Nthatuoa Koeshe
THE first edition of the Nala Project of 2019 was held on Sunday with artists and crafters showcasing their talents and wares at Sefikeng in Maseru.
The Nala Project is a community development initiative founded to bring people together to interact through shopping, dining and entertainment.
This time, the monthly family picnic and market, was held with the theme Life where the organisers collaborated with the blood bank and the Rare Diseases Lesotho Association (RDLA) for blood donations and to mark February as the rare disease month.
Nala Project co-founder, Moleboheng Rampou, said they decided to start the year with a purpose hence the collaboration with the blood bank and the RDLA.
She said because the country recently came from the festive season, they are aware of the blood bank’s need for blood due to the numerous accidents.
“Blood is the life and with this event we wanted to give life to those desperately in need of blood,” Rampou said.
She said added that it was for the same reason they collaborated with RDLA as there are several people with rare diseases who need blood every day.
The community market showcased different art products ranging from fine art, handicrafts and the famous Basotho wall-hangers, which are made of Lesotho wool.
Fashion fanatics were not left behind as space was created to allow them to display different local fashion trends in Lesotho.
Nala coordinator, MaLord Mefane said the initiative was focused on community development and working to end unemployment through activities that promote self-employment.
“Our idea is to provide a platform for the public and in particular families, to access locally-produced goods and fresh produce, as well as showcasing local talent and other home-grown activities. Through the Nala Market, we have created an avenue for local small producers and businesses to showcase their products and also support them to generate an income,” Mefane said.
Nala Market was launched in March 2016 and so far, the project has fostered a community-based approach that is inclusive of some local artists.
