A New Beginning for Molebatsi and Her Siblings: World Vision Provides a Safe Home for Vulnerable Children.

By Reentseng Phephetho ; Communication and Digital Officer

In the quiet village of Phamong in Matlameng Area Program, a heartbreaking reality unfolded for 16-year-old Molebatsi Mothae and her four younger siblings. Abandoned by both parents, who had left in search of work but never returned or provided support, Molebatsi found herself thrust into the role of head of the household. The youngest child was only a year old when their parents disappeared, leaving the children to fend for themselves.

"My youngest sister was only a year old when my parents left. She grew up knowing me as her mother. We had no food, and we sometimes slept on potato peels," Molebatsi recalled, her voice heavy with the weight of responsibility far beyond her years.

Molebatsi and her two siblings at their inadequate home during the visit of World Vision's Senior Leadership Team and Advisory Council

The home they lived in was unfit for habitation—a cracked hut with no proper door and no protection from the elements. Rainfall turned their shelter into a perilous space, forcing them to seek refuge at neighbours’ homes. With no source of income, they struggled to meet even the most basic needs, and Molebatsi and two of her siblings were forced to drop out of school.

"The day I shall never forget is when our last born was sick, and I couldn’t take her to the doctor. I called our mother to send money, and she told me I am a woman, I should take care of the child," Molebatsi recounted painfully.

Overwhelmed by the burden of parenthood at such a young age, Molebatsi even considered marriage as a way out. But in 2023, during the annual Senior Leadership Team and Advisory Council Area Programs visit, World Vision came across their dire situation. Deeply moved, the organization immediately sought intervention from the Ministry of Social Development, ensuring that the children were registered for social grants. Soon, they began receiving monthly support and were able to return to school.

Mr. James Chifwelu and Police Officer Mr. Motsamai officially hand over the new house to the Mothae family

"As a child-focused organization, the situation was unbearable for young children like these to endure. We had to do something," remarked James Chifwelu, World Vision Lesotho National Director.

Through the Community Engagement and Sponsorship Plan Technical Program, World Vision envisions the world where children are safe and secure. Three of the children were registered under World Vision’s programming, and in March 2025, a new, furnished two-roomed house was built for them in Ha Mosebo. The house, complete with tiled floors, a ceiling, and essential groceries, became a beacon of hope for the family.

"It is really a relief to us today that the children now have a proper house to stay in. As World Vision, the well-being of children is our priority. Today, we thank God for making this possible," James added.

The case had also been closely followed by the local police in Pitseng, who had been working tirelessly to locate the parents and ensure the children's safety. "We knew about this terrible situation, and it has been on our table. As the police, our work is to ensure that children are protected. We are grateful to World Vision for intervening, and we will continue to ensure the safety of these children and work towards reuniting them with their parents," said Sir Motsamai, a police officer in Pitseng.

During the handover event, the children's father, Mr. Tsepiso Mothae, was present. He revealed that he had been doing piece jobs in Matukeng and believed that his wife was using the money he sent to care for the children. "I am grateful to World Vision. My children could have avoided this suffering if not for my wife, whom I always sent money to support them. I was not aware that she never brought it home. I will start being a better father to my children," he admitted.

The area chief, Mr. Malikane Mosebo, did not mince words in addressing Mr. Mothae.

"You should come home and stay with these children. Since their house has been built in a new place, Ha Mosebo, you need to find similar piece jobs around  home or grow crops to feed your family and sell to the neighbours. I should never hear that you left these children alone again. We cannot have children raising themselves in this area. World Vision has done an incredible thing, and now it is your turn to step up," he urged.

Molebatsi delivering her speech during the house handover ceremony

For Molebatsi, the day felt like a dream. She had spent years struggling under an unsafe roof, burdened with responsibilities beyond her age. As she stood in front of the newly built house, tears streamed down her face—tears of joy, relief, and gratitude.

"Today, I am crying tears of joy. People witnessed our situation but could not help. I really thank God for World Vision. You have done so much for me. I could only wish for my siblings and me to have a proper home and experience the love of our parents. Today, you made it possible," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

The interior of the newly built house, complete with groceries.

The community, local leaders, and neighbours all agreed that Mr. Mothae should return home to take care of his children. It was indeed a turning point for a family that had never known stability. With a proper home, essential furniture, and cooking supplies to last for at least three months, Molebatsi and her siblings could finally embrace a childhood that had long been denied to them.

Through the kindness and intervention of World Vision, the future of these children has been rewritten—not with despair, but with hope, security, and the promise of a better tomorrow.