Lesotho: Career Transition Workshop
Lesotho is a land of great
contrasts. In the capital city of Maseru, the streets are crowded
with people and taxis, and there are small roadside booths that
sell fruit, meat, and even copy/printing services. Up in the
mountains, there are mainly dirt roads and many houses are made
of stone with thatched roofs. In the villages, I saw boys
and men herding cattle, tending sheep and goats, and also
transporting their supplies on donkeys. Apparently, the
donkeys are called “King of the Road” here and they get the right
of way!
In Lesotho, Max and I were the
guest speakers for a workshop titled “Career Transitioning
for Youth with Disabilities.” Hosted by the National Council
on Higher Education and the faculty of Education at the National
University of Lesotho, over 60 people attended including
representatives from several Universities in Lesotho, officials
from the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development
Program, disability advocates and most importantly young people
with disabilities. I was very impressed that the organizers
brought together so many key stakeholders for the first ever
cross sector discussion on the unique needs, hopes and dreams of
young people with disabilities.
At the end of the day long workshop, the meeting facilitators
gave me a traditional Basotho blanket and hat, a sign of being
welcomed into the community. 
I was also very honored to be granted a Basotho name “Me Mamosa.”
The word “Me” is a sign of respect for an elder woman and
“Mamosa” means gentle and kind.
