What Happens When a Team Comes to Lesotho?

Each year, we run two volunteer trips to One Day, bringing valuable skills, energy, and support to the children, staff, and wider community. In April 2025, a team travelled to Ha Lebesa and immersed themselves fully in life on the mountain.

Rather than retelling their experience in our own words, we want to share directly from those who were there.

Reagan’s Experience

“I can't even begin to express how much this trip to Lesotho has changed my life. It truly was the best experience I’ve ever had. When I first arrived, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, but I left with so many precious memories and incredible friendships. From the moment we met the kids, I felt a deep connection with them. 

I had the privilege of teaching a dance class at the local school, and I was in awe of the kids' natural talent. We also had a fun sports day, where I led a relay group with 2 other team members , and it was amazing to see how energetic and joyful the children were. One of the most emotional moments was attending a ceremony where the kids were rewarded for their good behaviour and hard work in school. Seeing how much they are cared for and recognised for their achievements was truly moving. Other highlights included a picnic and swim by the river, three amazing youth nights filled with games and dancing, and a movie night where Spider-Man himself made a surprise appearance. 

The campfire night was especially emotional, as we sang songs, roasted marshmallows, and shared moments of connection. One memory that will forever stay with me is when one of the younger children fell asleep in my arms during the campfire. He had such a sense of comfort and trust that it touched my heart. Through these moments, I saw how safe and loved the children felt, which is something I will never forget. The bond I formed with every single child is something I cherish deeply, and I was continually amazed by how the older kids looked out for the younger ones. 

 This experience has had such a profound impact on me, and if I had the chance, I would drop everything and move to Lesotho to continue supporting these wonderful kids. I will absolutely be returning, as a part of my heart will always be there with them”. Reagan

Kathryn’s Experience

“I am a teacher from North Wales and for sometime now I have been interested in the use of lego and bricks to support children's learning, development and social skills. I took my knowledge and resources to Lesotho to share with the teachers, children and carers. I was lucky enough to go into the local school and share some activities with the teachers, work with the house ladies and social worker and also directly with the children. 

 The games and activities work on memory, motor skills, problem solving, creativity, cognitive flexibility to name but a few. All this and the children don't even know it - they are playing with lego! The children enjoyed being creative in free style building sessions and read stories about a character called Grobby with whom they can learn more skills with using the 6 coloured bricks. 

 Aside from the lego it was amazing to play, read and interact with the children on a daily basis. Sharing information about Wales on cultural day was great too and even incorporating the lego into this too. It has been an amazing experience, a privilege and a joy. Thank you!”

Malcom’s Experience

“My time in Lesotho was honestly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. While I was there, I got involved in loads of different areas: I taught maths, helped coach football, and supported Vee (team member) during CPR sessions in the school across the first few days. I also had the opportunity to learn some traditional Lesotho dances, which was such a great way to engage with the culture and the kids.

Outside of lessons, we spent a lot of time bonding with both the One Day kids and the local village kids — running games and activities to build real friendships. One of my favourite memories was designing and running an obstacle course with Vee, which ended up with all the kids (and even some volunteers) getting involved.  

Another personal highlight was a creative project I led where we made custom superhero capes for the kids. I cut the capes from colourful superhero fabric and plain white fabric, and the kids decorated the white sections using fabric markers. With help from some of the older girls in the village, we sewed them all together. The joy on their faces when they got their capes back was something I’ll never forget.

I also helped out with sewing lessons. Trish invited me to share some insights since she never studied fashion formally. I ran crash courses on pattern drafting, understanding fabric grain, and basic sewing techniques. I helped them fix and understand some of the studio equipment and left behind written guides, video instructions, some of my own books and tools, and even my phone number in case they ever needed more help. A few of the women took “homework” I gave them very seriously and even aced it, which meant a lot — it really felt like I made a lasting impact. Even some of the One Day kids seemed newly inspired to give sewing a try after seeing a young guy do it, which was cool to see, especially given the stereotypes they’re used to hearing around it being just for girls.

Another special memory was the hike down to the river with the kids. We had a picnic, and a few of us (myself included) jumped in for a swim. Some of the older lads were a bit nervous, but after some gentle encouragement and an offer to jump in holding hands, they gave it a go — and ended up loving it.

One of the biggest things I did was bring along a realistic Spiderman costume that I’d made in the week leading up to the trip. We showed Into the Spider-Verse one night in the church for movie night (which I thought was a perfect choice, especially with its inclusion of a black spider-man). Halfway through the film,Spiderman made a surprise appearance — I’d never felt more nervous, but the kids were stunned in the best way. After the initial shock wore off, they wanted photos and to meet me properly. A few of the older kids suspected it was me, but I never confirmed anything. I even staged a fake photoshoot later to make it look like I was just friends with Spiderman and had helped him sew the suit!

 Culture Day was another big highlight. It was amazing to hear about Welsh, English, and Polish cultures while also sharing some of our Irish traditions. I played a video message from a teacher friend of mine back home speaking in Irish, and another from my cousin, who plays football for the current Irish champions — a team founded in my hometown (I made sure to wear my jersey too!).

The campfire night was so wholesome — everyone sitting around the fire, singing songs, roasting marshmallows. Even the houseparents joined in with beautiful traditional Basotho songs. It really felt like a full-circle moment.

On the final day, Vee and I helped Tina launch a mini library. We stayed up painting the walls (I did a giant bookworm and Vee did the Gruffalo) and organising the books with the girls until about 11pm — it was worth every second. 

Leaving the next day was incredibly emotional. Anyone who knows me knows I never cry, but I just couldn’t hold it in. Every single child there has left a permanent imprint on my heart, and I already can’t stop thinking about when I can go back.

Lastly, I want to say how grateful I am for the group of volunteers I lived with. I was honestly nervous about being in a house full of strangers, especially being someone who normally sticks to a tight-knit circle. But it couldn’t have worked out better — every single person added something to the experience, and I’ve made real friends for life”. Malcolm (team member).