The first in a series of five project profiles highlighting CLC projects across Lesotho.
Across 11 communities in Berea, Lesotho, Team Berea is showing how Sport for All can support healthier, more connected communities. Launched in January 2026, the project reached 153 participants aged 3 to 80, including 86 women and girls and 67 men and boys.
Although teenagers aged 12–20 were the primary target group, the project welcomed people of all ages and abilities. As TAFISA-certified Sport for All leaders working under the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC), Team Berea worked with local schools, community leaders, health centres, churches, volunteers, police, and other stakeholders to make physical activity accessible to everyone.
The team began with door-to-door outreach, posters, and community workshops promoting the benefits of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles. At the Good Shepherd Health Centre, patients attending non-communicable disease check-ups also received information about the role of physical activity in maintaining health and wellbeing.
Community Sport for All events included football, running, basketball, stretching, rope pulling, dancing, traditional Mokhibo dance, and group discussions. The emphasis was on participation and enjoyment rather than competition, allowing people of different ages, abilities, and sporting experience to take part together.
The project has increased awareness of physical activity and healthy living across the participating communities. Participants reported feeling healthier, more energetic, less stressed, and more motivated to stay active. They also described stronger relationships and greater cooperation within their communities. At Good Shepherd Home, girls involved in the project demonstrated increased responsibility and stronger communication with their caregivers.
A key part of the project was training local youth volunteers to organise activities and encourage others to participate. This is helping ensure that activities continue beyond the initial project events and that communities increasingly take ownership of Sport for All.
As one of the participants put it:
"Working together through sport taught us the value of unity and cooperation."
Looking ahead, Team Berea plans to rotate activities between neighbouring communities, strengthen partnerships with Good Shepherd Health Center, Paballong Youth Center and Clinic, and nearby schools, develop volunteer leadership, and document lessons that could be adapted and replicated elsewhere.
The project demonstrates how accessible, community-led physical activity can bring people together while creating practical opportunities to improve health, wellbeing, and community connection.
By Team Berea: Pitso Palesa, Moqhali Lerata, Mokhameleli Ts'epang, Monne Mohloki, Ralebitso Maletuka, Komane Ralejoe, Nkoe Manthapo, and Matsása Mpho
