About us
How a readers’ trip turned into a school partnership, an association and a weltwärts volunteer programme.
Our story
It all began with a wonderful readers’ trip to South Africa and Lesotho organised by the German science magazine “Bild der Wissenschaft”. Topics included the cultivation of umckaloabo (South African geranium) and the schools in the region. A small group of readers, a journalist and a photographer set off on a tour called “World of Contrasts”. The trip made a lasting impression on everyone. Dr Peter Krimmel was particularly inspired by Kingsgate Primary School in Mafeteng and its principal, Mateboho Masiu.
Back in Stegen, he contacted Bernhard Moser, headmaster of Kolleg St. Sebastian, and “Bild der Wissenschaft” published a short interview with Ms Masiu – she was looking for a partner school in Germany.
Milestones
Second trip
Bernhard Moser, Peter Krimmel and Burga Rehmann-Linden travel to Lesotho – and there is no stopping the enthusiasm. The association “Children of Lesotho” is founded, and the school conference of Kolleg St. Sebastian approves the partnership with Kingsgate Primary School.
2016
School leaver Leif Habermann becomes our first volunteer, living in Mafeteng for a year and working at Kingsgate Primary School. In each of the following two years, two more volunteers are sent – still privately organised.
9 September 2019
Children of Lesotho is recognised as a sending organisation under the weltwärts programme.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic breaks out. Our volunteers return on the last flights before the global lockdown. Only the sponsorships can continue from afar – financially and digitally.
Autumn 2022
With volunteer Leah Scheiwe we resume sending volunteers – for the first time funded by weltwärts.
Planned
A cooperation with a vocational school in Bethel, Germany: following its model, we want to set up a vocational training project in the mountain region around Malealea and at Kingsgate Primary School.
Sponsorships
The association arranges sponsorships in Lesotho with great care. These personal sponsorships between members and orphans or particularly vulnerable children build trust and a sense of gratitude on both sides.
Board
- Dr Peter KrimmelChair
- Petra OrtliebTreasurer
- Leif HabermannOfficer for the weltwärts volunteer service
Our mission statement
We see the weltwärts volunteer service as a learning service between equals – grounded in social justice, global solidarity and respect for diversity. Our mission statement describes what we want to achieve.
- Partnerships on an equal footing
- Global learning in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Respect for diversity
Support our association
Would you like to support our work in Lesotho? Become a member of our association – or donate to our work at any time.