Teacher's Experiences

Hear real life stories from teachers who have lived and worked in Lesotho through our Lesotho Teacher Placement Programme.

Claire Bradford is currently on placement as a mentor in Mokhotlong in Lesotho. Read about life in Lesotho on her blog Learning in Lesotho

Fiona's story

Fiona Roberts, a teacher from Connahs Quay in North Wales wanted to gain experience of teaching in a developing country and wanted to take on the challenge of a lifetime. Going to Lesotho seemed like the perfect opportunity. She left Wales in January 2008 and taught at St John Primary School, Mafeteng for six months. Fiona was worried about the challenging prospects of living and working in a developing country but she was overwhelmed by the community spirit and made great friends.

In her time in Lesotho she also undertook art workshops for the teachers in her linked school and was also involved in the school's entertainment committee which involved organising events, sending circulars, collecting money and sending letters.

"It was such a worthwhile experience. I learnt new styles of teaching and a new curriculum. The teachers in Lesotho were very supportive and we learnt a lot from one another. I taught up to 50 pupils at one time. The children are so eager to learn they would cheer when you walked into the classroom.I would definitely say to other teachers to get involved, it is such an amazing experience and you get to learn new styles of teaching that you can bring back to your classrooms at home."

Danielle's story

Danielle Bumford, a drama and english teacher from South Wales, left home comforts behind when she travelled to Lesotho in January 2008 on a life changing experience.

Danielle wanted to do something new and exciting and to learn more about a completely different culture. She was based at St Patricks Roman Catholic Primary School in Mohale's Hoek. Teaching english as a foreign language, she taught classes of up to 75 pupils- most of the lessons were spent outside in the sunshine as there wasn't enough room in the classrooms!

" I have become much more confident in my ability to teach  and feel that my work in Lesotho has more value than just teaching in Wales. My work allowed me to learn about their culture and allowed them to learn more about my culture. You have to throw yourself into it and get involved with as much as you can!"

Helen's Story

Helen Wales left on her adventure to Lesotho on our six month placement scheme in January 2008 but decided to extend her stay in Lesotho for a further six months. Having previously done a lot of short term voluntary work Helen wanted the opportunity to teach and develop the international dimension of her school, and it was the first time she had been to Africa!

Helen was based in Sekoati Government Primary school, Mafeteng teaching classes of up to 80 pupils at one time- a big change from teaching at a secondary school in Wales!  She was amazed at what she could do with so little resources!

"Being in Lesotho for an extra six months makes your time there feel really worthwhile. I feel that me being out there has made pupils in Lesotho more interested in Wales and the rest of the world. It is so refreshing to have children so eager to learn and you surprise yourself by being incredibly resourceful! Everyone is so friendly and people have time for each other, it is such a different way of life to the fast paced one we have here. I would definitely encourage other teachers to come out to Lesotho."