Clowns at HaMakhata

Laughter is good medicine. Check out these clowns from Ireland who came to do their schtick at Ha Makhata, much to the delight of the children, caregivers, and volunteers.

At the time of writing the foundations for a traditionally-built backpackers lodge are being laid in the village at Ha Makhata. The lodge will be owned by Mamello and her husband Ben, with a portion of proceeds going towards the Phelisanong centre. Mamello is the woman who has visioned, initiated and is currently the head of the Ha Makhata project.

The lodge is expected to support the project in many different ways. Among them:
* A percentage of the incomes will be transferred every month to the project community in order to support operating costs.
* The lodge will be a base for travellers, visitors and donors and so allow a wide introduction and understanding of the project and the many challenges facing it.
* The lodge will create new jobs for members of the community and will make new business initiatives possible, such as sale of handicrafts, horse and hiking guiding, and restaurants.
* The lodge will supply accommodation for international volunteers (therapists, teachers, medical assistance etc.) interested in helping the project.

See more guesthouse & project pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/pafush/Africa3Lesotho

Guesthouse Plan:

The eco friendly, traditional lodge will offer travellers accommodation in traditional Basotho huts, built out of local materials as mud, stones and thatch. The location is right on a mountain slope with breathtaking mountains view. It is very close to the village shop and main road, and on public transportation main route. Most importantly, it is a 10 minutes of lovely walk to the project and nearby river valley.
The lodge will include a dormitory, double room, camping area, self catering kitchen and bathroom. At the moment the village is not connected to electricity. Nevertheless, this only contributes to the authentic basic experience.
The lodge will supply guided project and village tours. There are also many beautiful hikes in the area, including a secret waterfall with a natural pool, an ancient cave and an unforgettable view point on the top of the mountain. One and two days pony treks will also be offered. All guided tours and activities will be run by members of the local community.

Future plans:
The lodge will be opened with only a humble building and a limited number of beds. It is expected to grow with time. A second dormitory for long-term volunteers is planned next to the project.
A coffee shop for rest, beverages and light traditional food is planned on the banks of the river, very close to the project.
When project has the means to buy a pick up truck, the lodge will be able to use it as a shuttle for backpackers coming from the border post in Maputsue.

We who vision the lodge and support its first steps, strongly believe in its ability to generate a steady flow of money into the community, which is so needed at the moment. It will be a step towards financial independence. We believe that this community-based business will contribute to the self sufficiency of the project, by creating new jobs, attracting clientele and empowering the community by creating new business opportunities.

From our experience, only few Basotho people have realized the potential of the tourist industry. As Lesotho is becoming a new and exciting backpacking destination, with many attracted to experience its authentic simple community lifestyle and its wild, untouched nature, there is a growing need for accommodation and tourist related services. This can be use to support the Phelisanong project and to attract needed volunteers and donors.

Any donation can make a difference!

Budget:

Stones: 15 loads+diggers 6,600R
Sand: 4 loads 1,600R
Cement: 60 loads 4,000R
Thatch: 8,000R
Sticks: 1,000R
Tin roof tops: 200R
Windows and frames: 1,600R
Doors and frames: 3,000R
Door locks: 200R

Foundation and walls builders: 6,000R
Roofers: 4,000R
Water carriers: 400R
Plumbing: 1,000R
Double bunk beds + 8 matresses: 4,000R
Double bed + matress: 700R
Sheets, pillows and blankets: 2,880R
Table and chairs: 500R
Sink and taps: 500R
Shower: 150R
Toilet seat: 500R
Stove+ gas tank 400R
Kitchenware 250R

Total _ 50,500R = $8416.
Already paid 32,200R = $5366
Money still needed 18,300R = $3050.