To mark 40 years of friendship, learning, and solidarity between Wales and Lesotho, Dolen Cymru Lesotho is thrilled to launch the #Dolen40 Photography Competition!
This special anniversary competition invites anyone connected to Dolen Cymru or the Wales–Lesotho Link to share photographs that tell stories of partnership, culture, and human connection. Whether it’s a moment of laughter with a friend or a scenic view that reminded you of home, your photo could be part of our public celebration of four decades of collaboration.
🌍 Our First Story
We’re honoured to begin with a moving submission from Rachel, who shared a touching memory of her friend Kotelo:
_”My beautiful friend Kotelo Letsie and I often shared lunchtimes together at Villa Maria, in Quthing. This photo captures a moment of laughter and warmth that defined our friendship. We laughed at everything but mainly at me trying to speak Sesotho.
Despite the distance, we remained friends long after I left Lesotho. We continued to share photos of our families and hopes for when we would next meet.
Sadly, Mme Kotelo passed away a few years ago, and this image has now become a treasured memory and a poignant reminder of the strong bond we had built.”
— Rachel
These are the kinds of powerful stories we hope to showcase, because behind every photo is a deep connection and a shared history.
đź“… Key Info
Deadline to Submit: Friday, 30th January 2026
Winners Announced: Tuesday 10th March 2026
Submit to: gemma@dolencymru.org
Consent Form: Click here
Upload via: WeTransfer if needed
đź“‚ Who Can Enter?
- Amateur photographers of any age in Lesotho with links to Wales
- Amateur photographers in Wales with links to Lesotho
- Family or friends submitting on behalf of Welsh/Basotho amateur photographers
đź–Ľ Themes
Choose one or both of the following themes:
- Friendship: Stories of solidarity, partnership, and mutual respect
- More Similar Than We Are Different: Cultural or scenic reflections showing shared values or landscapes
🏷️ Categories
- Our Founding Parents (1980–1990)
- Looking Back (1985–2005)
- The Next Generation (2006–2025)
- Childhood Memories (photographers under 21)
- Power to Change the World (volunteers/trustees)
- On the Job (staff-related)
- The Royal Treatment (events with dignitaries)
đź“ť Criteria for Entry
- You must have permission to share the photo
- Light editing only (no heavy manipulation)
- Max 3 images per person
- Photos must include:
- Title
- Short description (what, when, where, who)
- Why it matters and how it relates to Wales-Lesotho connections
Let’s celebrate the people and memories that make Dolen Cymru Lesotho what it is. We can’t wait to see your stories come to life: in images, in memories, and the next 40 years of connection.
