Africa-Press – Lesotho. Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise (Rise) launched the commencement of construction of Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled‘s new inclusive headquarters on Wednesday at Naleli.
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is an umbrella body of organizations advocating for the rights of the people living with
disabilities in Lesotho and was established in 1989. In order for it to grow, it has joined hands with Rise international through the loco fellowship program to build offices that will serve as a beacon of hope for people living with disabilities in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the project, LNFOD Executive
Director Nkhasi Sefuthi indicated that LNFOD requires its own building in order to increase its independence and capacity as a civil society organization.
He said as a mother body, LNFOD has to practice what it preaches by having an inclusive and accessible building that can be used by all persons with disabilities without any difficulties.
“The building should also serve as a model for accessibility in Lesotho as a way of sending a strong message to
service providers to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities,” he insisted. Rise Representative Quinn Mohlokaqala announced that the construction of new LNFOD building
will be inclusive of all headquarters and will cost M500, 000. “The project will hire 12 graduates from various tertiary institutions who possess skills in
construction bases. These could be those who studied construction and civil engineering. It will commence in September and hopefully reach completion by
the end of February 2021,” he said. Also speaking on behalf of the donors Mohlokalaqa indicated that ground breaking has always been a historical moment.
“In this case ground breaking has a special significance for Australian construction company Sedlak
GmbH in collaboration with its implementing partners Diakonie and Brotfur die Welt,” he revealed. “Further, the building is not only for providing long
needed accessibility to LNFOD but also creating learning opportunities for Basotho Youth through Rise International in loco project,” he added. Mohlokalaqa said among other mandates for Rise
International is building a comprehensive future for all, especially the youth and entrepreneurs. He also highlighted that the building will be a visible example on how the society can learn jointly and become more inclusive through creating accessible spaces all over the country.
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