Africa-Press – Lesotho. A Fingal-based charity that has made a commitment to aiding the development of Lesotho has secured British Government help for an important school project in the country.
The British Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford visited Seboka Primary School in Ha Matala where The British High Commission in Lesotho sponsored two boreholes which have been installed as part of the Five Hub Schools project by Fingal-based aid organisation, Action Ireland Trust, in collaboration with Rise International and the Ministry of Education and Training.
This project takes a holistic approach as it engages schools and the surrounding communities where running water toilets, school kitchens, rain water harvesting facilities and food gardens for five schools in the Lithabaneng area are currently being built.
The focus is to develop resources and facilities in conjunction with developing personal skills through teaching and learning. The boreholes, together with the rain water harvesting systems will now provide a regular flow of clean running water to the schools, facilitating general good hygiene and frequent handwashing amongst learners and the schools’ community.
Francis Whelan CEO, Action Ireland Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to the British High Commission in Lesotho for making the learners’ lives better by funding this borehole at Seboka and shortly at Lithabaneng”.
In a continued effort to make impact in the lives of Basotho, the British High Commission is also hosting and facilitating community workshops on Covid-19 awareness in Lesotho.
The British Minister for Africa Vicky Ford upon her visit said: “It was a pleasure to come to Seboka Primary School and see the excellent work being done by Action Ireland Trust and rise with the support of the British High Commission in Lesotho.
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The boreholes at Seboka, and at Lithabaneg will ensure running water, safer toilets and a place for the children to wash their hands and make a difference to those who have learnt how to protect themselves during the pandemic.
Through the Five Hub Schools project, WASH (Water And Sanitation & Hygiene) Clubs have been established in the schools where teachers and local activists are teaching water conservation and harvesting, sanitation and life skills while using the mediums of art, music, poetry and computers to positively engage learners.
Action Ireland Trust’s Chairman, Niall Fitzgerald said that “our organisation continues to provide skills exchange programmes in education, healthcare, information technology, planning and development, architecture, construction, agriculture, sport and recreation. We are very grateful to the British High Commission for providing funding for the installation of two boreholes.
“The water provided will help establish a model school environment which will then hopefully be replicated throughout Lesotho along with the Child Friendly Schools concept which is free from corporal punishment, engages parents daily and follows a child- centred approach.
He said: “Lastly, we are thankful to all our partners, the Quinn Family Foundation for their sponsorship, and the Principals of the five schools for all their tireless work in the progression of this project.”
