My ILO placement to Lesotho: A Journey of Learning, Connection, and Perspectives
Tina Hughes, Additional Learning Needs Specialist, was funded through the International Learning Opportunities programme led by the Welsh Government’s Wales-Africa Programme, read about her time there:
Stepping Into the Unknown
As my departure date approached, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement swirling inside me. This was my first time spending such a prolonged period in a completely different country, and despite my excitement, a small part of me wondered whether I was truly prepared. I had completed all the pre-departure training and attended all the planning meetings.
I had handed over all the arrangements for accommodation and logistics to Dolen Cymru, trusting that everything would be sorted — but there’s always that moment of doubt before you embark on something so unfamiliar.
Looking back now, I realise I had nothing to worry about. From the moment I set off, Programme leaders kept in touch with me throughout my entire journey — checking in while I was travelling, during my stay in Lesotho, and messaging right up until I landed back in Manchester. Their support was a constant comfort.
And then there was Manyanye from Dolen Cymru, who had organised absolutely everything: where I would be staying, who I would be meeting, when each visit was scheduled, and how I would get from place to place. Every detail was taken care of so seamlessly that from the moment I arrived, I felt supported and able to focus on the purpose of my visit. Knowing that there was someone looking out for me, I just needed to phone, was really re-assuring.
Building Connections and Understanding
Once I settled into being back in Lesotho, the heart of the visit truly began. I was fortunate to meet with so many dedicated people: the Ministry of Education, the Head of Special Needs, LNFOD, RISE, the WTTP team, Teacher Training College tutors, and both and special needs teachers. Each conversation added a new layer to my understanding of the education landscape and the challenges faced daily. Through these discussions, I gained an in-depth insight into the barriers that teachers, children, and parents encounter. Some were familiar, others unique to the Basotho context, but all highlighted the importance of collaboration, creativity, and support.
I also had the opportunity to deliver training in two special schools. We explored the senses and how children use them to build understanding, and discussed ways to develop language in meaningful, accessible ways. The staff were enthusiastic, eager to learn, and incredibly resourceful. The sessions were filled with questions, laughter, and those wonderful moments when everything “clicks.” They quickly became some of the most rewarding parts of my visit. Celebrating Inclusion Through Sport
One of the standout experiences of my time in Lesotho was helping to organise a Disability Sports Festival in the two special schools. Working alongside the Lesotho Rugby developing sports team, we created an inclusive event that encouraged movement, teamwork, and lots of joy. These sessions included Rugby, Cricket, Table Tennis, and football. Since Physical Education is not currently part of the curriculum in these schools, many of the teachers were unsure what adapted sports would look like. Their reactions were priceless. As the games unfolded, they were amazed to see how sports could be modified to include every child — and even more surprised to see their pupils excelling, participating, and expressing themselves in ways they had never witnessed before.
For many staff, it was the first time they had seen their learners through a different lens, and the pride on their faces said everything. The festival was not just about sport; it was about possibility and shifting perceptions of what children can achieve when given the chance.
Reconnecting With a Fellow Volunteer
Another highlight was reconnecting with Jan, a former Dolen Cymru volunteer who originally came to Lesotho on an ILO placement and decided to stay on indefinitely as a physiotherapist. Her dedication is truly inspiring. With no funding available for specialist equipment, Jan has taken resourcefulness to a whole new level — crafting therapy tools and positioning aids from papier-mâché. Seeing these creations up close was a testament to her creativity and her commitment to making sure children receive the support they need.
I was lucky enough to join her for a sensory session in Hala Basa, and it was an experience I will never forget. The parents had been doing the best they could, and these children were often supported in a bath, or even a wheelbarrow – and yet here they were, accessing supported seating for the first time, which means there ability to access play, learning, even family life will change.
The Impact That Stays With You
Trying to articulate the impact this placement had on me is difficult. It was more than just a professional visit — it was a deeply personal, enlightening experience. Spending that length of time in a different country, trying the differing foods, visiting remote villages as well as such a wide range of schools, and witnessing both the challenges and the strengths within the system opened my eyes in ways I had not
anticipated. I learned so much — about education, inclusion, resilience, culture, and myself. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for what is possible when people come together with determination and heart.
I genuinely would recommend this experience to anyone considering going. It challenges you, stretches your thinking, and leaves you with memories and connections that stay with you long after you return home. For me, Lesotho was not just a destination — it was a perspective shift, and one that will stay with me forever.
