About
Help Lesotho

Building Resilient Youth. Strengthening Communities.

Help Lesotho works alongside communities to support youth mental health, gender equity, and leadership development.

Our programs are locally led, evidence-informed, and rooted in resilience. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow.

Help Lesotho is a registered non-profit operating in both Canada and Lesotho – not as a donor-recipient relationship, but as one unified organization. We raise and steward all of our own funds, and every decision is made together.

On the ground in Lesotho, our team of 40 Basotho staff members delivers proprietary life skills and mental health programs – developed by Basotho, for Basotho. Rooted in local knowledge, culture, and lived experience, our programs equip children, youth, and families with the skills and support they need to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

In Canada, a lean five-person team focuses on fundraising, governance, and program development — amplifying the work without directing it.

Our international Board of Directors provides fiduciary oversight, strategic leadership, and accountability, ensuring that every aspect of our work remains mission-driven and community-centered.

Our Story

From One Idea to Lasting Impact

Founded in 2004 by Dr. Peg Herbert, Help Lesotho began with a simple commitment: listen first, respond to locally identified needs, and build long-term partnerships.

What started as a grassroots response to the HIV/AIDS crisis has evolved into a trusted organization focused on youth education, mental health, and building healthy, resilient futures.

Leadership, Governance & Partners

Leadership & Staff

Meet the dedicated team in Canada and Lesotho combining professional expertise with deep local knowledge.

Governance & Financials

We are committed to transparency, responsible stewardship, and rigorous accountability standards.

Partners & Recognition

We have raised over CA$23,000,000 without government support through collaboration and shared accountability.

Donor Testimonials

Our donors value transparency and measurable outcomes. Many have supported us for years because they see real change and trust our stewardship.

“Help Lesotho supports people in a deep and life-changing way, and not in a short-term, superficial way. It empowers people and gives them strength and new skills to navigate through life.”

– Patty Freeman

“I support Help Lesotho because I know exactly where my money is going and how it is benefiting the people of Lesotho. Plus I have met the staff and they are extraordinary.”

– Jean McNabb

“I believe wholeheartedly that the programs really make a difference in the lives of those choosing to be a part of them, both donors and recipients. It’s a win/win organization.”

– Trudy Bennett

“I appreciate knowing that the money is actually going to those who need it and not to a bureaucracy.”

– R.J. Birnbaum

News & Updates

Stay up to date with organizational news and announcements in the media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our governance, funding, and the communities where we work.

Contact

Have a question? We’d love to hear from you.

Explore. Connect. Get Involved.

Whether you’re a donor, partner, or supporter, we invite you to learn more about our work and the impact your support makes possible.

Learn more about our impact, annual reports and financial transparency in our Impact & Accountability section.