I recently spent two weeks in Maseru to see the progress made on the Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice (SOHH)Palliative Care Centre building and seeking further funding. the building itself is complete and we were able to host a thank you lunch for the labouring team who have worked hard on the construction over the last eight months. A week later our principal sponsor the Standard Lesotho Bank put on a lunch meeting for our corporate sponsors in the large room which will be our Day room which looks out across fields to the mountains beyond. They were pleased with what they saw and we encouraged them strongly to continue their support as we complete essential groundwork and plan for the therapy and inpatient phase. In between we received a private visit from HM Queen Masenate Mohato who was also impressed. Mme Malichaba Tebello, our Founder and I had previously had a private audience over a cup of coffee with Her Majesty at the Palace.
I later met with HRH Prince Seisso , our Dolen patron, at his office in the royal village at Matsieng to discuss how he can support Dolen’s activities in Lesotho and Wales. I also visited the amazing Amelia Senekane and Heal Our Land Organisation (HOLO). I saw their sewing ladies in action making uniforms for schools and the children’s morning Assembly with an award given out for the winner of a national table tennis competition.
Otherwise it was a busy round of meetings with other stakeholders and catchups with BoNtate Manyanye and Khosi in the Dolen Office and a visit to Lesotho Hospital Alliance (LEBOHA) to celebrate 10 years of our link with the Family Medicine Training Programme and discuss future collaborative projects.
Earlier this year, Starlight of Hope Hospice (SOHH), in partnership with Palliative Care Works, a UK-based charity, hosted two impactful week-long training courses in Maseru. A total of 46 participants—including nurses, pharmacists, doctors, social workers, and pastors—took part in interactive sessions designed to strengthen palliative care across Lesotho.
The programme offered more than just clinical knowledge. It prompted professionals to reflect deeply on communication practices, personal experiences with loss, and the local challenges surrounding end-of-life care. Participants also had the rare opportunity to speak directly with individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and collaborate in teams to develop tailored action plans for their workplaces.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting increased confidence and commitment to improving care. SOHH’s CEO, Mme Malichaba Tebello Lepheane, has since taken to national radio and television to advocate for greater awareness and support for palliative care services in Lesotho.
A New Centre of Care on the Horizon
In January, SOHH began construction of a new Day Centre just outside Maseru—an exciting step toward expanding support services for patients and families. However, progress has not been without obstacles. The terrain has posed significant challenges, compounded by heavy rainfall and difficult ground conditions.
Despite these setbacks, the foundations and flooring have been completed, and walls are now being erected. A dedicated multidisciplinary team has generously provided designs, technical drawings, and material specifications free of charge, helping reduce overall costs. Sourcing materials at a fair price and coordinating timely deliveries remain ongoing hurdles.
The team remains optimistic that construction will be completed by the end of September, with the goal of launching services before the year’s end.
Community Support and Partnerships
SOHH has also received encouraging support from partners. A recent donation of clinical equipment from Action Ireland Trust has bolstered preparations for the new Day Centre. Additionally, Toyota Maseru has pledged funding for half the cost of a vehicle, with negotiations underway to secure a second donor to complete the purchase.
Together, these developments reflect growing recognition of the need for compassionate, community-based care for those living with serious illness in Lesotho.
Wales and Lesotho may be thousands of miles apart, but across both small countries there are wonderful shining stars. They are individuals whose energy and dedication burns bright, creating brighter futures for those around them.
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