LRCS CONDUCTS FIRST AID AWARENESS SESSION FOR WOOL CLASSERS AND RECORD KEEPERS

by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Jul 23, 2026 | Latest

The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), on 21 July 2026, conducted a First Aid awareness session for workers involved in wool classing and record keeping at wool and mohair shearing sheds. The session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in accident prevention and emergency response.

The awareness session covered a range of life-saving topics, including controlling severe bleeding, managing fractures, treating burns, responding to seizures, and other essential First Aid techniques.

During the session, the growing need for First Aid training in shearing sheds across the country was highlighted. It was noted that many people still rely on outdated and unsafe methods when responding to emergencies, particularly burn injuries. This underscored the importance of equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate First Aid before professional medical assistance arrives.

The session brought together 43 participants from 21 shearing sheds in the Maseru District. Participants included wool classers and record keepers responsible for ensuring quality control and maintaining livestock records during shearing operations. Of those who attended, 19 were men and 24 were women, including 8 youth.

The programme was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Association (LNWMA). The LRCS facilitated the First Aid awareness session as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safer working environments and strengthen emergency preparedness in different setups.

Speaking on behalf of the LNWMA, District Marketing Officer Ms. Basetsana Thabana expressed appreciation to the LRCS for facilitating the session. She said the association had identified a gap in First Aid knowledge among workers and recognized the importance of equipping them with skills that contribute to a safer and healthier working environment.

Sharing her experience after the training, Mrs. Ts’epang Mamokhethi Makoa, Shed Supervisor at Semione Shearing Shed, said the training had given her the confidence to respond effectively during emergencies, both at work and at home.

“This training is very important because I am now able to assist my children whenever an emergency arises. I also learned that, as first aiders, our responsibility is to provide immediate care and preserve life until professional medical help arrives. We are not responsible for determining whether someone is dead, that is the responsibility of medical professionals.”

She added that the training had corrected many misconceptions about First Aid.

“I realized that I had been using outdated methods, such as applying salt, soil and methylated spirits to stop bleeding. I now understand the correct First Aid procedures. I encourage everyone to receive First Aid training, whether in the workplace, in communities, or in schools, because these are life-saving skills that everyone should have.”

The LRCS First Aid Trainer, Ms. Paballo Thatho, emphasized that increasing the number of trained first aiders would help reduce preventable injuries and deaths.

“If more people are trained in First Aid and equipped with the right skills, many lives can be saved and the severity of injuries can be reduced. There are many people who work in environments where emergencies are likely to occur or where they interact with large numbers of people, such as taxi drivers.”

She further explained that well-intentioned first responders sometimes cause more harm because they lack proper training.

“Many deaths and serious injuries occur because people try to help without knowing the correct First Aid procedures. In some cases, improper handling of an injured person can result in paralysis or even death. This is why proper First Aid training is so important.”

The LRCS remains committed to promoting a culture of safety and preparedness by empowering communities and workplaces with life-saving First Aid knowledge and skills.

LESOTHO RED CROSS SOCIETY SUPPORTS VULNERABLE INMATES AT MASERU CENTRAL PRISON

by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Jun 7, 2026 | Latest

Maseru, Lesotho – 28 May 2026, Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), through its Restoring Family Links (RFL) Programme, conducted a humanitarian visit to Maseru Central Prison on 28 May 2026.

During the visit, LRCS distributed hygiene kits to vulnerable inmates identified in collaboration with the Lesotho Correctional Service. The kits contained essential personal hygiene items, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant, body lotion, and face towels. These items are intended to promote personal hygiene, health, and dignity among inmates.

In addition to the hygiene support, LRCS provided vegetable seeds to encourage winter gardening within the correctional facility. The initiative aims to enhance food production, promote self-sufficiency, and contribute to the nutritional well-being of inmates through sustainable gardening practices.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Mr. Sechaba Mokhameleli, Secretary General of the Lesotho Red Cross Society, explained that at the Lesotho Red Cross Society, they believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.

“Through the provision of hygiene kits and support for food production, we are helping to improve the well-being of vulnerable inmates while reinforcing our commitment to humanity and compassion. Small acts of support can make a meaningful difference in restoring hope and dignity,” he said.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Deputy District Commissioner Leluma Mahlelebe expressed his appreciation to the Lesotho Red Cross Society for the support provided to the correctional facility.

“We are grateful to the Lesotho Red Cross Society for this timely and meaningful donation. The hygiene kits will contribute to improving the well-being and dignity of inmates, while the seeds will play a significant role in strengthening our food production efforts. Given the challenges we face in providing adequate food for the growing inmate population, this support will go a long way in supplementing our resources and enhancing food security within the facility,” he said.

The activity forms part of the Society’s humanitarian efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations and uphold the dignity of individuals in places of detention. By providing practical support and fostering opportunities for food production, LRCS continues to contribute to improving the living conditions and well-being of inmates.

The Lesotho Red Cross Society extends its appreciation to the Lesotho Correctional Service for its cooperation and support in facilitating the successful implementation of the activity.

Through initiatives such as these, LRCS remains committed to its humanitarian mission of alleviating suffering, protecting human dignity, and providing assistance to those most in need.

LRCS PARTNERS TO STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE

by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Mar 26, 2026 | Latest

The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has partnered with Eagles Fire and Safety Protection and the Road Safety Health Shield Organization to strengthen emergency response capacity in the country. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference held at the Correctional Training Centre, focuses on providing first aid and fire safety training for taxi and mini-bus drivers, who are often the first on the scene in road accidents.

Mr. Molefe Ratsoane, Public Relations Officer for Eagles Fire and Safety Protection, emphasized that taxi drivers carry thousands of lives daily. Training them in first aid and fire response will enable them to save lives that might otherwise be lost in accidents. He referenced tragic incidents, including a car accident in Kolonyama and a school bus fire at Lakeside, to highlight the urgent need for such interventions.

On the other hand, Mr. Atang Molefinyane, Chairperson of the Road Safety Health Shield Organization, explained that the program will cover both first aid and fire safety. He noted that other than that, many drivers struggle to access health services due to time constraints and financial pressures, underscoring the need for tailored support. This was revealed by the research they undertook as an organization. The partnership will secure funds, design strategic plans, and implement training that directly addresses drivers’ needs.

Mr. Nordeen Goolam from Eagles’ training department stressed practical safety measures, urging drivers to avoid smoking in vehicles, ensure proper wiring, and keep fire extinguishers mounted within reach rather than locked in the boot. He emphasized that careless driving and lack of preparedness often turn accidents into fatal tragedies.

On the other hand, Ms. Paballo Thatho, First Aid Training Officer at LRCS, highlighted the importance of First Aid kits in every car. She explained that proper training ensures that first aid helps rather than worsens a situation. LRCS will provide certified training and motorist first aid kits to drivers who successfully complete the program.

Representatives of taxi associations voiced strong support for the initiative. Ntate Letsie suggested that first aid and fire safety training should be integrated into traffic law, making it a requirement before obtaining a driver’s license.

This partnership marks a significant step toward reducing fatalities from road accidents in Lesotho. By empowering taxi drivers with essential emergency response skills, LRCS and its partners aim to build a safer transport system and protect lives across the nation.