Information Guide 2016

Transcription

Community Development Internship
& Volunteer Programme
Information Guide 2016
Table of content
Introduction
3
1. About the programme Let’s Go Lesotho
4
1.1 An innovative way of working
4
1.2 Vision
5
1.3 Mission
6
1.4 Aim
6
1.5 Procedures
6
1.6 How to finance your trip
7
1.7 Visa requirements Lesotho
8
1.8 Intern/volunteer requirements
8
1.9 Conditions
9
2. The projects and costs in Lesotho
2.1 Project partner 1: Sport for development organisation in Maseru
10
10
2.2 Project partner 2: Implementing partner YAP Lesotho Olympic youth
organisation in Maseru
16
2.3 Project partner 3: Implementing partner network for people living with
HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
3. About the work
22
28
3.1 Tasks for interns and volunteers when working with children
28
3.2 Conditions for interns and volunteers in schools
29
3.3 Basic responsibilities and potential tasks in schools
29
4. Your living environment in Lesotho
32
4.1 About Lesotho
32
4.2 Living in a volunteer/guesthouse/student house
34
4.3 Living in a host family
34
4.4 Safety
35
4.5 Food
38
4.6 Surroundings & facilities
39
5. Your contact person
42
1
6. Contact information Let’s Go Africa
44
6.1 The Netherlands/Southern Africa
44
6.2 Ghana
44
Appendix 1: Registration form
45
Appendix 2: Preparations
47
Lesotho, Drakensbergen area
2
Introduction
Let’s Go Lesotho (LGL) is a programme of Let’s Go Africa Community Development
Internship & Volunteer Agency. The concept derived from a volunteer and internship
placement programme in Ghana that was initially part of The Dreams in Africa
Foundation. This Dutch foundation, started in 2010 by Noor van Hout as means of
financing The Friends Foundation, a local NGO focused on youth care, education and
development in Ghana. In cooperation with her brother, Roel van Hout, who has
studied, travelled and gained a lot of experience through developmental work in
Southern Africa as well, they decided to expand and professionalize the programme.
And so they did. Let’s Go Africa Community Development Internship & Volunteer
Agency is officially registered as a company in The Netherlands on the 25th of March
2014. Through our volunteer and internship placements, we aid organisations in the
forms of on-the-ground support and financial donations in Southern and West Africa.
Let’s Go Africa is designed to link people from around the world to local projects,
NGO’s (Non-Profit Organisations) in underdeveloped countries such as; Lesotho,
Botswana, South Africa and Ghana (West Africa). Simultaneously, the Let’s Go
Lesotho programme seeks to promote self-sustainability, empowerment and
development by providing practical support and financial assistance to local projects.
Through our local initiatives we aim to support and empower people in the
community to achieve a higher standard of living. Finally, LGL recognizes
education/training as an integral component of development. Therefore, the
programme focuses on the stimulation and expansion of educational/training
opportunities in all sectors to improve the quality of life for the poor, vulnerable and
needy people in these communities.
When you are interested to do an internship or volunteer work in Lesotho, we invite
you to read this Information Guide and hope it will provide greater insight into the
programme, the local projects and possibilities for volunteering and internships.
You can contact us for questions or comments any time.
Roel van Hout
Noor van Hout
Programme Manager Let’s Go (Southern) Africa
Programme Manager
The Netherlands
Let’s Go Ghana
3
1. About the programme Let’s Go Lesotho
1.1 An innovative way of working
Let’s Go Africa established the Let’s Go Lesotho programme out of carefully selected
partner organizations and supervisors that Roel has been working with throughout
his time spend in Southern Africa. Roel is your contact person regarding the LGL
programme and is closely connected to the people that you will be working with. The
partnership is established in 2014, when he visited all the partners in Lesotho and
had personal contact with all managers and supervisors involved within the local
partner organizations. Interns and volunteers will receive a preparation guidance
session and specific project description before they leave, so that they know what to
expect of the project, accommodation, culture, safety, living environment and
working conditions in Lesotho. In addition, we will assist you with making the
necessary arrangements before departure including; obtaining your passport, visa
application, vaccinations, flight ticket, health and travel insurance, money issues etc.
Advantages of the Let’s Go Lesotho Community Development Internship & Volunteer
Programme:

Quality of supervision and guidance: Supervision in Lesotho will mainly be
provided by a staff member within our partner organisation. Let’s Go Africa will
ensure that these people are qualified professionals that aim to assist
interns/volunteers with their project activities and school assignments where they
can. The project staff in Lesotho will be informed in advance about the
intern’s/volunteer’s personal information, preferences, project description, date of
arrival and the length of stay. They will lead them through their first few days and
introduce them to the Lesotho lifestyle, culture and will make sure that people feel
welcome, safe and comfortable during the rest of their stay. If there are any problems
or questions, they can always contact Roel in the Netherlands during their stay in
Lesotho. With our personal experience in working, studying and living in Southern
Africa we will do our outmost best to make sure you will have an amazing Lesotho
working experience!

Interns' and volunteer’s personal development and career opportunities: In
today’s global economy, cultural knowledge and sensitivity are a must. Going abroad
and live and work in a culture that will challenge you, stay in a rural community
among local people, with other interns that will support you and question you, with
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our experienced supervisors and local staff that will provide in -depth cultural
knowledge to you. Now that is an experience that will set you apart as a person and
gives your resume an extra boost! Most importantly, we work with programme
coordinators and local staff that have lived, breathed and call Lesotho and its peoples
their home. All of these things will push you, mould you, and challenge you.

Quality of placements: You will complete research projects, design
programmes, write reports, create workshops, implement activities and assist local
staff members in community development. You contribute directly into programme
and project development and implementation, building capacity that lasts. Simply
giving people from Western countries the opportunity to do quality work on the
ground or in the office to make a change, because these organizations and/or
communities do not have the resources for it.

Meaningful contributions: We believe that you need to spend significant time
at your placement organisation and you will need intensive guidance from your
supervisor and the project organisation’s staff throughout your entire stay. You want
to come and work with an organisation to contribute in community development, but
what exactly do you leave behind? What’s the significant “added value”? Where will
the local people remember you for? Let’s Go Lesotho is there not only to help you, but
also ensures that your efforts are meaningful and embraced by our partner
organisations even when you are gone. We do that by working from the needs of our
partner and creating a specific project description together that matches everybody’s
criteria (local partner, you and your university).

You pay less money than you would with other exchange organisations: with
the exception of a small cost to sustain the programme (organizational, guidance and
administration fee). The money paid by each intern and volunteer goes directly to the
local project (NGO) in Lesotho. This will cover your accommodation/project
expenses. After covering accommodation/project expenses, the remainder of the
money is used to support the local developing projects as well as to develop education
programmes for needy people in the community.
1.2 Vision
Let’s Go Africa Community Development Internship & Volunteer Agency is an
innovative and trustworthy mediation agency with a unique placement programme
for every intern and volunteer that wants to make a significant change in Africa. Let’s
5
Go Africa links young professionals from around the world to local projects and
organisations in Lesotho in order to foster international exchange, to build capacity
and to make an impact for all parties. We are experienced and specialized in long
term development that is empowered by the people in the communities. At the same
time, we aim to achieve personal development for our interns/volunteers through
personal guidance, contact with the people in the communities and the total
experience as a whole.
1.3 Mission
Let’s Go Lesotho aims to improve the well-being of people in the disadvantaged
communities via partner organisations by providing them with interns and
volunteers who contribute in development in Lesotho. The focus on the close
cooperation and continuous communication with our local partner organisations in
Lesotho are crucial to achieve long- term impacts for all parties involved. At the same
time, LGL will contribute to foster exchange and community engagement between
people world-wide, especially youth, in order to enhance Lesotho’s building capacities
and capabilities.
1.4 Aim
Let’s Go Lesotho selects and links interns and volunteers to projects (NGO’s) in
Lesotho via the programme coordinator/contact person who is directly connected to
the various organisations. Using this method, more money will reach and remain
where development is most needed. Hereby, the aim of this new initiative is; to
support local projects in Lesotho in order to help them achieve self sustainability and
independence.
1.5 Procedures
After reading the Information Guide, you can fill out the Registration form (Appendix
1) enclosed. After paying our registration fee of 50 Euro’s the contact person will
review your interests, skills and educational background (submitted through
application form and curriculum vitae). Subsequently, we will match your
preferences from the project of your choice (such as length of stay, type of work you
would like to do, expectations etc.) to the local project organisation in Lesotho.
Through this collaborative process (together with your school in case of an
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internship), an individualized ‘project description’ will be designed. Your
personalized plan will be discussed with you before departure and upon arrival in
Lesotho. Of course, this plan can always be changed according to your wishes or the
needs of the partner organization at the time. Once the ‘match’ is made, the contact
person will provide you with the forms that need to be filled out, as well as guidelines
and advice for trip preparation.
Programme costs (minus the registration fee) will be paid at least 2 months before
departure after all necessary documentation has been processed. All questions and
concerns regarding preparations/arrangements before departure will be addressed by
Roel, your contact person in the Netherlands. The organisation, supervisor and
people in Lesotho provide you with a working place, suitable working and living
conditions. In return for their hospitality we expect you to be very motivated, work
together in a professional way and deal with cultural differences with respect to reach
the desired results. To ensure this we ask you to sign our internship/volunteer
agreement.
1.6 How to finance your trip
You are probably enthusiastic about going on a life changing experience, but maybe
you are having some doubts on how to pay for all this. Understandable. That is why
we summarized some aspects to generate income and compare your living expenses
in your own country with those in Lesotho. Below we outlined some advice on how to
make your trip happen, perhaps preventing you from getting a financial headache.
1. First of all make a proper calculation for the total duration of your stay including;
programme costs for that period, ticket cost, visa, cost of living etc.
2. Because you’re not living in your own country at that time, make a calculation for
your total living expense (groceries, going out, transportation costs etc.) you would
have spend in your own country for the amount of time you want to go to Lesotho. So,
actually you can deduct this amount from your total cost of going to Lesotho. Don’t
count your rent (unless you found somebody to rent your room while you’re away)
and other bills you still have to pay in your own country.
* If you go for 3 months or longer we advise you to sublet your
room/house/apartment for the duration of your stay in Lesotho to reduce your costs.
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3. As a student in the Netherlands you probably receive a study scholarship from the
IB-groep. Remember that when you are still registered at home with your parents,
you can register yourself as living away from home for the duration of your
internship. When you are already registered away from home you can search for extra
scholarship/loaning possibilities if needed. The amount of money per month you
receive depends on your personal situation.
4. When you have an O.V. chip card as Dutch student, you can get a reimbursement
(use to be about €65 per month) when you stay longer than 1 month abroad. Please
check https://www.duo.nl/Images/8731_tcm7-411.pdf
5. Perhaps, it is a good idea to check online to see if your internship can be funded
through one of the many study scholarships for community development work
abroad.
6. We encourage interns and volunteers to go fundraising among family, friends,
acquaintances and companies to make it possible for you to contribute in community
development work within a local project in Lesotho. Be creative!
7. Check for more saving advices: http://www.reisjunk.nl/reistips/5x-geld-besparenom-te-reizen/ or other websites on how to cut down on your monthly expenses.
8. We can speak in the name of all former volunteers and interns of Let’s Go Africa;
this experience is simply priceless! Please read about the experiences of these people
on our website: http://www.letsgoafrica.nl/ervaringen/
1.7 Visa requirements Lesotho
Interns/volunteers can get a tourist visa on arrival for up to 14 days. There you can
request a residence permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration in Maseru,
Lesotho. Before booking your flight think about including a holiday period or not.
Make sure you do not stay longer than your visa allows you to, because you will get
serious problems! For more information on visa requirements please see appendix 2:
preparations.
1.8 Intern and volunteer requirements
In general you should be at least 18 years old to participate in this programme.
There are no strict requirements regarding educational background, but your
Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) will be examined to determine if you are a good fit for the
local project. Prospective interns and volunteers should have the following personal
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characteristics: responsible, independent, social, self-motivated, flexible and
adventurous. The minimum length of stay depends on your project and organisation,
but is normally 4 weeks for interns and 2 weeks for volunteers. However, we advise
interns and volunteers to stay for at least three months in order to develop a
good impression of the Lesotho culture & lifestyle and to make a significant
contribution to the project.
1.9 Conditions
1.
You are responsible for all the necessary arrangements before departure
(passport, visa, vaccinations, ticket, health and travel insurance, credit card, cash
money etc.), but of course we can assist you with these arrangements.
2.
You will pay a registration fee of €50 in order for us to start the process of
finding a suitable project for you, which is in line with your expectations. This fee will
be deducted from your programme costs (so it’s no extra cost), but is non-refundable
if you decide not to go after all. In case Let’s Go Africa cannot find a suitable project
at all for you, you will be reimbursed with €25.
3.
You will sign a contract stating that neither Let’s Go Africa (including your
contact person) nor the local project (NGO) are responsible, should anything happen
to you during your stay at the project.
4.
Because you will be working/living around vulnerable children, you need to
submit a Police Clearance Certificate before the start of your internship/volunteer
work at all of our projects in Lesotho.
5.
You receive a certificate (proof of participation) at the end of your stay at the
project.
Traditional houses, Lesotho
9
2. About the projects in Lesotho
Let’s Go Lesotho is there for people that want to make a change and that don’t want
to worry about finding a reliable project that is according to their needs or that of
their University and benefits the local community. Especially for people that do not
have much time to figure it all out. We will guide you from orientation and
preparation before you go, until the informal feedback session where you can share
your experience with us when you return. Our unique personal approach throughout
the entire process, offers high quality for the cheapest possible price because we are a
small organisation that has no personnel, office or other hidden costs.
LGL works in collaboration with different community development institutions, all
Non Governmental (and non-profit) Organisations (NGO’s) who are locally based in
Lesotho. Together with the volunteer/intern and the NGO we will investigate which
local project will suit you best. Most of our projects are located around the capital city
of Maseru, Mafeteng or the local town of Roma. The programme costs,
accommodation and LGL packages are different for each project partner. For more
detailed information you can contact us.
2.1 Project partner 1: Sport for development organisation in Maseru
Background
Organized by an UK Charity, this organisation has an innovative programme which
uses football to empower young people in developing countries. They tap into the
universal passion for the game by training groups of local coaches in basic football
coaching skills. Allied to this, their unique accredited curriculum offers modules on
HIV prevention and substance misuse (drugs, alcohol) which are then incorporated
10
into training sessions with youth teams, community groups, youth leagues and
tournaments. They stand in between Core funded organizations and funders on one
hand and the local community based organizations on the other hand. Different
partner organisations in the communities ensure practical results in life skills, social
development, literacy, numeracy, sports and other aspects that increase quality of life
of young people.
The young people who benefit are vulnerable - many are orphaned or disabled. They
have little access to sport and health education. The chance to play football in proper
kit and take part in a tournament can be a life-changing experience which raises their
confidence and self-esteem and builds valuable life skills. Occasionally professional
soccer players from the premier league come over and give soccer trainings for a
short period of time. So far, about 50,000 children have benefited from football and
HIV awareness sessions and over 1,000 coaches have been through their courses.
For information on other project destinations of this partner organisation such as
South Africa and Botswana, please contact us!
Vision
A world without poverty, injustice and inequality where people, regardless of cultural,
social and political divides, come together for mutual benefit, living in peaceful coexistence.
Mission
Implementing positive youth development using sport to achieve social change for
their partner organizations, coaching workforce (trainers) and the children in the
disadvantaged communities.
Aim
To train people according to certified standards, so that they can get a job and spread
the message on how to use sport and life skills as tools to increase the quality of life in
communities.
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Programmes
They facilitate their partners and distribute financial and material resources. The
office in Maseru is run by Ms. Jobo. Their implementing partners in Lesotho are
LENEPHWHA and YAP and are based in Maseru, Mafeteng and the rural areas of
Roma, Berea, Quthing, Qahasnek, Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe. Both organisations
have a strong emphasis on youth development and life and leadership skills, as well
as providing education on HIV prevention and awareness. This sport for development
organisation facilitates the following programmes:
- Girls education through football project; girls from disadvantaged communities are
stimulated to get education and learn about life skills through football programmes.
- Coach the coaches programme: to give vulnerable young people a chance to take
part in regular football activity. Teach them life skills and provide a safe place to learn
about HIV/AIDS and substance misuse. Act as positive role models especially for
children with no parents or regular carers. Tackle discrimination against women and
disabled people by adapting our courses and promoting inclusion.
- International Citizens Service; This international project is consists of a total of
7000 volunteers from the UK and Southern Africa. They disperse their volunteers
over their implementing partner organizations in Lesotho, Botswana and South
Africa, where they will do several activities regarding sport for development.
- Programmes from the partner organisations are very diverse e.g. sports & life skills,
life stock herd boys, teaching children literacy & numeracy, people with
disabilities/HIV or working at schools. Check the different partner organisations
described separately.
Lesotho team leaders with children
12
Project 1 possible fields of study in the office
- Development
- Management
- Administrative
- Sport
- Monitoring& Evaluation - ICT
- Business/policy
- Marketing
- Economics
Intern/volunteer profile
This facilitating sport for development organisation can place interns/volunteers in
their office and at their implementing partner organizations. Sport for development,
social work, teaching and health care activities with children in the field can be done
at one of the partners with assistance of the local community and your supervisor.
These different fieldwork partners and their projects are described individually in this
brochure. Projects in the office are in general on a higher skills level involving more
management, business, economics, marketing and administrative activities and
require a minimum length of stay of 3 months maximum 1 person at the time.
This project partner requires independent, dedicated and qualified individuals that
are able to work in the office on their own and as a team without continuous
supervision.
Location
The office is located in the centre of the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru. The
implementing partner organisations are located outside the city centre of Maseru and
spread over other towns across Lesotho.
Package costs
Project partner 1: Sport for development organisation in Maseru
Let’s Go Lesotho total package for project partner 1 office includes:
 Suitable project with project description according to all criteria
 Airport pick up from Maseru by supervisor/organization staff member
 Office work space with all necessary facilities such as Wi-Fi
 Accommodation (arrangements only)
 Experienced and qualified supervisor and contact person
 Support and guidance from the moment of registration until return back home
 Information guide; Let’s Go Lesotho
13

Introduction meeting; tips concerning preparations and stay in Lesotho. Please
bring your parents along when they are hesitant to let you go, we are happy to
answer all questions and show who we are.

Informal feedback session; how was your experience via Let’s Go Africa?

Certificate (proof of participation)
For interns:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
Total package
cost*
3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
* Price changes may occur.
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
€550
€650
€750
€73,50
€84
€94,50
Total package
cost*
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
Total
package
price*
€623,50
€734
€844,50
For volunteers:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
€400
€500
€600
€42
€63
€78,75
Total
package
price*
€442
€563
€678,75
Notices:
1. Currency values are liable to fluctuation without notice. The default currency is
the Euro.
2. The package costs cover your total LGL package and guidance fee.
3. Bank account information; 0006379975 in the name of Let’s Go Africa stating
your name + “Let’s Go Lesotho” IBAN: NL23 INGB 0006379975
BIC:INGBNL2A
Excludes:
 Airplane ticket (return)
 Visa application (/-extensions)
 Police Clearance Certificate
 Accommodation costs (see options below)
 Cost of living
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 Transportation (see options below)
 Vaccinations
 Health-/Travel insurance
 Internet-/ phone costs
 Other personal costs such as excursions in Lesotho
Accommodation options & prices
The total amount of accommodation
costs for your stay in a guesthouse/host
family will need to be paid upfront to
Let’s Go Africa, so we can transfer it to
the
owner
accommodation.
of
the
In
particular
the
rural
communities there is no running water,
so no showers and electricity must be
Maseru guesthouse
recharged after it runs out. Below you will find an overview of different price ranges
of accommodation. If you decide to organise your own student house you can make
your payment arrangements locally with the house owner. The costs for renting a
small house with two bedrooms and facilities are between €300-€400 p.m.
depending on the location. For more information on staying in a student house,
guesthouse or host family please see chapter 4.2 and 4.3 of this brochure. If you want
to organise your own accommodation that is according to your needs, please inform
Roel and your local contact person. Indicate where you are planning to stay, so we
can check if it is a suitable location. Your guesthouse or host family is in general close
to your project, but can be arranged elsewhere according to your needs.
* Prices are approximately the amount of Euro’s converted from Lesotho Loti with
the exchange rate at the time. Price changes may occur, please check
http://www.xe.com/
Length of stay in
Lesotho working in
office project
partner 1
Minimum of 3 months
Extra week
Extra month
Total price p.p. at
Guesthouse
(in Euros)*
Total price p.p. at
Home stay +meals
(in Euros)*
€780
€62.50
€620
€50
€250
€200
Transportation options & prices
15
There are 2 organization owned vehicles, but can only be used by the driver to take
people around in some exceptional occasions. Mostly the supermarket and projects
are in walking distance from your accommodation, if not you can easily make use of
public transportation in terms of mini buses. They are safe, cheap and cover almost
the whole country. There are also cabs that can be used, but u must make sure that it
is a reliable cab company.
If you decide to rent a car it is very expensive in Lesotho, but you can try to share the
costs with roommates or fellow volunteers/interns. The costs for car rental per month
are from €600 per month upwards, depending type of car. This comes down to at
least €20 per day for Lesotho. Rental cars works with all the biggest professional
rental companies in the world see http://www.rentalcars.com/ Please ask our advice
when renting a car, so we can help you finding the best price!
2.2 Project partner 2: Implementing partner YAP Lesotho Olympic
youth organisation in Maseru
YAP office
Background
Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP) is organised by the Lesotho National
Olympics Committee (LNOC) and aims to develop young people through sport, using
sessions focussing on life skills and HIV/AIDs awareness. This partner organisation
does mainly do programmes in the field. Their work area is: Maseru, Mafeteng and
the rural communities of Roma, Leribe and Mohale’s Hoek.
Vision
They aim to use sport as a tool to get children out of the community together and
teach them regarding different important topics such as drugs, alcohol, crime, sex,
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diseases, domestic violence and other life skills that can contribute to their happiness
and wellbeing.
Programmes
The YAP Olympic youth organisation has a strong emphasis on youth development
and life and leadership skills, as well as providing education on HIV prevention and
awareness. Volunteers/interns will deliver sessions on life skills, teambuilding
activities, Sports Days and Mini Leagues, Training Packages and organise play
sessions for girls, orphans and vulnerable children and herd boys, plus supporting
YAP ambassadors. YAP Ambassadors facilitate life skills sessions using Kicking AIDS
Out concepts, games, and
activities. They also have
sessions
on
gender
equality
and
hygiene.
Weekly sports and life
skills
program:
The
national associations of
different sports assists
with
coaching
the
sporting codes for each
sport with the following
youth target groups;
- Girls on the Move (9-15yrs); girls from disadvantaged communities are stimulated
to get education and learn about life skills through sport programmes
- Boys on the Go; boys from disadvantaged communities are stimulated to get
education and learn about life skills through sport programmes
- Orphans and Vulnerable Children (incl. street children); see programmes above
- Herd Boys (15-21 plus); life stock (sheep, cows) herd boys see programmes above
Project 2 possible fields of study
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- Sports
- Business
- Educational
- Social work
- Management
- Administration
- Child care
- Health
- Children's Rights Law
- Computer Science
- Construction
- Engineering
YAP youth organisation has no real minimum length of stay, but would like to see
people contributing as long as possible to make an actual change. This project partner
requires independent, dedicated and suitable individuals that are able to work in the
YAP office on their own and as a team without continuous supervision. The
international interns/volunteers learn a whole new culture and become part of a
Lesotho family, while also making a difference to the community!
Location
The office of YAP is located in the centre of the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru. They
have programmes in Maseru, Mafeteng and the rural areas of Roma, Mohale’s Hoek
and Leribe.
Package costs
Project partner 2: Implementing partner YAP Lesotho Olympic youth
organisation in Maseru
Let’s Go Lesotho total package for project partner 2 includes:
 Office work space with all necessary facilities such as Wi-Fi
 Introduction meeting; tips concerning preparations and stay in Lesotho. Please

Informal feedback session; how was your experience via Let’s Go Africa?

Certificate (proof of participation)
18
For interns:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
Total package
cost*
3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
For volunteers:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
€550
€650
€750
€73,50
€84
€94,50
Total package
cost*
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
Between 3-4 weeks
Between 1-3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
€300
€400
€500
€600
€31,50
€42
€63
€78,75
Total
package
price*
€623,50
€734
€844,50
Total
package
price*
€331,50
€442
€563
€678,75
Notices:
the Euro.
BIC:INGBNL2A
Excludes:
 Cost of living
 Transportation (see options below)
 Vaccinations
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Lesotho Capital city Maseru surrounded by mountains
The total amount of accommodation costs for your stay in a guesthouse/host family
will need to be paid upfront to Let’s Go Africa, so we can transfer it to the owner of
the particular accommodation. Below you will find an overview of different price
ranges of accommodation. If you decide to organise your own student house you can
make your payment arrangements locally with the house owner. The costs for renting
a small house with two bedrooms and facilities are between €300-€400 p.m.
depending on the location. In the rural communities there is no running water, so no
showers and electricity must be recharged after it runs out. For more information on
staying in a student house, guesthouse or host family please see chapter 4.2 and 4.3
of this brochure. If you want to organise your own accommodation that is according
to your needs, please inform Roel and your local contact person. Indicate where you
are planning to stay, so we can check if it is a suitable location. Your host family is in
general close to your project, but the guesthouse is further away from YAP so you will
need to get to the project daily most probably by minibus.
Length of stay in
Lesotho working
at project
partner 2
Total price p.p. at
Home stay +meals
(in Euros)*
Total price p.p. at
Guesthouse
(in Euros)*
20
Minimum of 3
weeks
Extra week
Extra month
€170
Minimum stay 1 month €270
€50
€200
€62.50
€250
http://www.xe.com/
For YAP, incidentally interns/volunteers can make use of transport provided by one
of their partners. In Maseru YAP uses the vehicle of the Olympic organisation. Mostly
the supermarket and projects are in walking distance from your accommodation. If
not, you can easily make use of public transportation in terms of mini buses. They are
safe, cheap and cover almost the whole country. There are also cabs that can be used,
but u must make sure that it is a reliable cab company.
If you decide to rent a car it is very expensive in Lesotho, but you can try to share the
costs with roommates or fellow volunteers/interns. The costs for car rental per month
are from €600 per month upwards, depending type of car. This comes down to at
least €20 per day for Lesotho. Rental Cars works with all the biggest professional
rental companies in the world see http://www.rentalcars.com/ Please ask our advice
when renting a car, so we can help you finding the best price!
21
2.3 Project partner 3: Implementing partner network for people living
with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
Background
PLWHA is a membership network of
people living with and affected by
HIV and AIDS. Support groups are
run to help members living with HIV
and
AIDS
and
to
combat
discrimination and stigma within the
country using sport as a basis to
engage young people in educating
around the facts and myths of
HIV/AIDS. The organisation also
works with orphans and vulnerable children. Their work area is: the city of Mafeteng
and the rural communities of Berea, Quthing, Qahasnek and of their partner Lanfod
located in Mohale’s Hoek.
Countries of the world have put in place various interventions in different sectors and
categories of the communities to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS and mitigate its
impact. Such interventions include prevention activities like HIV testing and
counselling (HTC), care, and support and treatment to name a few. People’s attitudes
and perceptions as well as utilization of the services provided under these
interventions have been influenced by different factors. One of these factors is stigma
and discrimination. Acts of stigma and discrimination have been observed in
different settings, and people who are living with and affected by HIV have expressed
the different degrees and forms that various groups and individuals have
experienced. People who are HIV infected continue to be blamed and labelled and
subjected to gossips, rejection by co- workers, families. These forms of discrimination
create and fuel fear to those who have not tested. Those who have not tested have
expressed fear of rejection, fear of blame, fear of losing lovers and partners and fear
of not sure how they would cope with HIV positive status.
22
Mission
PLWHA organisation aims to support members living with HIV and AIDS and to
combat discrimination and stigma within the country, using sport as a basis to engage
young people in educating around the facts and myths of HIV/AIDS.
Programmes
PLWHA has a strong emphasis on providing education on HIV/AIDS prevention and
awareness.
- HIV/AIDS anti discrimination and stigma project; plus educational sessions using
sport as a tool to tackle the different social issues
- Orphans and vulnerable children; volunteers/interns will deliver sessions on life
skills, teambuilding activities, Sports Days and Mini Leagues, Training Packages and
organise play sessions for orphans and vulnerable children
- Disabled children project; volunteers/interns will deliver sessions on life skills,
teambuilding activities, Sports Days and Mini Leagues, Training Packages and
organise play sessions for disabled children
- Nike Red: Female coaches out of the village are trained to educate girls/women aged
14-22+ from the community about life skills and women’s rights.
- Herd Boys (15-21 plus): poor life stock (sheep, cows) shepherds that are all over
Lesotho and are barely educated. They are given informal education through sport.
Project 3 possible fields of study
- Sports
- Business
- Educational
- Social work
- Management
- Administration
- Child care
- Health
- Psychology
- Economics
- ICT
- Physiotherapy
23
PLWHA organisation has no real minimum length of stay, but would like to see
people contributing as long as possible to make an actual change. This project partner
requires independent, dedicated and suitable individuals that are able to work on
their own and as a team without continuous supervision. The international
interns/volunteers learn a whole new culture and become part of a Lesotho family,
while also making a difference to the community!
Location
Their work area is: the city of Mafeteng and the rural communities of Berea, Quthing,
Qahasnek and of their partner Lanfod located in Mohale’s Hoek. You will be placed in
one of these locations depending on which project you want to work in.
Package costs
Project partner 3: Implementing partner network for people living with
HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
Let’s Go Lesotho total package for project partner 3 includes:
 Transportation (Bicycles provided by partner)
 Introduction meeting; tips concerning preparations and stay in Lesotho. Please
 Informal feedback session; how was your experience via Let’s Go Africa?
 Certificate (proof of participation)
24
For interns:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
Total package
cost*
3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
For volunteers:
Length of stay in
Lesotho
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
€550
€650
€750
€73,50
€84
€94,50
Total package
cost*
Tax (21% VAT
in Euros)
Between 3-4 weeks
Between 1-3 months
Between 4-6 months
More than 6 months
€300
€400
€500
€600
€31,50
€42
€63
€78,75
Total
package
price*
€623,50
€734
€844,50
Total
package
price*
€331,50
€442
€563
€678,75
Notices:
the Euro.
BIC:INGBNL2A
Excludes:
 Cost of living
 Other transportation (see options below)
 Vaccinations
25
The total amount of accommodation
costs for your stay in a guesthouse/host
family will need to be paid upfront to
Let’s Go Africa, so we can transfer it to
the
owner
of
the
particular
accommodation. Below you will find an
overview of different price ranges of
accommodation. It is possible to place
people in Mafeteng at local team leader
Team Leader David
David’s own house, for a cheaper rate. If you decide to organise your own student
house you can make your payment arrangements locally with the house owner. The
costs for renting a small house with two bedrooms and facilities are between €300€400 p.m. depending on the location. In the rural communities there is no running
water, so no showers and electricity must be recharged after it runs out. For more
information on staying in a student house, guesthouse or host family please see
chapter 4.2 and 4.3 of this brochure. If you want to organise your own
accommodation that is according to your needs, please inform Roel and your local
contact person. Indicate where you are planning to stay, so we can check if it is a
suitable location. Your host family is in general close to your project.
Length of stay in
Lesotho working
at project
partner 3
Minimum of 3
weeks
Extra week
Extra month
Total price p.p. in
Mafeteng at David’s
Home stay +meals
(in Euros)*
Total price p.p. at other
Home stays + meals
(in Euros)*
€100
€170
€25
€100
€50
€200
http://www.xe.com/
26
PLWHA has bicycles available for interns/volunteers to get around. Mostly the
supermarket and projects are in walking distance from your accommodation. If not,
you can easily make use of public transportation in terms of mini buses. They are
safe, cheap and cover almost the whole country. There are also cabs that can be used,
but u must make sure that it is a reliable cab company. If you decide to rent a car it is
very expensive in Lesotho, but you can try to share the costs with roommates or
fellow volunteers/interns. The costs for car rental per month are from €600 per
month upwards, depending type of car. This comes down to at least €20 per day for
Lesotho. Rental Cars works with all the biggest professional rental companies in the
world see http://www.rentalcars.com/ Please ask our advice when renting a car, so
we can help you finding the best price!
Children in front of Lesotho’s traditional houses
27
3. About the work
For every intern/volunteer we match the needs from the specific projects to your
personal needs and conditions of your school/university. In order to create
sustainable development we aim to find the type of people and projects that connect
to the policy needs of the local partner. Let’s Go Lesotho advices people to stay longer
periods of time in order to create a significant difference for the partners and people
in the communities. Each intern/volunteer will therefore get its own package that
consists of activities that are according to the preferences of all parties. Below you will
find some tasks that are related to field work with children and schools in the
community.
3.1 Tasks for interns and volunteers when working with children
- The general work in a home-based care institution can be done as a ‘children’s care
assistant’. This means that you guide the children and supervises their day to day
chores and activities in the morning, afternoon and sometimes in the evening
(outside school hours). For example, you guide and assist the little ones (aged under
10) to brush their teeth, sweep, bath, dress for school, take breakfast, wash clothes
etc. This is to encourage the children to live clean lives in a clean environment. You
can organize activities with them or share games and toys to play with them. If you
would like you can assist with preparing supper. In the afternoon or evening, after
taking supper, you can encourage and assist the children in doing their homework. If
children are sick you can support them and assist them to the clinic or hospital.
- You can organize sport activities for the children. Be creative and try to ensure that
you hand over your activities to a staff member, so that it becomes a structural daily
aspect when you are gone.
- Next to these childcare tasks you can assist the project manager or staff in their
administrative activities. For example; writing letters, sending e-mails, making
calculations, fundraising etc.
- In consultation with the project manager you can develop and teach your own
education lessons on important and also cultural relevant educational subjects for the
children. It’s very important that the subject corresponds with cultural values and
standards of the local people in the community.
28
- Provide extra attention/education on children’s basic reading and writing skills in
English. Some children can’t even speak proper English, so than you need a
translator, who speaks the local language, to assist you in educating them. - Design
your own research to investigate the quality of life of the vulnerable children that the
local partner works with for example. Your contact person can also assist you with
choosing an interesting and useful subject to investigate.
- Other side activities are depending on the situation and needs of the home at that
time. For example, helping with renovating, construction or painting.
3.2 Conditions for interns and volunteers in schools
Interns and volunteers are expected to have, at minimum, a sustained and reflected
(via CV and cover letter) interest in some or all of the following areas: Early
Childhood Education, Social work, Psychology, Dance & Drama education, English,
Math,
Creative
Science,
Arts,
ICT,
Physical
Education, Physiotherapy,
Middle Grades Education
and/or Rural Educational
access. Interns should be
working towards (or have
completed) a bachelor’s
degree
(or
equivalent
work experience) in a field
related to these topics and
interests.
Interns
Assisting the teacher in class
pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Education are preferred. Interns should
be comfortable speaking in front of groups, creating lesson plans and curriculum, and
working with a team of individuals. Interns should have demonstrable experience
teaching or working with groups of young children. Any certifications are a plus and
should be included in the CV or cover letter.
3.3 Basic responsibilities and potential tasks in schools
Interns and volunteers will receive supervision and need to cooperate with the
headmaster of the school, the teachers and assistant (non-teaching) staff.
29
- Assist with and/or (dependent on experience and qualifications) teach a class in
your specific field of study (Math, Science, ICT, Creative Arts, English, Physical
Education or Religious and Moral Education). You can teach in different classes,
from Nursery until Junior Secondary School. This depends on your own knowledge
and skills. You can also assist the class teacher in class and with correction work.
- Assist in any other daily (extra) activities, including but not limited to: community
based outreach, writing of curriculum, assessments, workshops, training of teachers
and reviews of individual children.
- Train the teachers: Presentations and workshops about various subjects, like for
example; HIV/Aids, Life skills, First Aid, Tree of Life method, Youth development,
Learning-/behavioural difficulties and disorders, Project-/ Time management etc.
will support and advise the teachers.
- Offer extra personal attention and guidance to students, who face learning-/
emotional-/behavioural difficulties or disorders (ex: dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD,
Autism etc.). Substance abuse, domestic violence and crime are common problems
among children in Lesotho. Student’s problems in school and at home should be
discussed together with the teacher and parents concerning the student. Parents can
also be educated on certain development problems of their child. But, first assess the
situation because the parents are sometimes the cause of the situation. Always
discuss these kind of issues with the school staff first and be mentally prepared for
traumatized children, shocking stories and avoid possibly dangerous situations at all
times. Never go on home visits just by yourself!
- Conduct a help class or offer
together with the local teachers
extra classes for students, who are
behind in certain subjects. The
focus
should
be
reading
and
spelling in native/local language,
English
language,
Mathematics
and
as
well
as
homework
assistance. Arts and sports can be
added to the programme to relax
the student’s minds.
30
- If necessary start a special education programme for children from class 1, 2 and 3
with learning and attention difficulties, who are behind in spelling and reading. The
earlier you start supporting and treating a child who is behind in his/her
development, the better!
- Provide capacity development services by aiding the school staff to set up a website,
update and streamline administrative systems, and develop fundraising campaigns
aimed at bringing in resources (such as computers) to the school.
- Design your own research to investigate the quality of education in the school for
example and give recommendation about how to improve the school programme so
that students will benefit more from it. Your contact person or local supervisor can
also assist you with choosing an interesting and useful objective to investigate.
Time commitment: It is preferred that interns be able to commit to teaching a full
term (September-December or January-July).
Capital city of Maseru
31
4. Your living environment in Lesotho
4.1 About Lesotho
Lesotho (le-soo-too), officially the
Kingdom of Lesotho, is an enclaved
landlocked
country
completely
surrounded by South Africa. The
name Lesotho translates roughly
into the land of the people who
speak Sesotho. It is just over 30,000
km2 in size and has a population
slightly over two million. Its capital
and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
About 40% of the population lives below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a
day.
Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. It’s beautiful, culturally rich, safe,
cheap and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg (South Africa). The
contrast with South Africa could not be more striking, in both post-apartheid attitude
and topographical extremes. Even a few days spent in Lesotho’s mountain air will
give you a fresh perspective on the continent. This is essentially an alpine country
where villagers on horseback in multi-coloured balaclavas and blankets greet you
round precipitous bends. The hiking and trekking – often on a famed Basotho pony –
is world-class and the infrastructure of the four national parks continues to improve.
The 1000m-high ‘lowlands’ are the scene of low-key Lesotho life, with good craft
shopping around Teyateyaneng and the capital, Maseru. But be sure to head inland
into the valleys and mountains, where streams traverse an ancient dinosaur
playground.
This
is
genuine
adventure
travel
for
more
info
check
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/lesotho/places
History
Neighbouring South Africa has always cast a long shadow over Lesotho, fuelling a
perpetual struggle for a separate identity on an ever-diminishing patch of territory.
The first inhabitants of the mountainous region that makes up present-day Lesotho
were the hunter–gatherer people known as the Khoisan. They have left many
32
examples of their rock art in the river valleys. Lesotho was settled by the Sotho
peoples in the 16th century. King Moshoeshoe (pronounced ‘mo-shwe-shwe’ or
‘moshesh’) is the father figure of Lesotho’s history. He began life as a local chief of a
small village. Around 1820 he led his villagers to Butha-Buthe, a mountain
stronghold, where they survived the first battles of the difaqane (forced migration),
caused by the violent expansion of the nearby Zulu state.
Lesotho’s existence is attributable to a quirk of history and fortuitous timing. In the
1880s, direct British rule was deeply resented by the local population as an
infringement on Basutholand’s freedom and sovereignty. Little were they to know
that British occupation would secure the future independence of Lesotho as other
kingdoms fell under the South African umbrella. All because at the precise moment
when the Union of South Africa was created, Basutholand was a British Protectorate
and was not included in the Union. The Basutholand Congress Party (BCP) won the
1960 elections and demanded full independence from Britain. This was eventually
agreed to; independence came into effect in 1966. However, at the elections in 1965
the BCP lost to the BNP and Chief Jonathan became the first prime minister of the
new Kingdom of Lesotho which allied itself with the apartheid regime across the
border. In late September 1998 it called on the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) treaty partners, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, to help
restore order. Troops, mainly South African, invaded the kingdom. Rebel elements of
the Lesotho army put up strong resistance and there was heavy fighting in Maseru.
The government agreed to call new elections, but the political situation remained
tense with the spectre of South African intervention never far away. Political
wrangling delayed the elections until May 2002. The LCD won again and Prime
Minister Mosisili began a second – and peaceful – five-year term.
Climate
Lesotho’s climate is a mixture of temperate and sub-tropical influences, with
surprising extremes of temperature ranging from winter minimum temperatures,
which can drop below freezing around July, up to summer maximums of over 32°C.
33
For more information about Lesotho, check out our website www.letsgoafrica.nl. Go
to media to get a good impression through photos, videos and experiences described
by former interns and volunteers.
4.2 Living in a volunteer/guest house/student house
For all projects, accommodation in home stays is very cheap in the Let’s Go Lesotho
package and the accommodation in the guesthouse is a bit more expensive. The
different accommodation options and costs are described for each project. In general
the costs are higher when you require more luxury and privacy. It is up to you where
you would like to stay, but if you want to organize your own accommodation please
discuss this with your contact person at all times. Safety is first priority!
The volunteer/guest house in Maseru is very spacious and nice. Preferably it must be
occupied by at least two people, but exceptions can be made sometimes. The rent,
water and electricity are included in the accommodation costs. There will be security
at the gate of the compound and you might be living with other volunteers or interns
(perhaps from other countries). Please treat this guest house as your own place, so
with respect and always follow instructions from the owner/housekeeping staff. Keep
in mind you are a guest in another country.
With some projects you have to opportunity to rent your own student house. The
costs for renting a small house with two bedrooms and facilities are between €300€400 p.m. depending on the location. Utility costs will be higher in the winter and for
bigger houses like the guesthouse, so the price can be a little higher in the Lesotho
winter period. However, we advise you to stay in a host family because it’s an
experience on its own. Mostly because of the distance between the guest/student
house and the projects you will be working at, but also because it’s relatively
expensive compared to the stay in a host family.
4.3 Living in a host family
Most host family homes are on a walking distance from the project and sometimes
these home stays also host ICS volunteers from the UK. A risk assessment has been
done, so that they are safe and reliable. According to former volunteers these host
families are often the best part of their whole experience. The family provides you
34
with all your basic needs; your own room, mostly two meals a day (because during
lunch time you will be at the project most of the time) and a comfortable and safe
place to live. Of course you can also make your own lunch pack in the morning before
you leave to work. They will also keep the house as clean as possible for you, so please
do the same for them. The daily life at a host family is very enjoyable. The family is
very courteous and respectful of
your wishes and privacy and
they will always greet you with a
warm
and
friendly
smile.
Although you have a lot of
freedom and space, you have to
remember that you are living in
their
remember
home.
to
Therefore,
respect
their
wishes, rules and privacy too.
4.4 Safety
Lesotho is general much safer then South Africa. But, like many other places in
today's world crime can be a problem, but all you need to do is take the usual sensible
precautions and follow some basic safety rules. Do not be afraid for things that might
happen to you or stories on crime in Lesotho, but always be cautious, follow these
advices and trust your instinct. Don’t trust strangers! If you feel like you want to have
more information on safety or other topics regarding your trip to Lesotho, please
contact Roel as he is very experienced. When you arrive in Lesotho, feel free to ask
your questions to your supervisor or local contact person at all times. Your safety
must always be the first priority, before experiencing all the beauty the Mountain
Kingdom has to offer you.
Crime is relatively low in Lesotho. Of course, that is no guarantee nothing will
happen, but at least you drastically reduce the risk by taking advice from your
supervisor and host family on safety matters when going out of the house. Check
beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe, by asking your reliable contacts
about it. Other important advice is to never hitchhike, or don't accept or carry items
for strangers. Try to always go out, walk around and go home with a group of people
35
at night and let people know where you’re going. Never ignore safety warnings from
local people, because they never warn you without a good reason! Know where you're
going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don't walk
alone in dodgy areas and always lock your doors when you leave the house and at
night. And, like anywhere else, there are some areas of the major cities that are
known to be more risky than others. It is easy to avoid these and still have a good
time. If you cannot avoid such areas, then don't wear visible jewellery or carry
cameras and bags over your shoulder. Limit the amount of money you carry on you
and keep mobile phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see or reach
them.
Dangers & annoyances
Keep off high ground during electrical storms and avoid camping in the open. In the
highlands, school children and herd boys may request ‘sweets! sweets!’; responding
to this encourages begging. On the last Friday of the month, when many people are
paid and some of them get drunk, things can get boisterous and occasionally
aggressive.
Vehicle safety (especially when crossing the border to South Africa)
When driving a private vehicle, either borrowed or hired, take some simple
precautions to avoid car hijackings or "smash-and-grabs". As a driver, be on the alert
when coming to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when arriving at or
leaving any premises. If you do not trust the situation, continue driving carefully even
when the traffic lights are red. Car doors should always be locked, also while driving,
and valuables are better kept in the boot or under the seats. Plan your route
beforehand. Make sure the map you consult is a current one. When parking at night,
choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually
ask whether they can watch over your car, and in return should be paid a small fee –
anything from R5 upwards. Always take out the radio and leave the dashboard cabin
empty and open (to show there is nothing valuable in your car) when you park. Do
not give people a reason to smash your window and steal whatever is in your vehicle.
Only use reputable taxi, travel/tour operators and transport services. If you're not
sure, ask your supervisor/host family to recommend a service provider for you.
36
Dangers of the Ocean (in case you go on holiday to South Africa)
In South Africa, Cape Agulhas is the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean (colder
current towards Cape Town) and the Indian Ocean that covers the rest of the shore to
the East. These waters are infested with all kinds of sharks, of which the Great White
Shark and the Tiger Shark (make sure you are in a cage or on a boat when you see
them), and other animals that are much bigger (Whales) or deadlier (Jelly fish e.g.)
then you. This should however not prevent you from going in the water, but always
ask local people for advice when going for a swim or a surf. This must not be your
biggest concern when you are going into the sea, because statistically you are way
more likely to face Mother Nature’s true power, the current! Even though you are a
really good swimmer the current should never be underestimated. The South African
shore is enormous and in every area the power of the ocean is totally different
and can be very dangerous! We are talking about strong undercurrents and rip
currents that can drag you into the sea when you are only still standing in the water
until your knees. Never swim at night, never swim alone, never ignore signs, always
ask and follow advice of local experts and make sure lifeguards are on duty. The same
rules apply for people that go surfing, because even your board will not safe you if
Mother Nature is in a bad mood. Always watch each other’s back and make sure you
can quickly get help when someone is in trouble. First get to the lifeguards and alert
people around you, before deciding to do an heroic act.
37
ATM safety
When using automatic teller machines (ATM’s) in Lesotho, practice the generally
accepted safety precautions you would employ when at home. Never accept an offer
from a stranger to help you with your transaction. Be alert and watch that no one is
looking over your shoulder or steals your card when you turn your back. Do not let
anybody distract you while standing at the ATM. Take the biggest amount of money
and your cards straight to a safe place in your accommodation and only carry the
necessary amount of cash on you. If your ATM card is withheld by the machine,
approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can be found at the
ATM. Report stolen or lost cards immediately.
Hostel or hotel safety
Never leave your luggage and other possessions unattended. Know where your things
are. Remember to store valuables in the safety deposit box and keep your room
locked at all times. The cleaning personnel cannot be trusted so make sure you keep
your valuables at a safe place at all times. Don't leave your room keys lying around;
rather hand the key in at the desk when you leave.
Emergencies
In Lesotho, you can call the police by dialling 123, the firemen by dialling 122 and
hospital by dialling 121 and briefly explain what happened. This call is free from any
phone box or landline. Inform your supervisor or local contact person
immediately and contact Roel as soon as possible.
Lost passports
It's a good idea to travel with certified photocopies of your valuable documents,
keeping the originals in a safe place. If you lose your passport, report the loss as soon
as possible to the Lesotho Police Service, as well as to your country's embassy or
consulate in Lesotho.
4.5 Food
Discover the many flavours of Lesotho, whose historical influences from Africa,
Europe, British, Malaysia have all contributed to this interesting mix. Lesotho's food
culture features potato, seafood, rice and vegetables. Corn based dishes include
38
mealie pap, a maize porridge. There are also stews made with peanuts. The South
African influence in the Lesotho kitchen is quite big and known for its beans, curries
and the beloved braai. So, it is diverse and above all delicious. There are also famous
food chains in the big shopping malls such as Pick and Pay supermarket, Mac
Donald’s, KFC and many great restaurants. If you have special food habits please let
us and your possible host family know in advance. If you live with them, please
consult them when you decide to eat out of the house for breakfast or supper. If you
live in a guesthouse or volunteer house you usually have to take care of your own
meals. Cooking facilities are present and you will find small shops in town and mostly
the supermarket is in the neighbourhood.
4.6 Surroundings & facilities
What is the capital city?
Maseru is the capital and largest city of Lesotho. It is also the capital of the Maseru
District. Located on the Caledon River, Maseru lies directly on the Lesotho-South
Africa border. Maseru is Lesotho's capital city with a population of approximately
227,880 (2006). The city was established as a police camp and assigned as the capital
after the country became a British protectorate in 1869. When the country achieved
independence in 1966, Maseru retained its status as capital. The name of the city is a
Sesotho word meaning "red sandstones".
I'll be able to phone home?
With a mostly digital network that includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and
satellite communication, Lesotho has a well developed telecommunications network.
Mobile-cellular service dominates the market and is expanding with a subscribership
of roughly 65 per 100 persons in 2011. A lot of people in Lesotho own mobile phones,
many using them to access the Internet. You can easily call with your own mobile
phone in Lesotho. You only have to check if your phone is a trial band phone and if it
is SIM-lock free. Most new mobile phones have this automatically. When you arrive
in Lesotho, you can buy a cheap SIM-card + credit from Vodacom (or other provider).
It works like a pre-paid card in Europe, but you have to register your SIM-card with
your ID when you purchase it. If you keep on using your European provider it will
cost you a lot of money.
39
How is the Internet?
Usually, a decent WIFI connection is available at the project, your accommodation or
at some of the restaurants in the city. The Internet speed varies depending on the
connection and the location. Besides WIFI you can also purchase internet credit for
your mobile phone at all kinds of shops and even in the supermarkets. You have to be
careful if you use your USB-Flash Drive or Digital Camera in the Internet café due to
viruses.
Post Office: There are post offices in most towns. You can use the address; PO box of
the project you are staying.
What currency can I use in Lesotho?
The unit of currency is the Maloti (M), which is made up of 100 Liesente. The Maloti
is fixed at the value of the South African rand; rands are accepted everywhere but
Maloti are not accepted back in South Africa. The only foreign-exchange banks (Bank
of Lesotho, Nedbank and Standard Bank) are in Maseru.
Rural village of Roma
How is the medical care?
There are small clinics in the villages for minor problems and bigger hospitals in
towns and the city (privet/government). In the big hospitals they have all the Western
equipment and knowledge. The doctors however, might have a different approach
from what you are used to. Sometimes they do not provide much information or
40
explanation. They can be easily insulted if you ask for information because they think
you doubt their treatment or knowledge in medicine. However, it is important to use
your own judgement. If you would like to get more information, simply say that you
do not understand it and you would like some more explanation.
Can I drink the water?
Although there is drinkable tap water available in Lesotho's urban areas, we advise
you not to drink straight from the tap. It is better not to take any risks if it is not
necessary. Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, is readily available in most
places. In some areas, the tap water is mineral-rich, and you may experience a bit of
gastric distress for a day or two, but in general nothing really bad can happen from it.
Is it true that there are robots on the street corners?
Yes, there are. In Lesotho, traffic lights are known as robots, although no one knows
why.
Will I get to see wild animals?
The wildlife of Lesotho is composed of its flora and fauna. Lesotho has 60 species of
mammals and 339 species of birds. You can find monkeys, wild cats, different type of
dears, foxes and donkeys in Lesotho. But for the big five game safaris you will have to
cross the border to South Africa to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard and rhino’s
and hundreds more species in their natural environments. One of the world's first
wildlife conservation areas is South Africa's Kruger Park, more than a century old.
Today it is part of a single broad conservation area that spans private and public
game parks and stretches across national borders into neighbouring Mozambique
and Zimbabwe.
Always close windows and doors
and don’t carry food or drinks
around Baboons
41
5. Your contact person
My name is Roel van Hout and I live in Cuijk, The Netherlands. I studied Sport,
Health Management (BA) and thereafter I did my Masters degree in Sport,
Recreation and Exercise Science at the University of the Western Cape in South
Africa. In 2013, my scientific article was published on the relation between sport and
quality of life; (“Participation in sport and the perceptions of quality of life of high
school learners in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, South Africa”). I specialized in
developmental work and project management in mainly Southern Africa through
several years of study and work experience.
From an early age, I have travelled and volunteered abroad in countries in all
continents; Europe, Asia, Australia, North –and South America and Africa. These
experiences shaped my interests in other cultures and my desire to empower underprivileged and vulnerable people in developing countries. In relation to my studies, I
am especially interested by the positive impact that sport can have on the lives of
children living in disadvantaged communities, when implemented in the right way.
Children are the future leaders of every nation and they have the right of good
education and opportunities to grow. With my previous experiences, acquired
knowledge and skills in the Netherlands and abroad, I aim to make a difference.
During my Bachelor study in 2006 I went to South Africa for the first time for a 6
month internship in Grabouw. The country, its people and the whole experience with
my fellow students made a life changing impact on me. Therefore, I decided to go
back in 2009 to visit my South African friends and I decided to apply for a study at
the University of the Western Cape. After finishing my study, I knew that I wanted to
pursue development work in African countries. So, I decided to look for voluntary
work and found something at a programme of Skillshare International in Cape Town.
Besides that I also visited other African countries like Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana,
Zimbabwe, and the Let’s Go Ghana projects as well. After these experiences, I realized
that the saying; ‘You can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you!’ is really true for
me in particular.
All together I spent years studying, working, travelling and living in Southern Africa,
and established a network of trusted people. The local supervisors at the projects will
42
be people that are part of my network and will continuously be in close contact with
you in Lesotho and me in the Netherlands. I will assist you as an intern/volunteer
before, during, and after your working experience at all times. With Let’s Go Africa I
want to offer people around the world the same opportunity that I had; going to an
African country in order to contribute in community development and experience the
way of life in one of the most beautiful countries on this continent. Let’s Go and come
back with an unforgettable and life changing experience. Find out yourself why
Lesotho is called the Mountain Kingdom.
Roel van Hout
General Manager/Programme Manager Let’s Go Lesotho
43
6. Contact information Let’s Go Africa
6.1
The Netherlands/Southern Africa
General manager Let’s Go Africa
Programme
manager
Let’s
Go
Lesotho,
Botswana & South Africa
Roel van Hout
Korhoenderveld 44
5431 HH Cuijk
The Netherlands
E-mail: roel@letsgoafrica.nl /
vanhoutroel@hotmail.com
Website: www.letsgoafrica.nl
Mobile Nr: (0031) (0)6-45197822
Phone Nr: (0031) (0)485-321193 (only call this number when cell number is unavailable)
6.2
Ghana
Programme manager Let’s Go Ghana
Noor van Hout
P.O. Box SW 63
Agona Swedru C/R
Ghana
E-mail: noor@letsgoghana.nl /
noorvanhout@hotmail.com
Website: www.letsgoafrica.nl
Mobile Nr: (00233) (0)54-1082283
44
Appendix 1: Registration form
In order for us to know what you expect from your trip
in Lesotho and to match this to one of our projects, we
kindly ask that you fill out this registration form. Let’s
Go Africa wants to make sure you are getting everything
out of this experience. We would therefore ask you to
pay the registration fee, so we can start searching for a
suitable project for you.
Please transfer €50 to Let’s Go Africa stating your name + “Let’s Go Lesotho reg.fee”
IBAN: NL23 INGB 0006379975 and send us your registration form.
Personal information
1. Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss………………...……..……………………………………………....
2. Date of Birth:……………………....…Age:………
3. Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………….…
4. Zip code:……………………………………………
5. Hometown/City:………………………………………………………………………....................
6. Country:……………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. Telephone nr. (incl. country code):..…………………………………………………………….
8. Mobile phone nr.:……………………………………….……………………………………………..
9. Email address:…………………………………………………………..……………………………...
10. Occupation:……………………………………………………………………………......................
11. Last completed study: ………………………………………………………………………………..
12. Date of Graduation: …………………………………………………………………………………..
13. Other Diploma’s/Courses: ………………………………………………………………………….
14. Marital status: …………………………………………………………………………....................
15. Active religion (if any): ………………………………………………………………………………
Special care/needs
16. Important medical information:…………………...…………………………………………….
17. Use of medication:……………………………………………………………………………………..
18. Allergies:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
19. Diet or vegetarian:…….……………………………………………………………………………….
In case of an emergency please warn:
45
20. Name:…………………….………………………………………………………………………………...
21. Relation to contact person:…………………………………………………………………………
22. Telephone nr.: …………………………………………………………………………………………..
23. Email address: ……………………………………………………………..…………………………..
Experiences
24. Have you ever worked within community development before?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
……………………………………………………….…………………………………………………..……..…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
25. Why do you want to work in community development in Lesotho?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
26. What do you expect to see, do or experience in the project?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
27. Departure date:.................................... Return date:.............................................
28. Duration of internship/volunteer work:...............................................................
Notice: If you have any questions you can address them to your contact person; Roel
van Hout. I, hereby declare to pay the registration fee and provide LGA with the
Police Clearance Certificate. Name:...............................................................
Date:……………………………………..
Signature:……………………………………………
46
Appendix 2: Preparations
In this appendix, we want to provide an overview on what you’ll need to prepare for
your internship/volunteer work. The information on these pages is not exhaustive, we
will send you some more information as soon as you’re accepted to the programme,
and of course you can always contact your contact person with any questions you may
have!
Flight & Travel
Lesotho has only one international airport located in Maseru. The easiest and
cheapest is to fly via Johannesburg and from there on to Maseru with smaller low
cost airlines such as South African Airlink/Airways. Johannesburg is serviced by
many different international airlines such as British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Virgin
Atlantic, Turkish Airways, South African Airways and others. All interns/volunteers
are responsible for booking their own flights and sending the flight itinerary to Let’s
Go Lesotho, so we can organize your airport pick-up. Upon arrival, you will be
awaited at the airport by your supervisor or a staff member of the local project.
Depending on your arrival time, you will be given an orientation tour and brought to
your accommodation. Before beginning your internship you will have some time to
settle in. When returning back home, airport drop offs should be arranged by
yourself. Of course, it’s always possible to ask a staff member or your supervisor to
bring you to the airport reimbursing them with the transportation costs if necessary.
Let’s Go Lesotho does not provide its interns and volunteers with health or travel
insurance. However, we strongly urge all interns/volunteers to purchase health or
travel insurance and we take no responsibility for a volunteer’s decision to not
purchase such protection against any loss or fatality.
Packing List
Below you will find a packing list to help you get
organized before you arrive in Lesotho.
•
Mosquito/Insect repellent (30% DEET and
up)/citronella/mosquito coils
•
Sun-Block & after sun
•
Camera
•
Unlocked cell phone (you can also purchase a phone when your there)
47
•
Guide and travel books about Lesotho (like Lonely Planet)
•
Toiletries (Moisturizer, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine
products, etc.)
•
Earplugs and eye mask
•
Basic Medicines (personal medication, paracetamol, antibiotic cream,
antibiotics, re-hydration sachets, bandages, cold/flu meds, disinfects; Beta dine)
Lesotho has western pharmacies in Maseru where you can also get these medicines.
•
First aid kit
•
Flashlight and Swiss Army knife/Leatherman
•
Electricity adapter/converter (can be bought in Lesotho)
•
Sunglasses
•
Water resistant shoes (hiking shoes)
•
Flip-flops/sandals
•
Formal shoes
•
Dress/shirt and trousers/skirt for work
•
Travel towel and washcloth
•
Bathing suit
•
Rainproof outdoors jacket
•
Batteries
•
Alarm clock, watch
•
Thermometer
•
Hand Sanitizer
Money
The official currency in Lesotho is the Maloti which is fixed at the value of the South
African rand. As of November 2015 the exchange rates are:
$1 US Dollar = 13,85 ZAR
£1 Pound = 21,35 ZAR
€ 1 Euro = 15,20 ZAR
Or view the current exchange rate here: www.xe.com
You can bring some cash of your own currency, that you can exchange on the airport
or at most banks. We strongly recommend that you bring your Maestro card and a
credit card with a MasterCard or VISA logo. We recommend that you not keep all
your money, bank cards and important documents all together. You can photocopy
48
your cards and we suggest that you always have the most important phone numbers
of your bank with you, to cancel your cards if needed.
Health & Vaccinations
Visit a travel health clinic before you leave to receive up-to-date information on
diseases and vaccinations for Lesotho. You are required to get a yellow fever
vaccination, and you will need to show proof of this to enter the country. It is
recommended to receive the following vaccinations:
•
Yellow Fever
•
Tuberculoses (TBC; BCG vaccination)
•
Hepatitis A
•
Hepatitis B
•
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio)
•
Rabies
Lesotho is totally malaria free, so it is not needed to take malaria medicines. Malaria
is only found in the North East part of South Africa (see map). But, it is a disease that
should be taken seriously, so especially when
you intend to travel after your work (for
example to Krugerpark) please inform yourself
about it. A proper preventative method for the
spread of malaria is treated bed nets. Please
contact a travel health clinic (also possible in
Lesotho) that would be able to give you a
prescription to get the medicine you need to
protect yourself against malaria and look at the
websites on malaria provided, to better educate
yourself. Do your own research and be well
informed! Visit government sites on disease
control and get the facts before you leave: www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm
www.who.int/topics/malaria/en/
We suggest that you take out medical insurance that covers ambulatory services and
medical evacuation as standard.
49
Applying for a VISA
Getting into Lesotho
Let’s Go Lesotho can help you with your visa request and/or extension if needed.
Remember that you are responsible yourself, that the arrangements are according to
the Lesotho legislations. The new Lesotho immigration regulations have come into
effect as of the 26th May 2014. The following information is therefore subject to
change.
Visas
The Department of Immigration and Passport services of the Ministry of Home
Affairs in Lesotho has announced that citizens of the following-countries are granted
a free entry permit at the border for Lesotho. The standard stay permitted is two
weeks. Countries Whose Citizens Do Not Need Entry Visas For Lesotho: European
Community, Great Britain (U. K.) and Australia - Japan - Belgium - Netherlands Denmark - Norway – Finland - Portugal - France - San Marino - Germany - South
Africa – Iceland - South Korea - Greece - Spain - Ireland - Sweden - Israel - Italy United States Of America - Austria - New Zealand - Switzerland - Canada. Please see
http://www.golesotho.co.za/embassies.html
for
more
information.
For
visa
extensions, visit the Department of Immigration & Passport Services (2232 3771,
2232 1110; PO Box 363, Maseru 100) in Maseru.
When you are staying longer than 14 days you need to request a free residence permit
of at the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration in Maseru, Lesotho. No study
permit! Please read the conditions and visa requirements below carefully and make
sure you bring the necessary documents with you so you can comply with the rules
when requesting a visa for your stay.
Conditions:
1. An applicant for a visa to Lesotho should present a police clearance (a proof that
he/she has never been convicted of crime or he/she is a law abiding citizen). No visa
should be issued without presentation of a Police Clearance.
2. An applicant should have a return ticket especially if he/she applies for a short visit
to Lesotho, such as, tourists and business prospectors.
50
3. An applicant should present a letter of invitation from a party to be visited in
Lesotho and such letter should be validated by an authority issuing a visa.
4. An applicant must prove ability in terms of funds to sustain his/her living in
Lesotho during the period applied for.
5. In case an applicant is living far from any of Lesotho’s Foreign Mission abroad,
prior arrangements should be made for a visa to be issued at the port of entry, only if
all other requirements are satisfied.
Passports and Visas Applications General Information:
- Processing period for visa applications is two working days.
- Passport must have two blank pages for the visa.
- Passport must be valid for at least three months after the return date from Lesotho
- Please check our public holidays.
Visa Requirements for staying in Lesotho
Visa applications must be submitted at the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration
in Lesotho and should be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
- a duly completed visa application form (downloadable or available at the Embassy);
- a valid passport;
- two passport-size photographs;
- copy of a confirmed return ticket;
- copy of a confirmed accommodation reservations
- proof of payment of visa fees (if a payment is required)
- visitors coming from countries where cholera or yellow fever is endemic, require a
vaccination certificate
For more information please check:
http://www.lesothoembassyrome.com/consulate2.htm
FAQS:
1. Can I arrange my visa beforehand via the Lesotho Embassy in Brussels or other
Embassy?
You can choose to do this, but there will be costs involved and we advise you to apply
for your visa once you are in Lesotho at the Immigration office in Maseru.
51
For your application you require a Police Clearance Certificate (Verklaring
Omtrent Gedrag - VOG) from the your country’s authorities. In order to obtain a
Police Clearance Certificate, you must present yourself at the Consulate (gemeente)
with your passport in order to obtain an individualized letter to submit to the Dutch
Department of Justice as proof that you require the Certificate for a Visa/Permit
application for Lesotho.
2. Do I need to make an appointment for a Visa or Permit application?
Yes. Make sure you make an appointment at the specific Lesotho embassy
beforehand.
3. How do I find the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration where I can go to in
Lesotho to apply for visas?
The details for the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration can be found on the
following website: http://www.lesothoembassyrome.com/consulate2.htm
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the date written in your passport, this can be
done at the Immigration office, at the following address:
Director of Immigration Services
P.O. Box 363
Maseru, 100
Lesotho
Tel: (266) 22322187
52
Lesotho
53

Information Guide 2016

Transcription

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