Lesotho was built by 60 Irish Volunteers in just 14 days.
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.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact the ACARA Office:
Phone Today: 01 4784505
Email: info@acara.ie Web: www.acara.ie/lesotho
http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2008/DPM_COMMENDS_IRISH_VOLUNTEERS.php
The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs, Public Safety and Parliamentarian Affairs has commended ACARA Irish Volunteers for providing shelter for Orphans and Vulnerable children in Mafeteng.
Speaking during the handover of Matholeng orphanage on Friday Mr. Lesao Lehohla thanked ACARA Volunteers for the act of love they have shown in support of orphaned children of Lesotho.
He said that the initiative further strengthen the relations between Lesotho and Ireland, urging the Matholeng community to protect the building from destruction.
Irish Ambassador to Lesotho, Mr. Paddy Fay said he was proud of the effort made by the Irish volunteers in support of orphans and vulnerable children in the country.
‘Lesotho will benefit a lot from the Irish as there is plan of establishing computer laboratories in three districts to contribute in the development of education of Basotho children and one of those districts is Mafeteng,’ he said.
Also speaking, the Matholeng Support Group Manager Mrs. ‘Mamokhoenene Lehohla thanked ACARA for the great job done for homeless children in the district, appealing to the Matholeng community including beneficiaries to protect the building so that it would benefit their grand children.
She however wished the volunteers good luck on their way back to Ireland, adding that they will always remember them for the good work they have done in support of orphans and vulnerable children.
The building has been sponsored by the ACARA Irish Volunteers with MI.6 million and will provide a home for 46 homeless orphaned and vulnerable children in Matholeng, Mafeteng.
Present at the event included Members of Parliament in the district, District Administrator, Members of the Community Council and the Matholeng community.
The 60 ACARA Irish Volunteers that comprised young and old members left the country on Saturday.
ACARA was established to help charities reach their targets by providing high quality charity and corporate projects and challenges both in Ireland and overseas.
Source: LENA 25/10/2008
