Lesotho is a mountainous kingdom of about 2.2 million inhabitants, most of which residing in rural areas. According to the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics, 70.52% of Lesotho population reside in rural areas, and over 50% of the rural inhabitants, live in abject poverty and only survive on the proceeds of their small scale crops farming.
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”
Nelson Mandela
Poverty is a worst thing that can ever happen to someone. It is like a disease that eats you up gradually, leaving the victim with no choice, but to fully depend on others for help; and unless something is done quickly, the victim may never recover. The great Nelson Mandela, a South African former president and freedom fighter, who had witnessed the consequences of poverty bestowed upon the black population during the apartheid regime, in his own country, once said and I quote: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”
Cursing at darkness, as they say, or pointing fingers, would not solve the problem; but rather lighting a candle, and trying as much as possible to play one’s part _no matter how small_ in mending what has gone wrong, will go a long way.
Many are born into poverty and this includes little children who are innocent of whatever caused it, but today, suffer the consequences. They live in the most remote areas of Lesotho, and have no idea how to overcome their daily struggle. Some wish they could have proper meals, but can’t afford it. Others so wish they can further their education in the city, after having received the free primary education, but can’t even afford the expenses attached to it; and at the end of the day, they look and feel so powerless as their dreams fly away and never come to pass.
At Rural Dreamers, we strongly believe that it is possible for a rural child to achieve his/her dream; we believe that out these forgotten souls, will rise a medical doctor, an engineer, you name it; and that is why we are committed to help bring that wish they aspire to be, to reality, one program at a time.
In conclusion, poverty can be beaten, not only by given food parcels or handouts, but by equipping those living in poverty with skills and resources that will help them compete on the job market or in the business arena through tailored entrepreneurial courses and trainings.