There is no doubt that by their very presence in Lesotho, our UNV volunteers are the greatest advocates for the features and benefits of Volunteerism for Development. In being visible among the people, in government and within UN agencies and partner organisations; in contributing to delivery on their projects and on the work of UNV Lesotho, our volunteers are, themselves advocacy, integration and mobilization in action. The UNDP office is proud to provide managerial and operational support to the UNV Programme in Lesotho.

A personal story

I am Janice, a national of the United States of American but was born in Guyana. I received my first degree, a Bachelors of Science in Health Information Management, from Florida International University. Soon after, I joined the University of Miami Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Programs. It was there I learned how HIV/AIDS negatively impacts an individual, a family, and a community.

I later earned a Masters in Public Health. My first experience in Africa was working with the PMTCT program in Rwanda funded by Columbia University. I then served two years in Botswana as a Peace Corps Officer in the District AIDS Coordinating office. That experience was a launching into the UNV system.

Through the UNV programme in Lesotho, I currently serve as a HIV/AIDS officer for the World Food Program. I ensure that food assistance, livelihood activities, nutrition and health education reach food insecure PLWHAs and their household members.
 

Ketane support group, planting vegetable seed	World AIDS Day, WFP information stall

WORLD FOOD PROGRAM
My placement with World Food Program commenced October 2007. That time period was significant in that it marked the planting season. Soon after my arrival, I quickly learned that the agency is beyond short term food security but promotes beneficiaries’ food self reliance (a fact that is not widely associated with WFP). For example, during the recovery phase of its three year program, WFP will distribute approx 20,000 sachets of vegetable seeds to beneficiaries who have graduated off direct food assistance. This is beyond the 158,000 individuals it targets yearly with direct food assistance.

Another way that WFP moves beyond short term assistance and uses a more holistic, social protection approach, is that health and nutrition talks are done at food distribution points. These talks cover subjects such as HIV prevention and the role of nutrition while on treatment.