Lesotho
Bobete, Lesotho
In the rugged mountain kingdom of Lesotho, growing maize and raising sheep sustain the 200 people of Bobete, a small, rural village. The ground is rocky, dry and steep. Farming is a challenge. In winter, as the sun goes down, temperatures can plummet well below freezing. Village houses or rondavels are built of stone block and mud, and the thatched roofs are tightly woven to hold in warmth.
As the sun sets, a villager, just returned from his fields, warms up on his accordion with a traditional, lively Basotho song.
Karrin Parker © 2008
Peace Corps Volunteer
Lesotho 2008-2010
Lesotho/Kingdom of Lesotho
Southern Africa
Area 30,355 km2 (142nd)
Arable 10.9%
Capital Maseru (228K)
Population 1,930,493 (64/km2)
Life expectancy 52 yrs
HIV/AIDS 24% (290,000 adults)
Literacy 90%
In poverty 49%
GDP/cap $1,900
Military 2.6% of GDP (58 of 195)
Peace ranking 53rd
Lang(s) Sesotho, English, Zulu, Xhosa
Religions Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%
Gov’t Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Agriculture corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley, livestock
Industry food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism
PCVs 1967 - present, current 63, TTD 2,238; education, community development, health, business
Adult Books
by Mpho ‘M’atsepo Nthunya, 1996
Paperback: 186 pages
Publisher: University Of KwaZulu-Natal Press (December 1, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0869809327
Book Description
A gripping memoir of youth in Basutoland, schooling in South Africa, coping with racism and 30 years as domestic servant.
Kids' Books
by Ingrid Mennen
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1845070243
Age Range: 4-7 years
Publisher: Orchard Books, 1994
Films
Film: Likhapha Tsa Mali (Tears of Blood)
Director: (2010)
Documentary: Black Riders.
Director: (2003)
Focus Word
Focus Word for 2014 - "Home"
Sesotho: hae (hai-ee)
Copyright © Julie Olsen
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Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
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