Following on from a charity trek to Lesotho in 2007, ACARA Action Projects was founded by two Irish women: Colette O’Sullivan from Cork and Helen O’Malley from Dublin, and from this the ACARA Lesotho Build Project was established to build and facilitate the construction of Safe Houses, Schools and Medical Posts in Lesotho, Southern Africa. 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.
Both Colette and Helen had the good fortune to meet with the Lesotho Ambassador to Ireland, Mannete Ramail. 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. She spoke so passionately, the pride and love of her country were very visible to us. For us, we knew, it was the start of a life long attachment to Lesotho and its people.
The first ACARA Lesotho Build Project was completed in October 2008 by a group of 60 amazing 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, designed by an African Charity Send a Cow, 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.
To date ACARA Action Projects has built a Safe House facility for the orphans in Mafeteng, 2 classrooms in Phoku (a village in the mountains) and filled and shipped a 40ft container with clothing, toys and medical supplies. The next Lesotho build is happening October 2010 where our challenge is to build another 2 classrooms in the Mafeteng area and build a playground for the orphans at the Safe House.
If you require further information don’t hesitate to contact Colette on 086 8275582 or Helen on 087 6794356 or email info@acara.ie
