My Incredible Journey: Teaching in Lesotho Africa for Three Years

Lesotho, a small landlocked country in southern Africa, is often referred to as the "Kingdom in the Sky" due to its breathtaking mountainous terrain. It was here that I had the opportunity to serve as a Peace Corps teacher for three life-changing years.

Arriving in Lesotho

As I took my first steps off the plane onto Lesotho's soil, I was filled with a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity. The landscape instantly captivated me, with its majestic mountains reaching high into the clouds. Little did I know that the journey I was about to embark on would shape me in ways I could never have imagined.

My destination was a rural village tucked away in the mountains, far from the bustling cities and modern-day conveniences. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where people lived off the land and were deeply connected to their traditions and customs.

The Mountain School: Three Years Learning as a Peace Corps Teacher in Lesotho, Africa

by Greg Alder (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	767 KB
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The Challenges of Language and Culture

One of the biggest challenges I faced in my role as a Peace Corps teacher was the language barrier. Sesotho, the local language, was completely foreign to me. However, I quickly realized that language is not solely about words, but about connection, understanding, and empathy. With the help of patient locals and my determination to learn, I gradually started to communicate and form meaningful relationships with my students and community.

Another hurdle was navigating the cultural differences. Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage, and I had to adapt and respect their way of life. I immersed myself in their traditions, participating in ceremonies, dances, and celebrations. These experiences helped me gain their trust and allowed me to become an integral part of the community.

Teaching in Lesotho

Teaching in Lesotho was both rewarding and challenging. The educational system faced numerous obstacles, including limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of qualified teachers. Despite these challenges, I witnessed the resilience and eagerness of my students to learn.

My main focus was on improving English literacy and life skills. Through creative teaching methods, interactive activities, and storytelling, I aimed to instill a love for learning within my students. Witnessing their progress and seeing their faces light up with newfound knowledge brought immense joy and fulfillment. The bond I formed with my students went beyond the classroom, as I became not just their teacher but also a mentor and friend.

Embracing the Community and Making a Difference

Living in a close-knit rural community gave me a unique opportunity to understand the challenges faced by the locals and actively contribute to their development. I collaborated with community leaders to initiate various projects, such as building a community library, establishing a vegetable garden, and organizing health and hygiene workshops.

These projects not only positively impacted the lives of the community members but also empowered them to take ownership of their own growth and progress. Together, we created a sense of unity and strength that transcended cultural and language barriers.

Personal Growth and Reflection

My three years in Lesotho were a period of immense personal growth. The simplicity of life, the resilience of the people, and the striking beauty of the country taught me invaluable life lessons. I learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and the power of human connection.

Living in Lesotho also made me appreciate the privileges and opportunities I had taken for granted. It opened my eyes to the realities of poverty, inequality, and the potential for change. It sparked a fire within me to continue serving and making a difference, even after my time as a Peace Corps teacher came to an end.

My experience as a Peace Corps teacher in Lesotho Africa will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments of growth. The bond I formed with the people of Lesotho transformed me, teaching me the true meaning of resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of education.

Lesotho, with its awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture, will always be a second home to me. The memories and lessons I gained from this incredible adventure will continue to shape my life and my dedication to making a positive impact in communities around the world.

The Mountain School: Three Years Learning as a Peace Corps Teacher in Lesotho, Africa

by Greg Alder (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	767 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a mountainous enclave in southern Africa, and like mountain zones throughout the world it is isolated, steeped in tradition, and home to few outsiders. The people, known as Basotho, are respected in the area as the only tribe never to be defeated by European colonizers.

Greg Alder arrives in Tšoeneng as the village’s first foreign resident since 1966. In that year, the Canadian priest who had been living there was robbed and murdered in his quarters. Set up as a Peace Corps teacher at the village’s secondary school, Alder finds himself incompetent in so many unexpected ways. How do you keep warm in this place where it snows but there is no electricity? For how long can dinners of cornmeal and leaves sustain you? Tšoeneng is a world apart from his home in America. But he persists in becoming familiar with the new lifestyle; he learns to speak the strange local tongue and is eventually invited to participate in initiation rites. Yet even as he seems accepted into the Tšoeneng fold, he sees how much of an outsider he will always remain—and perhaps want to remain.

The Mountain School is insightful, candid, at times adaptive and at times rebellious. It is the ultimate tale of the transplant.