Lesotho faces high youth unemployment, limited public spaces, and a lack of sustainable infrastructure. The Stadium of Life and Theatre of Life were initiated to address these challenges through participatory design and numerous public consultations and community engagements. The project will create inclusive, multifunctional spaces that empower communities.

The Stadium of Life, Africa’s first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber stadium, promotes sustainable construction while serving as a hub for sports, education, and social engagement. Developed with the non-profit social enterprise Kick4Life (K4L), it fosters youth development, gender equality, and economic opportunities through sport as a tool for social change.

The Theatre of Life responds to the urgent need for cultural and creative spaces. Designed to nurture local talent and storytelling, it will provide a platform for artistic expression, education, and community gatherings.

Both projects prioritize sustainable materials, innovative techniques, and local participation. By integrating environmental responsibility with social impact, they create long-term benefits, fostering resilience and growth in Lesotho.

The Stadium of Life is designed to support and promote the long-term development of the local community in Lesotho, creating lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.

It will provide a safe, inclusive, and aspirational space for Kick4Life’s award-winning Football for Good programmes, which use sport to engage vulnerable children and youth in health education, life-skills development, gender empowerment, climate education, employability, and entrepreneurship training.

The stadium will also strengthen Kick4Life’s social enterprise model, supporting income generation and enabling the scaling of community programmes. It will create employment and training opportunities in areas such as administration, finance, groundskeeping, and security.

Over the next five years, the Stadium of Life aims to achieve the following impact:

Quantitative Targets:

2,500 children and young people regularly engaged in programming
100 young leaders trained as life-skills coaches
25 new jobs created
Qualitative Outcomes:

Improved community health and increased confidence in managing personal wellbeing
More positive attitudes toward the role of women and girls in society
Enhanced career prospects and pathways to sustainable livelihoods
Greater community motivation to promote environmental sustainability and livability
Impact will be monitored through attendance records, surveys, focus groups, and case studies, ensuring the Stadium of Life becomes a long-term hub of opportunity and transformation.

The Stadium of Life and Theatre of Life are the result of a dynamic collaboration between non-profit social enterprises rise International and Kick4Life, alongside global sustainability partners.

These landmark projects unite architects, engineers, local artisans, volunteers, and community leaders committed to innovative, impact-driven design.

Key Team Members:

Reitumetse Nthako (Country Director, rise International) – Leads overall strategy and stakeholder engagement
Thato Nkikana (Project & Construction Manager, rise International) – Oversees design execution and materials sourcing
Keketso Sula (Site Manager, rise International) – Leads construction crews and ensures community involvement
Luca Astorri & Pedro Clarke – Lead architects of the Stadium of Life, designed in collaboration with 10 in loco fellows
Park Associati – Milan-based architecture firm behind the design of the Theatre of Life
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – Certification body ensuring the project uses sustainably sourced materials
DNV – FSC-accredited third-party certifier auditing the project for FSC certification
Kick4Life Team – Delivers life-changing sport-based programmes to youth
Community Involvement & Support:
Local builders, artisans, and young people have been actively involved in construction and programming. Volunteers from Lesotho, Germany, Spain, and Italy have contributed through design, skills-sharing, and advocacy.

More details: rise International | Kick4Life