Report from Mamonyane

It’s been just over a year that USAID funding was drastically cut and tariffs imposed, developments that had us worrying about the future. Recent developments in the Middle East have only worsened the inflation and food shortages that Lesotho has been struggling with. We reached out to Mamonyane Mohale, our executive director, to give us a report on how the staff and children are faring. Her report follows.

Children

The children are doing well. The only worry is that the government does not make enough effort to get children adopted or reunified with families. Some of the older ones are losing interest in academic education, due to their not-so-good performance. We may need to change their focus to skills training where that is appropriate.

Our HIV children are still getting their medication with no problem since the closure of USAID projects. This was because the government contributed 80% toward the purchase of their antiretroviral medications.

Senate (pictured above), who arrived as a baby just before Christmas in 2024, is doing well with her tiny body. Her HIV status is negative, which is encouraging in her future.

Inflation

The price of food commodities is rising now, again at an unbelievable rate. We survive mostly from local food donations and by going out in rural areas to get some food commodities. We get beans, sorghum and meat from the communities. In addition, we buy from village shops, where there are surprisingly cheaper groceries.

Boarding school fees have increased due to the increase in food prices; we now pay 2200 Maluti (up from 1750 Maluti) per child per quarter, an increase of more than 25%. We are currently supporting four high school girls in boarding school.

Fuel has increased drastically in price. Vehicles are now queueing for fuel before prices go any higher. Yesterday it took us three hours as opposed to 30 minutes of our normal trip to reach home due to traffic. At the same time some filling stations were already closing due to inadequate supply.

My main worry is paraffin, our primary heating oil. Prices are expected to double, and with the heavy rains we have been having, we anticipate a very cold winter.

Playground & Home

The mission trip team repainted the playground in January, and it is bright and attractive. The play area for hot days and rainy days is now roofed with corrugated iron and is beautiful, as you can see from the photo. The walkway to the bathrooms and showers is also roofed.

We also have a beautiful new stove, new sofas, a durable washing machine and a printer, all purchased during the mission trip. It has left us speechless. We are so grateful for these contributions.

May all those who contributed financially and those who prayed for these achievements be blessed abundantly.