When Mothers Thrive, Children Flourish: One Mother’s Mission to Feed and Educate Her Children Through Farming
By: Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, World Vision Lesotho
Keletso Khuto, a devoted mother of four; Limpho (23), Tlokomelo (13), Lintle (12), and little Khotsofalang (8) has always been driven by love for her children and a dream to provide them with a better life. Living in the rural community of Faskere in Mohale’s Hoek, Keletso tried everything she could to sustain her family. She kept a small vegetable garden and raised chickens, relying on these to feed her family and hopefully earn some income. But despite her passion for farming and raising chickens; hard work and her efforts never bore fruit.
Season after season, her crops withered. Her garden refused to thrive, and her chickens rarely survived long enough to lay eggs or reproduce. “I tried everything I knew, but nothing worked. Keletso says, Without proper training and support, she struggled to maintain healthy soil, choose the right seeds, or nurture her livestock. With no surplus, she couldn’t sell any produce, and she couldn't afford new seeds to try again. The vicious cycle left her family vulnerable; often without enough food, and with little means to afford school fees, clothing, or basic necessities for her children.
As a village health worker, Keletso felt the pain of her children’s malnutrition deeply. She witnessed it not just as a mother but as someone committed to the well-being of others in her community. Her heart ached knowing she couldn’t do more.
A New Beginning with World Vision
Everything changed when World Vision International Lesotho, through its Livelihoods and Nutrition Programming, came to Faskere. Keletso joined a community training on climate-smart agriculture and nutrition-sensitive farming. The training provided not only life-changing knowledge but also seeds for spinach, carrots, beetroot, rape, butternut, and other nutritious crops. Keletso learned about proper soil care, seasonal planting, and how to nurture her garden throughout the year. She eagerly applied what she learned, and for the first time, her garden flourished. “Now, my harvest is enough to feed my children, preserve for the future, and even sell at the market.
“We love helping Mom in the garden!” —Tlokomelo (13) “We water the plants and help pull out weeds. It feels good to know we are helping our mom to grow food for us.
“We love helping Mom in the garden!”- Tlokomelo (13)
She began canning vegetables and making delicious preserves like beetroot, butternut jam, and gravies; extending the life and nutritional value of her harvest. Her kitchen became a hub of innovation, and her children no longer went to bed hungry. With the income from selling surplus produce, she now pays for school fees, uniforms, books, and even buys additional food and clothing for the children.
“My mom is my hero.” —Limpho, 23 (University Student)
“Even when I’m away at university, I never worry about food. She packs me canned preserves and dried vegetables that last me through the semester. I’m so proud of how she works hard just for us.”
“My mom is my hero.” —Limpho, 23 (University Student)
From Three Chickens to Thriving Livelihood
Keletso’s determination didn’t stop in the garden. World Vision also introduced a poultry breeding program. At the time, Keletso had just three surviving chickens. After receiving training and five additional hens, she put her new skills into action. Today, she proudly cares for over 50 chickens. They provide eggs, chicks, and meat for both consumption and sale; offering another stable source of nutrition and income for her household.
Recognizing her passion for farming and role as a village health worker, World Vision recommended Keletso to join a new community nutrition club for mothers with children under five. Having faced the challenges of malnutrition with her children herself, she committed wholeheartedly to this initiative. Through the club, she learned how to prepare balanced meals, prevent malnutrition and teach others about child nutrition.
“The food tastes nice now!”—Khotsofalang, 8
“I like the butternut jam on bread. And spinach with papa. Mom says it makes me strong. I’m happy I go to school full.”
A Home Full of Warmth, Nourishment, and Hope
Inspired by the knowledge she gained and her love for cooking, Keletso went a step further and built her own outdoor oven, where she now bakes and cooks nutritious meals including bread, beans, roasted vegetables and chicken stews all from her own backyard. “When Mom bakes bread and cooks' beans in her oven; it smells so good!” said Lintle, 12
Today Keletso’s home is full of life, dignity and laughter. Her children go to school with full bellies and bright futures ahead of them. The garden is green, the chickens cluck in the background and her kitchen smells of fresh bread. And most importantly, the weight of uncertainty has been lifted.
“My life has changed,” Keletso shares with joy.
“My children are healthy. They’re in school. We eat well. I am forever grateful to World Vision for empowering me, and for bringing hope to Faskere. When I had lost all hope, they met me halfway and gave me the tools I needed to rise.”
“My life has changed,” Keletso
“Poverty is a mindset,” Keletso says. “When we are given knowledge and tools, we must use them wisely; multiply what we have, and lift others as we rise. I believe that if more families are empowered the way I was, Lesotho can overcome hunger and malnutrition.”