G.R.O. is an example of the powerful change that occurs when people from around the world connect for a single purpose. G.R.O. Lesotho traces its roots to July 2005 when, Lesotho based development workers; Jean Margaritis, Greg Felsen and James White, supported by Sharon Oatway, initiated a movement for social empowerment in honour of John and Alice Oatway, grandparents to James and parents to Sharon. Honoured with numerous awards for social commitment and volunteerism across Canada, the Oatways have demonstrated a giving spirit and compassion for humanity that sparked G.R.O. as an extension of their ideals.
The group connected with ‘Me Mapalesa Selia-lia, ‘Me Majoyce Mphela and others to form a collective group of Basotho community members who were eager to spark change in Lesotho’s struggling communities. Over the next 6 years, what started as a small family movement grew into a collective movement for positive global change involving social investors and advocates in three countries – Lesotho, Canada and the U.S. Generous support from around the world have allowed G.R.O. to provide scholarships to at-risk High School students so they can pursue post-secondary education, and have helped local Grandmothers start a sustainable poultry business so they can raise funds to provide poverty relief in their communities. Our donors and volunteers have also enabled the assembly of an Artisans Collective that provides livelihoods and income generation for mothers affected by HIV. Today, these projects are directed by ‘Me Rethabile Skundla and a committed group local Basotho who continue to develop programs according to the needs of their own community and perpetuate the spirit of positive social change in this region of southern Africa.
G.R.O. is more than a non-profit organization. It is an example of what happens when people from different walks of life, from different cultures and with different global experiences unite under a common sense of humanity. Through donations from North America and by tapping into the talents, inspiration and social commitment of Lesotho’s communities – what started as an effort to unite a small group has created a movement for social change that goes beyond borders and has involved thousands of individuals.
To learn more about the ways in which you can contribute to or support G.R.O.,click here.