Building a Purpose-Built Home for a Child with Additional Needs
Recently One Day undertook the construction of a purpose-built home for a child in our care with additional needs. This project has been one of the most significant developments in our journey to provide loving, safe family homes in Lesotho.
From the beginning, it was clear that this child required a living environment carefully adapted to support his development. The goal was to create a space that would meet his physical, sensory, and emotional needs while also strengthening his participation in daily family life.
The house still under construction. While simple on the outside a lot of thought has gone into structuring it for the specific needs of the child.
Construction progressed steadily over several months. The house was wired, partitioned, plastered, tiled, and painted with thoughtful attention to detail. A porch was built to allow safe outdoor play and supervised independence. Inside, key rooms such as the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom were painted in different colours and marked with visual cues. These practical adjustments help prepare him for what happens in each room and support routine, predictability, and understanding.
A dedicated sensory room was developed as part of the design. This room provides opportunities for exploration and regulation. Switches allow him to activate lights and sound, helping him understand cause and effect. A swing supports relaxation while developing proprioceptive and vestibular senses. Structured activities within this space encourage choice-making and communication. These elements contribute to emotional regulation, cognitive growth, and confidence.
The house was built with trauma-informed practices in mind and alongside the aim of creating a total communication approach. Predictable spaces, clear boundaries, and structured routines reduce anxiety and increase stability. The environment now actively supports development rather than creating additional barriers.
Alongside the construction, specialist support was provided to equip his house mother with practical tools to meet his specific needs. Training focused on communication strategies, independence skills, and consistent daily routines. This investment has strengthened caregiving capacity across the wider project, contributing to a noticeable improvement in confidence and relational connection within the home.
Since moving into his new house, we have seen meaningful progress. He is increasingly involved in daily tasks such as brushing the floor, washing dishes, helping prepare food, and setting the table. Shared mealtimes, participation in simple chores, and structured play are building independence and reinforcing belonging within the One Day family.
This home reflects our commitment to individualised care. Disability inclusion in rural Lesotho requires intentional planning, practical adaptation, and sustained support. Resources are limited, and specialist services are rare. By creating an environment designed around the child, we are working to ensure long-term developmental stability and dignity.
We are deeply grateful to those who contributed financially and practically to this project. Their generosity has provided a child with a safe and structured home tailored to his needs, and it has strengthened the overall care model at One Day.
As we continue to grow, this project sets a clear standard for how we approach additional needs, trauma-informed care, and residential development. Every child deserves an environment where they can grow in safety, consistency, and love. This home represents one step forward in that commitment.
