Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) and Relationship Inspiring Social Enterprise (RISE) international have officially opened the newly built
headquarters that aims to be a hub for addressing the needs of the disabled. The event also saw graduation of the 2020 in loco cohort, the brains that designed and built these offices
that are accessible to people with disabilities. The project involved uplifting the LNFOD community through social enterprise such that their building does not only function as the day to day running office but also as a
means of generating income and offering a conference room for meetings. This unique building is designed such that it is easily accessible to people with and
without disability with the aim of bridging the gap between the two. LNFOD Chairperson Makotoko Matsolo appreciated RISE and all the stakeholders involved in the building of the
headquarters. Motsolo described LNFOD as an umbrella body of organizations helping the disabled in Lesotho aiming at a Basotho society that is accessible and
inclusive of all people that live in it. “Ever since its establishment, LNFOD has been trying to secure its own building, one that would be accessible to all
persons with disabilities. So we are deeply grateful to have partnered with RISE International, whose concept of fighting youth unemployment in Lesotho
through in loco won our hearts,” he said. He further expressed that they love the building because its structure allows and will sustain the independence of
LNFOD as an organization. Also speaking at the event, the Acting Minister of Social Development Hon. Keketso Sello appreciated RISE International for the precious gift, he said the Ministry of Social Development is committed
to provide people with disability social environment rights, “this can be achieved through various ways, thus my ministry will always support the efforts
such as this. I am making a special plea to chiefs and the community at large, especially the community in this area to make sure that these offices are protected,
it is up to the community to ensure that this offices live to benefit the coming generations,” Sello. Quoted in a joined press statement by the duo, LNFOD Executive Director Nkhasi Sefuthi said “Ever since
its establishment, LNFOD has been trying to secure its own building, one that would be accessible for all persons with disabilities. So, we are deeply
grateful to Mr. Elmar and Sedlaak from Austria for making our dream come true. We [are] grateful to have partnered with RISE whose concept of fighting youth
unemployment in Lesotho through in loco won our hearts. ” RISE Executive Director and Co-Founder Daniela Gusman said the project was funded by Austria with M800
000, she said the construction commenced in September 2020 and was completed in
April 2021 by 13 candidates. “This project also formed loco fellowship – a design, build and entrepreneurship program where young Basotho graduates from
the Built Environment sector are given the opportunity to gain work and field experience through ‘learning-by-doing’. This unique and brilliant group of nine
fellows graduate from the program to become in loco pioneers who will then become job creators in the near future”, Gusman informed. RISE international is a
non-profit social enterprise, working towards a world where sustainable social enterprises, created by local entrepreneurs from low income countries, are the
norm. RISE has been piloting an innovative learning-by-doing programme in Lesotho called in loco since 2017 with a view to expand to other African countries in the future. Through their professional network, RISE links aspiring social entrepreneurs to fundamental resources in order to fulfil their potential.
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