Travel through the districts of Maseru and Berea with LNI!!
Maseru, captured by our dear friend, Justice Kalebe. Justice is an incredible humanitarian/travel photographer who captures the most stunning and real sides of Lesotho. We highly encourage you to check out all of his amazing photography and incredible work for the village of Ha Sekantsi by following him on social media, here.
The first district on our list in Lesotho to explore is Maseru!!
History: Originally founded as the British administrative center in 1869, the name Maseru derives from the Sesotho word for the type of sandstone found at two outcroppings in the area. The original government reserve was 23 square kilometers. During the first eighty years, the town's population consisted mostly of Colonial officials and European traders. By 1948, the population had risen to roughly 600 Europeans and 2,000 Basotho. In 1958, the large Roman Catholic Cathedral was built and in 1962, the Original Basotho Hat craft center was constructed. In 1966, the city became the official capital of the independent nation of Lesotho. And in 1980, to keep up with its rapid growth the size of the city was expanded from the original 23 square kilometers to 138 square kilometers. By the start of the 21st century, the city's population exceeded 200,000.
Things to do: Hike Thaba Bosiu, visit the Basotho Hat for handmade crafts, visit Maletsunyane and Qiloane Falls, explore Morija Museum, and visit the Mohale and Metolong Dam
LNI in Maseru: Lesotho Nutrition Initiative has been sending meals to our partners in Maseru for 6 years. The rate of stunting in children aged 0-5 in the district is 29.9%. We currently have 9 beautiful partners in Maseru that we send our meals to: Leratong Community Center, Ha Ramabanta Soup Kitchen, Semonkong Children’s Care Center, God’s Love Orphanage, St. Anjela Home for the Disabled, Little Angels Orphanage, Mazenod Orphan Home for Girls, Women’s Correctional Prison in Maseru, and Baylor Pediatric Clinic. Each of our Basotho partners are doing amazing work in their respective communities addressing the issue of malnutrition. The 819,720 meals that we’ve sent to Maseru since 2016 have been essential in helping them excel in their work.
*A note from one of LNI’s Basotho Partners: “It is amazing to witness the positive changes in the youngsters lives and community as a whole. Some children would miss school because there was o food at home or at school, this situation normally lead to signs of malnutrition. Since we have received LNI meals, children go to school every day and they look healthy and happy. We also have families who depend on LNI meals everyday. Thank you for your continued assistance in support of the Ramabanta community. Your work is the cornerstone of the success of these children. Kea leboha. - Mme Lerato from Ha Ramabanta Soup Kitchen
Kome Caves in Berea, Lesotho
The second district to explore is Berea!!
History: Home of the Kome caves which provided safety for the Basia and some Bataung during the Lifaqane, the caves are still inhabited and are a national heritage site. In December of 1852, Basotho and British forces met in battle on the Berea plateau. Although Moshoeshoe successfully repelled the invading force, his letter suing for peace was a prime example of Moshoeshoe's use of diplomacy. In 2017, the district had roughly 260,000 residents, making it the third most populous district in the country. The district capital is Teyateyaneng which was founded in 1886.
Things to do: Explore the Kome Caves, visit Lesotho Mountain Crafts, and stop by Setsoto Design (Lesotho’s most renowned weavers cooperative)
LNI in Berea: Lesotho Nutrition Initiative has been sending meals to our partners in Maseru for 4 years. The rate of stunting in children aged 0-5 in the district is 27.4%. We currently have 2 beautiful partners in Berea that we send our meals to: Good Shepherd Home for Teen Mothers and Clinic St. Cecilia Orphanage. Both of these organizations are doing amazing work in their respective communities addressing the issue of malnutrition. The 116,640 meals that we’ve sent to Berea since 2018 have been essential in helping them excel in their work.
*A note from one of LNI’s Basotho Partners: "“We are grateful for the help with the meals. The children enjoy the meals and there is an improvement in the children’s well-being. Thank you very much for the support extended to the less privileged in Lesotho.” - Fr Mahlaku, Caretaker at St. Cecilia Orphanage
We hope you enjoyed learning about Maseru and Berea and all of our partners, within. If you are interested in making a donation to support our work of combating malnutrition in Lesotho, you can make a gift, here.