Lesotho - Select a village

Country information

Maseru Capital: Maseru Area: 30,359 km² Population: 2.1 million(December 2000 est.) Ethnic groups: Basotho, Europeans and Asians Official language(s): Sesotho, English Religion(s): Christians (70%), traditional beliefs Currency: 1 loti = 100 lisente Our Facilities In 1971, SOS-Kinderdorf International tried to establish first contacts to the government of Lesotho, which showed no interest in a cooperation at that time. It took 18 years until, in 1989, a new dialogue was started, leading to the signature of a government agreement in November 1990. A suitable plot of land in Lithabaneng, which is located approx. 8 km from the centre of the capital Maseru, was handed over to SOS-Kinderdorf International. Due to political unrest and fighting the construction work was delayed for some months, but in June 1994, the work was finally completed. Only two months later the first families moved in. A SOS-Kindergarten and a SOS School opened their doors in January 1995. The official opening, carried out by King Letsie III., took place on 2 September 1996. Presently, the erection of four SOS Youth Houses is planned, where the youths live during the time of their vocational training or education and prepare themselves for an independent life under the guidance of their youth leaders. (available in English)