In honuor of Help Lesotho’s 20th anniversary, we’re celebrating 20 inspiring young leaders who are making a difference across their communities. These alumni from our programs have transformed their own lives and are now positively impacting their friends, families and neighborhoods. Through skills they gained with Help Lesotho—like resilience, leadership and compassion. Join us in honouring their achievements and the powerful, lasting impact of youth leadership in Lesotho. Read on to hear from them!

Molebelei, 36

Molebeleli, an Admissions Officer at Botho University, credits Help Lesotho’s Youth Leaders in Training program for shaping his leadership journey. Participating in 2014, he gained critical skills in advocacy, health education, and gender equality. “It provided me with essential training in leadership and personal development and gave me valuable insights into community challenges,” he shares.

Overcoming a fear of public speaking was a defining moment for Molebeleli. “Initially, standing in front of a large group was intimidating,” he recalls. Through the program, he built confidence and now frequently presents and speaks on panels. “This skill set has been invaluable in my career and leadership journey.”

“I strive to show others that growth is achievable at any stage of life, and that building these skills contributes to stronger, more supportive relationships and communities.”

Help Lesotho’s most intensive annual program, Leaders-in-Training (LIT) equips young adults with the skills needed to transform their lives and become positive and influential leaders in their communities.

During the six-week training, participants learn about various topics, including effective communication and conflict resolution, self-awareness, and decision-making.

All programming is designed to strengthen their resilience and improve their relationships, emotional and mental health, allowing them not only to overcome the difficulties they face daily – including extreme poverty and limited employment opportunities, the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS in their lives, and more – but also to excel and thrive.

LIT Program Outcomes

All LIT attendees complete a post-training evaluation, assessing both the modules offered and their personal development before and after the training. Our graduates are:

Pay-it-Foward

LIT participants are taught skills and strategies for community-based advocacy. Participants are encouraged to work in groups to develop ‘pay-it-forward’ initiatives to practice their skills. In doing so, the participants prove to themselves that they have the ability to be leaders for positive change. Beyond the end of the LIT program, the participants are able to apply their newfound confidence and leadership skills to continue taking action for the benefit of others. 

More about Our Graduates

Our LIT attendees are not just statistics; they are young adults who encounter not only the common issues faced by youth everywhere, but also additional challenges due to their circumstances.

Currently, 25-35% of Help Lesotho’s intensive program participants are young mothers and fathers looking for guidance. Many of them never experienced positive parenting, which has played a role in Lesotho’s high rates of suicide and depression. Help Lesotho is helping to break this cycle by empowering parents to create loving, supportive environments for their children. Every year we reach many parents and guardians with life-changing education through program sessions and community workshops.

What happens when we empower parents to raise empowered kids in Lesotho?

Period stigma is a pervasive issue in Lesotho, much like in many other countries around the world. The topic of menstrual hygiene is shrouded in taboo, leaving many young girls unprepared and uninformed when they first experience menstruation. As Lesotho is a religious country (80% Christian) often young girls feel as though they are being punished by a higher power when they first get their periods. The lack of education around menstruation means they are unaware of how to manage their periods with care and dignity.

This issue is multifaceted and has far-reaching consequences:

1. Lack of Supplies and Education: Many girls in Lesotho do not have access to the necessary supplies to manage their periods. This lack of resources often leads to them missing numerous days of school each month, impacting their education and future opportunities. Without proper menstrual hygiene products, girls are forced to use unsafe and unsanitary methods, further compromising their health and well-being.

2. Vulnerability and Exploitation: The taboo surrounding menstruation means that many girls are unaware of what menstruation means for their bodies. This ignorance can make them vulnerable to exploitation by boys and men who may take advantage of their lack of knowledge. Girls who do not understand the changes in their bodies are less likely to protect themselves from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation.
3. Human Trafficking: The lack of education and resources for managing menstruation can also tie into broader issues such as human trafficking in Lesotho. Girls who miss school are more likely to drop out, making them vulnerable to trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The absence of a safe and supportive environment exacerbates their vulnerability, making them easy targets for traffickers who prey on their desperation and lack of opportunities. More information on the dangers of human trafficking can be found here.

Breaking the Cycle

For years, Help Lesotho has been dedicated to tackling these challenges and breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene in the country. Through the Pearl Program and the Young Mother Program, we educate women and girls about their bodies and how to manage menstruation safely. Our initiatives also extend to boys and men, teaching them about menstruation and fostering respect towards women and girls, creating a more informed and supportive community.

Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue; it is a matter of human rights and dignity. By addressing period stigma and providing the necessary education and resources, we can help ensure that girls in Lesotho can attend school, protect themselves from exploitation, and lead healthier, more empowered lives. Breaking the silence around menstruation is a critical step towards achieving gender equality and improving the lives of girls and women in Lesotho.