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.”
