Eight current nursing students and two nursing alumni accompanied Scott Rosenberg, professor of history, on a service-learning trip to the southern African Kingdom of Lesotho, for 22 days this past summer.
Rosenberg, Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Lesotho, has taken more than 500 Wittenberg students to Lesotho since the summer of 2003. This year’s group traversed South Africa from June 3 to July 1 of 2025, shadowing nurses and helping where needed at four different placements.
“Lesotho holds a special place, as it is where my love for Africa was kindled during my time as a Peace Corps volunteer there,” Rosenberg said. “In past years, during our stay in Lesotho, we usually spend one week helping to build houses for orphan-headed households with Habitat for Humanity, along with building playground equipment, repairing buildings, building greenhouses, and painting schools.
“But this year, I tried something a little different. With nursing being one of our largest majors, I decided to create a nursing trip to Lesotho, especially since it’s so hard for nurses to go abroad during the regular semester. We did some volunteer work at a pediatric AIDS clinic, visited hospitals, attended lectures from local professors, and participated in several cross-cultural activities.”
Among the many stops, the group visited Touching Tiny Lives (TTL), a non-profit organization based in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, that combats childhood malnutrition and stunting, and works to provide smart and sustainable local responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Lesotho. The current and future nurses also visited a TTL outreach and a safe home, met families, fed babies, did food assessments, and saw where the good work of the Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (LNI) benefits the people.
LNI is a Wittenberg-student and alumni-driven non-profit that was created in 2014 to address the humanitarian crisis of childhood malnutrition in Lesotho. The volunteer-run organization has shipped nearly five million meals to Lesotho to address childhood malnutrition and stunting, and roughly 20 percent of those meals go to the TTL outreach.
The Wittenberg caravan then headed to Ramabanta for four days to a rural clinic where they shadowed Lesotho nurses in the clinic before helping to build a house with Habitat. They also visited the Baylor College Pediatric Aids Clinic, where they shadowed doctors and nurses while assisting with different department visits. Additionally, the group visited two nursing colleges and hospitals in Lesotho.
Other fun activities included visiting the cave paintings, horseback riding, going on a safari at Kruger National Park, and seeing the dinosaur footprints.
Students who went on trip included Sofia Didone, class of 2027 from Campbell, California; Maddy Krasnow, class of 2027 from Columbus, Ohio; Natalie Cappa, class of 2028 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Jayla Thompson, class of 2028 from Dayton, Ohio; Kylah Tucker, class of 2028 from Springfield, Ohio; Hannah Arnold, class of 2028 from Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Emily Zmuda, class of 2028 from Columbus, Ohio; and Mackenzie Kelley, class of 2026 from Altoona, Pennsylvania. Alumni members included Lindsay Smith Mackey, class of 2008, and Eva Cahill, class of 2013. Both are currently working in the nursing and medical field in the area.
Students blogged during the trip, and below is what they had to say. To see more blog entries, please visit https://www.wittenberg.edu/blogs/lesotho.
“This experience has genuinely meant the world to me. It’s one in which words could never fully capture. I feel beyond blessed to have been in this beautiful country, surrounded by beautiful people who never once failed to delight my soul. The knowledge I gained not only opened my eyes but changed my perspective in ways I never knew I needed. While I find myself dreading having to leave the stillness and peace I found in this country, I find myself eager to get back and share the newfound perspectives and knowledge this trip has rewarded me. Lesotho truly changed my life, and I thank God every day that I was allowed this opportunity; it was truly one of a lifetime. P.S., the stars here are unreal!”
- Natalie Cappa, class of 2028 from Cincinnati, Ohio
“Being in Lesotho has given me such a different perspective on the world. This place has a special place in my heart and will stay there for the rest of my life. Being able to observe and assist in health care opened my eyes to the challenges they face and how lucky we are in the United States. The nurse’s ability to work with what they have is truly amazing. One of the most powerful moments was seeing a family stand in front of the house we built for them. Their happiness reminded me that health isn’t only about medicine but in addition, is about safety, stability, and dignity. I am so grateful for the experience I have had and the bonds I was able to form. Leaving is so bittersweet, but I will never forget this experience and will continue helping through LNI! As my dad always says, ‘see you on the flippity.’”
- Emily Zmuda, class of 2028 from Columbus, Ohio
“I wish I could even begin to describe how grateful I am to experience something as meaningful as this trip. I remember when coming to Africa was just a distant dream, I held secretly close to my heart. Now knowing I’ve done something I once thought to be nearly impossible, while also supporting others, I have learned it’s safe to dream bigger. I want to help as many people as I personally can in hopes of truly one day pushing the world closer to progress (with style, of course). I will never forget those who helped me to get where I am now and the earth-shattering realities, I’ve gotten to see firsthand. Gaining such meaningful connections along the way and being welcomed into the community as one of their own has made me appreciate my life in ways I wouldn’t have been able to fathom prior. I pray I can one day return to this beautiful country and continue to provide a helping hand.”
- Jayla Thompson, class of 2028 from Dayton, Ohio
“Unfortunately, writing this means the trip is coming to an end soon. It is still crazy to believe I have spent the last three weeks in Africa, but I mean it when I say I have loved every second of it. Not only has this trip brought me so much knowledge on the culture here and what healthcare is like on this side of the world, but it has also allowed me to meet some of the most genuinely amazing people that I am so sad to leave. This experience has been one of a kind. It has been eye-opening, heartwarming, and it has given me a new appreciation of life and the world around me. Lesotho is a beautiful place; one I think everyone should get a chance to know. The people here have a way of making you feel at home even when you’re an ocean away from your real one. They are kind, warm, welcoming, generous, appreciative, and beautiful inside and out. The memories and friendships I have made while being here are something that I will hold very close to my heart. The knowledge and skills I gained from the amazing, hardworking, and driven women in healthcare here is something I will take home with me and share with others. There really aren’t enough words to describe the impact this place makes on you, but it is one I will never forget.”
- Hannah Arnold, class of 2028 from Mechanicsburg, Ohio
“I can’t even begin to explain how much this trip has meant to me. It has been a dream of mine to come to Africa, and I am so incredibly grateful I have had the opportunity! I have learned so much from this trip…where to begin, maybe the beginning. When we first arrived, I loved being able to go out into the community and being immersed in the culture. I appreciated the kindness and happiness I saw all around me. When we went to Rama Banta, I fell in LOVE! It’s hard to put into words, but I will try to sum up how I felt and what I learned. When I arrived, it felt like home. When we went to the community center and played with the kids, my heart was so happy. Working alongside the nurses in the clinic taught me the versatility, skills, and willingness to give excellent care with what you have. I helped build a HOUSE! I never thought I would say that working with Habitat and the wonderful team they have, helped me understand how important it is that everyone has a place to call home. Seeing the smile on the grandmother’s face made all the hard-working days worth it! Lastly, Baylor was a wonderful experience, and I gained so much knowledge and even more appreciation for everyone who works there, best of all…everyone had a smile on their face and taught us as much as they could! In summary, I have cried a lot because it’s hard to leave after forming so many bonds and memories here, but I know this journey is coming to an end. I am so so so thankful and will cherish every minute I have been here in Lesotho!
- Kylah Tucker, class of 2028 from Springfield, Ohio
“To describe this trip is ineffable. I learned so much, not only about Lesotho, but about healthcare, overall kindness, and resilience. I have always had a positive outlook on the world, and Lesotho brought my views further than I could fathom. In this culture, there is no word for stranger. Everyone greets you and wants to know your story, no matter where you go. For a country that doesn’t have a lot, they are the most resilient people you will ever meet. Between meeting all the little kids in the villages who light up with every little thing and the well-trained healthcare professionals who know how to get around any situation by improvising with nothing was truly remarkable to watch and learn from. I not only learned a lot about my profession, but I also learned how to look at things in a different light. I learned to never take anything for granted and that there truly is always another way out of a problem. Sometimes it takes going out of your comfort zone to learn these things. Maybe that’s flying 15 hours and over 8,000 miles away from home to learn what I did. I am truly grateful for the past few weeks. Lesotho will forever hold a little piece of my heart. I couldn’t be more grateful to be able to go on this trip and meet so many amazing people! It’s never goodbye, it’s only see you later.”
- Sofia Didone, class of 2027 from Campbell, California
“I cannot even begin to describe what this trip meant for me and how much I have learned! Lesotho is really such a special and amazing place. From the second we got here; everyone welcomed us with open and kind arms. The people here are some of the most amazing, kind, and caring people I have ever met, to say the least. I still cannot believe I have spent the past three weeks here in Lesotho. It is never something I thought I would do or even be able to do. It took a lot of courage and coming out of my comfort zone to do this trip, but I will forever be grateful that I did. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to go on this trip. This country is beautiful all around. Lesotho taught me so much about myself as a person and made me a better person. I not only learned so much about the amazing culture here, but also so much about the healthcare here. Every nurse, doctor, and speaker we were with taught me so much, some things that I will take with me throughout my career. Lesotho will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope that I have the opportunity to visit here again. I will forever cherish the memories I have made with the most amazing people from here.”
- Maddy Krasnow, class of 2027 from Columbus, Ohio
“I don’t even know where to start when telling you all about the incredible memories and life lessons I have learned on this amazing trip to Lesotho again. As some of you may know, I was fortunate enough to have been a part of this trip last year. I can’t believe that these three weeks have gone by so quickly. I feel as though it was just yesterday that we were boarding our 15-hour flight to South Africa. Between interacting with the little kids, the healthcare workers, and Habitat site workers, I have learned so much and made lifelong connections. Over the past three weeks, visiting different healthcare facilities and meeting different healthcare professionals, I have learned an abundance of knowledge. The healthcare workers in Lesotho are some of the most resourceful and intelligent individuals I have ever met. Although they may not have all the equipment and resources that we have, they sure make do with what they have to work with. They can adapt to situations and still deliver quality care to their patients. I will continue to use the healthcare knowledge I have learned as I go back to finish my last year of nursing school. Who knows, maybe one day I will end up back in Lesotho working as a pediatric nurse! Forever one of my favorite memories will be my two little buddies running up and into my arms this year when they saw me again for the first time in over a year. Although we may not speak the same language, we will forever have a lifelong connection and bond. At the Habitat site, I was able to learn the skills to assist to build a house and connect with Habitat for Lesotho and the local builders. I can now say that I know how to make mortar and concrete! Lesotho is one of the most beautiful countries with the most beautiful people. The Basotho people are the most kind, caring, welcoming, and appreciative individuals I have ever met. Lesotho will always have a piece of my heart, and I consider it like a second home. With all the life lessons I have learned over these past two years, I want to leave you with a list of a few things to remember:
- Always smile and say hi to someone, even if they are a stranger.
- Remember to stop and take in your surroundings. Life moves way too fast, and we never stop to enjoy the little things.
- You can always make do with what you have; you just have to think out of the box.
- Focus on one problem at a time to fix.
- And eat all the fat cakes whenever you have a chance to!
I will forever cherish the memories and bonds I have made on this trip this year. This is not a goodbye, it is a see you soon, Lesotho!”
- Mackenzie Kelley, class of 2026 from Altoona, Pennsylvania
