In memory of Tseli: Dignity for school girls in Lesotho

Hlokomela Banana, translated as 'Care for girls', is a non-profit organisation that works to provide basic sanitary products to school-going girls across Lesotho. The initiative established in 2017 is supported by the Queen of Lesotho's Trust and is slowly expanding through schools across the country's 10 districts.

It has been found that disadvantaged girls miss up to 50 days of school a year due to their inability to access basic sanitary products. This equates to approximately 25% of the school year. Every year. Poor sanitation is known to be amongst one of the major reasons girls in developing countries are denied an education. It is also known to be one of the less complex factors to address.

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed all of lives and it has had a staggering effect on education globally but more particularly in developing countries. Learners in Lesotho have been detrimentally impacted by school closures, lack of adequate infrastructure and technology to migrate to online/remote schooling and the lack of basic WASH facilities to remain safe.

Despite all of these obstacles, children across the country continue to dream big. For the majority, this means traversing long distances on foot, in extreme weather conditions, amidst challenging socio-economic circumstances to get to school and receive an education.

For 2022, Hlokomela Banana has thus far received funding to assist 6600 girls in 56 schools across the country. Although this is a great start, there are still many young girls who will be unable to attend school every month due to their inability to access basic sanitary products.

This is where YOU and I come in!

This year I have decided to set my sights of giving back with a goal of raising funds to support at least 100 girls with a year’s worth of basic sanitary products. The cost to provide one girl with a year worth of basic sanitary products is approximately USD 5/GBP 3.75.

The cause is especially close to my heart as my dear friend and Volunteer Coordinator of the initiative, Motselitsi Ramakoae, passed away due to Covid-19 complications on 4 February 2021. Motselitsi worked tirelessly to advocate for the right of all girls to receive an education and to grow the initiative since its establishment in 2017.

It would not have come this far without her determination.

All funds raised under this drive shall therefore be made to Hlokomela Banana in Motselitsi’s name on 4 February 2022.

Donations of any amount are very much appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or would like any further information about the initiative.

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, happy and successful 2022!