Now I can Stand on My Feet

by Renee | Dec 11, 2025 | Stories

Meet Reitumetse: “Now I Can Stand on My Feet”

When we arrived at the small home where 13-year-old Reitumetse Leleka lives with his aunt, uncle, and young cousin, he greeted us with a shy smile—one that quickly grew wider as he realized we had come to hear his story.

Three years ago, Reitumetse moved from the remote highlands to live with his aunt Bohlokoa, an unemployed teacher who rents a tiny shack to tutor local children. His uncle works as a self-employed mechanic, and Reitumetse proudly helps by handing him tools. The move meant leaving his younger brother behind with their grandmother so that he could attend school—a sacrifice he carries with quiet determination.

When he first heard about Help Lesotho’s Guys4Good program, he didn’t know what it was, only that it was a chance to learn. He signed up immediately.

What happened next changed everything.

Tsepo, get-a-job workshop, help lesotho, 2025

“It brought a very big change. My confidence has increased. I used to be quiet when people did me wrong. Now I have confidence. I can stand up on my feet.”

His aunt sees it too.
“You can see the change,” she told us. “He shows leadership now. He’s responsible at home. He listens. He engages with other kids in a new way.”

Our Guys4Good program enrolls grade 7 students in monthly workshops over the course of a year to empower them to build confidence in preparation for starting high school (which begins at grade 8) with strong self-esteem and commitment to working hard.

At the time our team interviewed Reitumetse, the grade 7 exam results were not yet published. Reitumetse assured us that he knew he performed well. Fast forward to last week when the exam results were released – Reitumetse placed in the top ten in the entire country!!

Reitumetse lights up when he talks about the friends he’s made—especially his best friend, Mohati. The two of them, he says, spend their time “talking talking talking!”—doing homework, discussing ideas, and dreaming big.

He loves soccer (Real Madrid is his favourite team), jokes easily, and proudly describes himself as not shy, ridiculous, and a hard worker. For his birthday in late November, he said he planned to “take a holiday and play all day.”

His dreams for the future are as bold as his new confidence—either to become a doctor or even a horror movie actor. He laughed as he noted, “I’m not afraid of blood!”

Most importantly, he knows he belongs at Help Lesotho.

“At Help Lesotho we are free to express how we feel.”

He plans to use the library throughout high school, and he speaks with the quiet certainty of a boy who knows he is becoming a leader.

“I have no doubt that I am a role model. I use a lot of my time for doing work. I don’t always play.”

For boys like Reitumetse, Help Lesotho is a place to discover their voice, their friendships, their confidence, and their potential.

His story is proof of what your support makes possible.

You can Empower a Student in Lesotho

Hope in Action: Your Impact This Giving Season

by Renee | Nov 18, 2025 | News About Help Lesotho, Updates

Hope Begins Here and Three Reasons to Celebrate!

Where Your Donations Are Used

The UN Recognizes Hope in Action

You Can Give With Confidence

Hope You Can See and Feel

“Giving Season” is now underway, and with it comes a moment to reflect on what we can do for others. For thousands of vulnerable children, youth, mothers, herd boys, and grandmothers in Lesotho, your generosity is more than a donation – it is a lifeline of hope, healing, and opportunity.

This year, your support is still very much needed to ensure that people across Lesotho continue to build resilience, strengthen their self-belief, and grow into leaders of change in their families and communities.

How will Your Donations be Used

1. A New Sports Court in Hlotse

A new multi-sport court is coming to our Hlotse Community Centre—a place where young people can safely gather, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Sports are a proven way to reach youth who may struggle to express their pain, including suicidal thoughts, trauma, and abuse. This court will be a sanctuary of connection, healing, and joy.

2. Food Relief for Grandmother-Headed Households

This December, your compassion will provide 200 grandmother-led families with food packages to help them get through the holidays. For many households caring for orphaned children, this support is the difference between hunger and nourishment, stress and stability.

3. Life-Changing Leadership Camps

Your generosity makes it possible for 120 high school students to attend two five-day leadership camps this December. These camps help teenagers build self-esteem, navigate adolescence with confidence, and develop into positive role models who lift their peers and communities.

4. Expanding Our Award-Winning Programs

Your gift will expand award winning programming like the Herd Boy Program that was recently recognized by the UN.

The UN Recognizes Hope in Action

We are thrilled to share that Help Lesotho recently received a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Award for our Herd Boy Program – a groundbreaking initiative that transforms the lives of some of Lesotho’s most overlooked youth.

The award recognizes our work in advancing:

Good Health & Well-Being (SDG 3) – HIV prevention and reproductive health
Quality Education (SDG 4) – Life skills and learning beyond the classroom
Gender Equality (SDG 5) – Empowering boys to stand up for girls and women
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – Reaching those too often left behind

This recognition affirms that Help Lesotho is creating sustainable change among herd boys – youth whose voices are often unheard but whose lives, with support, can transform entire communities.

Learn more about our Herd Boys program by reading program graduate Tsita’s story here.

Join our all-local staff (pictured top) in celebrating this special recognition!

If you want to understand the depth of this impact, we encourage you to read Public Eye’s moving recent feature, “From Silence to Empowerment: How Knowledge Is Breaking Cycles of Despair in Lesotho’s Highlands.”

The article highlights how education and emotional support are reshaping the futures of young herd boys living in some of the most isolated regions of the country.

Read the Article

You Can Give With Confidence

We are also proud to share that Help Lesotho has again been re-accredited by Imagine Canada’s Standards Program, a distinction we have maintained since 2014.This reaccreditation confirms our continued commitment to:

- Strong governance and oversight
- Transparent and responsible stewardship of donor funds
- Ethical fundraising and communication
- Consistent, measurable programming that changes lives

For more than 11 years, this national accreditation has recognized Help Lesotho as a trustworthy, accountable Canadian charity dedicated to delivering meaningful and lasting impact for the people of Lesotho.Thank you for believing in this work and for helping hope grow – every single day.

Hope You Can See and Feel

Hope in Lesotho isn’t abstract – you can see it, hear it, and feel it:

In classrooms where girls raise their hands with confidence
In children giggling as they learn a new game together
In young men discovering that real strength comes from kindness
In families choosing education over child marriage
In teenagers realizing that their past does not define their future

That hope begins with you.

Thank you for being part of this journey – for believing in the potential of people who simply need a chance, and for helping create ripples of change that will never end.

Together, we are building a brighter future – one filled with possibility, dignity, and hope.

Give Hope Today!

International Day of the Girl

by Renee | Oct 10, 2025 | Stories

On October 11, 2025, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of girls everywhere. The International Day of the Girl shines a light on the ongoing inequalities that too many girls still face around the world. It’s also a day to recognize the power of girls to create change, challenge injustice, and lead their communities toward a brighter future.

This year’s theme is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis”. This theme reminds us that girls are not just victims of the world’s challenges, but are agents of transformation. Around the world, girls are organizing for climate action, demanding an end to violence, and reimagining what leadership looks like.

It is not only women who are affected when girls become brides, but entire societies. Communities that diminish the value and participation of girls and women limit their own possibilities for growth, stability and change.

Hlotse centre 2024 p4g graduates pose together

At Help Lesotho, we see this truth every day. Over 42% of Basotho women have experienced physical or sexual violence, with over 15% of women experiencing this before the age of 15. Additionally, women’ s freedom is often constrained by laws, societal norms, and a pervasive ideology of patriarchy, limiting their independence. While efforts have been made to introduce civil laws that address gender inequality, customary norms often prevail.

We wish to shine a light on the girls in our programs who are standing up for their rights, building confidence, pursuing their education, and leading with compassion to overcome gender inequality in Lesotho.

Meisi, a Pearl Girl and Pearl Girl Mentor, shared:

“Before I was stressed to say anything wrong. But being a Pearl Girl and Mentor helped me learn to talk and share ideas. Now I join everything and have things to say.” She went on to say, “I was always being told I am unique, just like unique pearl stones. I learned self-esteem and human rights. It really helped me be a leader. Next year I will be head girl at my school. Teachers could see my self-esteem so they chose me. I’m open with other people.”

Lisebo, a member of Help Lesotho’s Pearl Program, improved her self-esteem and learned how to believe in herself as she grows up. Now as a Pearl Girl Mentor, she is inspiring other girls.

Watch Lisebo's Story

The many stories from girls like Lisebo and Meisi are proof that when girls are supported, entire communities thrive. Our programs are dedicated towards helping girls in Lesotho gain access to education, psychosocial support, and safe spaces where they can heal, learn, grow, and lead.

So, on the International Day of the Girl, we want to share the incredible strength and leadership demonstrated by girls that will help push Lesotho into the future.

You can Change the Life of a Girl in Lesotho!

Help Lesotho x The Hub

by Renee | Aug 29, 2025 | General, News About Help Lesotho, Updates

Help Lesotho recently partnered with The Hub in Morija to lead a workshop on psychosocial support, a core element of both our organizations’ work.

What is Psychosocial Support?

Psychosocial support provides emotional, psychological and social assistance to help individuals and communities cope with adversity, stress and trauma, ultimately promoting mental well-being and resilience. This type of support goes beyond individual counseling — it includes education, building strong community networks and nurturing relationships that allow people to heal and thrive in the context of their social environment.

The communities where Help Lesotho and The Hub work are very remote, with limited access to mental health resources. For this reason, it is essential to share psychosocial support strategies as widely as possible, equipping community members with the tools to look after themselves and to support others.

The workshop introduced participants to practical ways of integrating psychosocial care into daily life. Key sessions focused on:

Practicing empathy through active listening: helping participants understand how to create safe spaces where others feel heard and valued.
Building and strengthening resilience: exploring strategies to manage stress, recover from setbacks and foster inner strength/resilience.

teaching a lesson on psychosocial support at The Hub

By the end of the workshop, participants left with concrete skills to support their own well-being, as well as to uplift others in their families and communities. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in reaching even the most remote areas of Lesotho with messages of hope, resilience, and care.

All photo credits to The Hub in Morija.

International Youth Day: Building Hope in Uncertain Times

by Renee | Aug 12, 2025 | News About Help Lesotho

**“How is Lesotho?“**

The answer is heavy, uncertain, and deeply concerning.

We’ve had years of steady progress with more people than ever accessing HIV treatment, glimmers of hope in job creation and economic growth, and a significant shift towards social justice. Over the last few months, the positive changes have slowed and in some cases reversed.

The New York Times published an article “How the Threat of Trump’s Highest Tariff Derailed an African Nation” that is worth a read. “Perhaps nowhere else on the planet has the impact of the mere threat of tariffs been more visible than in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital and manufacturing hub, where companies like Walmart, JCPenney, Levi’s and even the Trump brand get clothes produced to sell in the United States. The looming 50 percent tariff led many American companies to stop placing orders. That led some factories to shut down part or all of their production, leading to thousands of layoffs that devastated low-wage workers who live hand-to-mouth and have gone weeks or months without a stable income.”

Today marks International Youth Day. As an organization committed to empowering youth to build resilience and create positive change in their families and communities, we celebrate those who are persevering in this particularly difficult time. Just last week we heard from three of our recent ‘Get-a-Job’ participants who shared that they were finally successful at landing job interviews and securing jobs. Even more than celebrating these individual successes, we recognize the love and support their peers showed them. This is often one of Help Lesotho’s strongest impacts – establishing supportive communities that endure long beyond the formal end of our workshops and trainings.

We recently shared that amongst the latest developments in Lesotho, the government declared unemployment as a national crisis. The challenge to reverse the current stalled progress and ensure sustainable, long-term opportunities for growth is daunting. Lesotho’s youth deserve more than promises. At Help Lesotho, we are committed to walking alongside them, building pathways that turn resilience into results.

When you support Help Lesotho, you are helping to create a generation of young leaders ready to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their country.

A Typical Week at the Hlotse Centre

by Renee | Aug 11, 2025 | General

Our Hlotse Centre is always a hub of activity! In the video below, you’ll get a 1-minute overview of what a typical week looks like. From kindergarten dance parties to GIRL4ce practice sessions, and of course, lots of singing and dancing!

Lesotho declares youth unemployment a national crisis

by Renee | Jun 24, 2025 | General, News About Help Lesotho

In a bold but sobering move, the Government of Lesotho has officially declared youth unemployment a national crisis. This comes after years of rising joblessness and deepening poverty across the country, particularly among young people. According to recent figures, 38 percent of youth, and 41 percent of young women, are unemployed in Lesotho, with the country already facing significant structural economic challenges (AllAfrica, 2025).

Unlike other countries in the region, Lesotho has a limited industrial base and few large employers. The economy relies heavily on textiles, subsistence agriculture, and migrant labor. For decades, many Basotho have had to leave the country to seek work in South Africa, often under precarious conditions. At home, lack of opportunity has led to stagnation, frustration, and an increasingly vocal youth population.

In response, Lesotho’s government pledged M400 million to support youth-led businesses and outlined a new emergency plan that includes policy reform, entrepreneurship support and education initiatives.

“Youth unemployment in Lesotho is a ticking time bomb, and the government is not doing anything,” said Francis Rapeane of the Basotho Action Party (AllAfrica, 2025).

Why this matters to Help Lesotho:

Youth empowerment is central to our mission
We celebrate the government’s recognition of this crisis and its commitment to invest in solutions. For nearly two decades, Help Lesotho has been working directly with youth to build skills, confidence, and hope. We know real change requires more than funding—it demands long-term support, accountability, and leadership from youth themselves.

System-level impact aligns with our programs
The proposed reforms echo the work we already do on the ground—helping young people build small enterprises, offering life skills and employment training, and advocating for inclusive economic policies. This national response presents a unique chance to scale these efforts with broader impact.

A window for partnership
With youth unemployment at the forefront of national policy, there is a critical opening for NGOs, donors, and the private sector to work together. Help Lesotho is especially excited about the potential for youth-led proposals to guide program design and implementation.

Lesotho’s youth deserve more than promises, they deserve a future with opportunity. At Help Lesotho, we are committed to walking alongside them, building pathways that turn resilience into results.

When you support Help Lesotho, you are helping to create a generation of young leaders ready to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their country.

Meet the Help Lesotho Professional Interns!

by Renee | Jun 16, 2025 | General, News About Help Lesotho

Help Lesotho’s Professional Intern Program is a three-year opportunity for emerging leaders from our youth programs. Over that time, standout leaders became integral members of our team, growing their skills in leadership, communication and community engagement. The Professional Interns below have worked together to lead impactful initiatives and support the many activities at our two centres. As their internships end, we’re incredibly proud of their growth and grateful to have had them as part of the Help Lesotho family!

Sebolelo, professional intern, help lesotho

Sebolelo is from Ha-‘Makhoroana in Berea, and like most of the other PIs, she first got involved with Help Lesotho through the Leaders-in-Training Program where she was identified as a standout leader!

“My favorite part working with Help Lesotho is that I meaningfully contribute to programs that make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable people, while developing skills to address the challenges they face.”

Sebolelo is bubbly, warm and caring. She has a gift for connecting with even the most shy or hesitant children, earning their trust and helping them feel seen. One of her proudest moments came when children in an after-school program thanked her for believing in them and helping them prepare for tests, a simple gesture that reminded her of the real difference her work makes.

Itumeleng, from Saint Monica’s in Leribe, first got involved with Help Lesotho in 2022 through the Leaders-in-Training Program. She is full, and we mean FULL, of energy! Give her a microphone and watch out world!

“My favorite part about working at Help Lesotho has been the opportunity I am given to make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable communities. Changing the lives of those who had given up, or are dealing with self-esteem issues, fulfils my heart, because at some point, I was there too.”

Itumeleng is proud of how much she has grown personally and professionally. She dreams of becoming a psychologist so she can continue helping others heal and thrive.

itumeleng, professional intern, help lesotho

Ncheme, professional intern, help lesotho

Ncheme, from Mphosong, became a professional intern after completing Help Lesotho’s Computer and Life Skills Program, where he gained hands-on experience in training, content creation and IT support.

“One of the things I enjoy most about working with Help Lesotho is the opportunity to build my leadership skills while unleashing my creativity.”

He is proud of the life skills sessions he’s led, helping participants gain the knowledge and confidence to make positive changes. He is often quiet but lands the funniest jokes, and he always makes a statement with his fashion!

Looking ahead, Ncheme hopes to further develop his IT and digital marketing skills to increase his impact even more.

Mathapelo is from the village of Makhoaneng near Pitseng. She completing the Leaders-in-Training and Get a Job programs before being hired as an intern. She loves children and build such special relationships with them. She is kind and thoughtful to all she meets.

“My favorite part about working with Help Lesotho is being able to create a safe and peaceful environment for everyone who visits the Centre so they can freely heal, learn and grow.”

Mathapelo is proud to see how the sessions and activities she facilitates help people transform their lives. She hopes to continue supporting community initiatives, advocating for marginalized groups and raising awareness about mental health.

Mathapelo, professional intern, help lesotho

Mohao, professional intern, help lesotho

Mohau, is from Naleli, Maseru. His journey with Help Lesotho began as a participant in the Leaders-in-Training Program and also volunteering with the Smart Kids program. He has two modes: head-down, working hard, very focused and quiet OR booming voice, high energy, singing his heart out!

“Seeing the real impact we have on people’s lives, helping individuals gain confidence, knowledge, and tools to create a better future is the most rewarding part.”

His future goals include advancing his education in social work or psychology and continuing to grow as a leader in community development.

Leaders taking charge of their futures!

by Renee | May 25, 2025 | General, Stories

thapelo, get-a-job workshop, help lesotho, 2005

Thapelo, 24

Thapelo holds a degree in social work from the National University of Lesotho. For a long time, he saw Help Lesotho’s programs advertised on Facebook but never considered applying. That changed when a friend encouraged him to join the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program, and it’s a decision he’s never regretted.

“I now understand that getting a job is a job. It taught me to always be on my toes, never be flat footed.”

The experience opened his eyes to the value of psychosocial support and the importance of addressing the challenges young people face, particularly around mental health and peer pressure. “Help Lesotho is a blessing to Lesotho and especially the youth. The psychosocial support we get helps avoid things from getting out of hand, like with peer pressure and depression and even suicidal thoughts.”

He is especially grateful that the program includes young men, noting that many initiatives tend to focus solely on girls. Being included made him feel seen and supported. “This program, it really meant a lot.”

Rapelang, 24

Rapelang holds a degree in social work from the National University of Lesotho. When she joined Help Lesotho’s Leaders in Training (LIT) program, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the experience quickly became a turning point in his life.

“LIT helped me so much to kickstart my goal setting,” he shares. “I learned to communicate my emotions so they are not holding me back.”

During the program, Rapelang experienced profound personal loss—the death of her older brother to suicide just a week before her university graduation. The grief was heavy, but the community she found through Help Lesotho gave her strength. “Being here helped me learn that I am not alone,” she says. “It was very hard that he never got to see my graduation photo beside his, but I am healing.”

She credits the LIT program not only for teaching her practical skills like goal setting and communication but also for introducing her to lasting friendships and a deep sense of belonging. For Rapelang, leadership is now about empathy, listening and valuing others.

Ts’epo, 22

Ts’epo is a Bachelor of Arts in Economics graduate with a dream of working in banking. Determined to build a meaningful future, he travels an hour each way from his rural village to attend Help Lesotho’s Leaders in Training program.

“I applied for this program because I wanted to invest in myself so I have knowledge to share,” he says.

Despite facing repeated rejection in his job search, Ts’epo found renewed confidence through the program. “I almost gave up applying because I’ve never been called for an interview,” he admits. “Now I’m motivated, I’m going to get it right.”

The experience pushed him to reflect deeply on his identity and future. “I learned that I don’t know myself. It was a wake-up call,” he says. Now more self-assured and focused, Ts’epo is committed to being a force for change in his community. “I know that I’m going to bring a positive impact. I’m going to be a living example.”

Dr. Peg Herbert accepts the Femmes Remarquables – Distinguished Women award!

by Renee | Apr 9, 2025 | General, News About Help Lesotho

We are thrilled to share that Help Lesotho’s founder, Peg Herbert, was honoured on Tuesday, April 1st, as one of Ottawa’s Femmes Remarquables – Distinguished Women! This prestigious award celebrates exceptional women whose leadership and contributions have had a lasting impact on our city and the world beyond.

Peg receiving the Femmes Remarquables – Distinguished Women award.

Peg at the Femmes Remarquables – Distinguished Women award show.

The evening featured heartfelt speeches and a special address from Ottawa’s Mayor, Mark Sutcliffe. The Honourable Senator Kim Pate delivered a powerful keynote, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, equity and community-driven change. These are the same values Peg has championed in her life and through her inspired commitment to Help Lesotho.

To read Dr. Peg Herbert’s bio, click here.

Meet Reitumetse: “Now I Can Stand on My Feet”

Hope Begins Here and Three Reasons to Celebrate!

How will Your Donations be Used

1. A New Sports Court in Hlotse

2. Food Relief for Grandmother-Headed Households

3. Life-Changing Leadership Camps

4. Expanding Our Award-Winning Programs

The UN Recognizes Hope in Action

You Can Give With Confidence

Hope You Can See and Feel

“How is Lesotho?“

Why this matters to Help Lesotho:

Thapelo, 24

Rapelang, 24

Ts’epo, 22

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**“How is Lesotho?“**