Sponsor a Student
Student Sponsorship in Lesotho matches donors with students in rural communities who have no other way to afford high school fees.
For many children, this is the only opportunity to continue their education. By covering school fees, you show a student they are known, supported, and not alone.
How Your Sponsorship Helps
Education Access
Provides consistent funding so students can remain in school and navigate the challenges of poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Psychosocial Support
Beyond fees, students access additional support and are held accountable to work hard in their studies.
Youth Leadership
Sponsorship includes participation in a life-changing Leadership Camp.
What to Expect
- Cost
Sponsorship is $48 per month or $575 per year. - The Match
You will be matched with a student and receive their photo and profile, typically between February and June. - Education Support Fund
If a match isn’t immediately available, your funds support Help Lesotho’s education programs until a student is ready. - Commitment
While circumstances vary, sponsorship is most effective when maintained for the 4–5 years of a student’s high school education.
Leadership Camp: Building Resilience
Leadership Camp is a core part of the experience, offering life skills training to nurture young leaders.
- The Experience
Over five days, 150-200 students explore topics like grief, peer pressure, and HIV/AIDS through structured activities. - Proven Impact
To date, more than 2,000 students have participated, building the confidence and resilience needed to complete school.
Real Students. Real Outcomes.
Through consistent sponsorship, students in Lesotho are able to remain in school, build confidence, and work toward completing their education.
Before I came to the camp, I didn’t know anything about being a leader and how can one be a leader even the qualities of a good leader. I used to think that for a person to be a leader he/she has to be very educated or be rich.
But now I am a different person, I know that I am the leader and I know that I have to be honest, creative, good listener and always share ideas with my followers. I have learned that the good leader has to have high self-esteem and assertiveness.
Ready to Change a Life?
Sponsor a student, change a life!
From Silence to Strength: Khahliso
How Khahliso Reclaimed Her Voice and Her Future At just 19 years old, Khahliso possesses a voice that naturally commands attention—one so rich and engaging that everyone who hears her agrees she belongs on the radio as a host. Yet, not long ago, that powerful voice…
Student Sponsorship FAQ
What does your sponsorship provide?
Your sponsorship provides:
- School fees for high school (Grade 8 – Grade 11);
- A new school uniform every two years (uniforms are mandatory);
- New shoes every two years;
- Exam fees for national exams;
- Textbooks and stationary;
- Toiletry kits twice a year;
- Regular school visits from Help Lesotho staff to discuss academic goals and performance; and
- Psychosocial support sessions at their school with Help Lesotho’s Child Support Officer.
How long will it take for me to be matched with a student?
The answer depends on what time of year you sign up! The Lesotho school year runs from late January to November.
Sponsors are matched to students from February – March each year. This ensures that the students needing sponsorship are matched to a sponsor in time to start their school year on schedule.
On rare occasions, sponsors will be matched to students during the school year under special circumstances.
What happens if I sign up to sponsor outside the February – March window?
Your donation will be temporarily allocated to Help Lesotho’s Education Support Fund, which provides one-time support to vulnerable students in Lesotho.
Once your sponsorship begins, your donation will be used exclusively to support the designated student.
Does it matter if I pay monthly or annually?
Please consider paying for your sponsorship monthly (either direct deposit from your bank account or credit card)!
Monthly payments reduce the administrative cost of the Student Sponsorship Program and ensure uninterrupted support for your sponsored student.
Can I send my sponsored child gifts?
In the best interests of the child, we insist that sponsors limit any gifts to small, light, non-monetary items such as stickers, book marks, motivational cards, family photos, black tights for girls, and most importantly, letters.
Other gifts can cause a child to stand out and foster jealousy in their families and communities.
How often will I hear from my sponsored child?
Sponsored children are expected to write at least two letters a year to their sponsors – one in the spring and one in the fall.
These letters will be forwarded to you through Help Lesotho’s Ottawa office.
Each fall, you will receive an annual update that includes a copy of your sponsored child’s questionnaire, a photo, and a letter. Sponsors will also receive an update from Leadership Camp.
How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
Sponsors are encouraged to write letters to their sponsored children. Letters can be sent to Help Lesotho’s Canadian Office to be transported to Lesotho with staff/volunteers, or directly to Help Lesotho’s Lesotho Office.
Please indicate the name and school of your sponsored child on the envelope.
| Canadian Office: Help Lesotho 610 Bronson Avenue Ottawa, ON K1S 4E6 |
Lesotho Office: Help Lesotho P.O.Box 231 Leribe 300, LESOTHO |