Last Saturday was an incredible and important day for the members of the G.R.O. Artisans Collective. The community rallied around the event to support a group of women who only a few months ago were working out of their homes and now operate a workshop, retail space, and Lesotho’s only beading supply store.  Running around in the hot sun I didn’t have much of a chance to reflect on the event but after the passing of a few days and a cup of coffee, or ten, I am amazed at what this group of mothers has been able to do. The best part of this story is that the Artisans aren’t the only G.R.O. success story witnessed last weekend.

Since January I am proud to have been part of the Family Scholarship Fund to watch the students rally together and welcome the new G.R.O. Counselor, ‘Ntate Katiso ‘Mota. For the first time in the history of the Scholarship Fund there are students from Molapo High School outside the program’s membership who have joined for study sessions and lifeskills workshops. This is a true testament to the character of the students in the program and the great job ‘Ntate ‘Mota is doing with the group. When asked to volunteer their time to work at the Artisans opening the G.R.O. Scholars were there. These students - members and the recently joined -gave up their Saturday to prepare chicken, watch over the grill, distribute food to guests, clean dishes, and ensure the area around the workshop/store was free from garbage at the end of the day.

With a fresh cup and a few days I realize that the students commitment to community service and strengthening their program is a more subtle but equally exciting story that’s unfolding here in Hlotse-Leribe. On behalf of the G.R.O. Foundation Lesotho I want to thank and congratulate the students of the Family Scholarship Fund for their efforts this past weekend. See you on Monday!

Posted under Notes from Lesotho

This past Saturday, 6 March, the G.R.O. Artisans Collective held their Opening Day ribbon-cutting ceremony. Along with a large crowd and many of the G.R.O. members from other projects in attendance the day was a great success!

Congratulations to ‘Me Majoyce, ‘Me Makhotalong, ‘Me Mathabang, ‘Me Mamosebetsi and their families for their successes as members of the G.R.O. Artisans Collective!

Special thanks to the G.R.O. Scholars of Molapo High School and the Grannies Poultry Association of Lisemeng II as well as Jean Margaritis, ‘Ntate Katiso ‘Mota, and ‘Me Rethabile Skundla for assisting in organizing and lending their helping hands all day long!

Posted under Notes from Lesotho

On Saturday, February 20th G.R.O. really hit the pavement! Together, the Canadian fundraising team and our new volunteers taped, stapled, and glued posters in all the hottest Toronto neighbourhoods. The posters were promoting the Scholarship Challenge, an initiative designed to raise funds for the High School scholarships G.R.O. provides to vulnerable students of Hlotse-Leribe, southern Africa. After coffee and bagels, the group split off into two groups and plastered utility poles, message boards, and hoarding throughout downtown Toronto (yes, it’s legal).

It was great to meet the new volunteers – thanks so much Joel, Alex, Curtis and Nora! We are looking forward to working together again in the future!

Posted under The Movement