On the 28^th April 2010, the Government of Lesotho in partnership with UNDP/UNV launched the National Volunteer Corps Project, setting the first batch of one hundred and fifty three (153) national volunteers on a path to contribute to national development using the values of volunteerism.

The project which was designed to support the Lesotho Government in setting up a National Volunteer Corps Programme and mobilize young professionals to support Lesotho’s development was launched by the Right Honorable, the Prime Minister, Mr Pakalitha Mosisili in the presence of over five hundred guests including, Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, Heads of Commissions, Chief executives of private institutions, the UN Team, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Members of various Civil Society and Volunteer involving organizations.

With accompanying intermittent cheers from the one hundred and fifty three National volunteers, and cultural displays, the programme was highly commended by Government and the Prime Minister pledged his Government’s continued commitment. He also encouraged implementing partners (UNDP/UNV/MGYSR/EU-LGNSP) to engage the private sector and look out for opportunities to engage  Youth in especially the campaign on HIV/AIDS.

The Prime Minister’s impromptu request to have an on-stage photograph with, the one hundred and fifty three national volunteers allocated to over eleven public sector institutions was the highlight of the Launch. This captivating moment, ushered in a sense of pride and dignity for volunteerism in the Kingdom of Lesotho, and particularly so for those young graduates who have been accorded the opportunity to serve their country as volunteers.

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Lesotho, Ntate Pakalitha Mosisili (ninth from left in the first row) pose with volunteers from the National Volunteer Corps together with Minister of Education and Training - Honourable 'M'e 'Mamphono Khaketla (fourth from left in the front row); The UN Resident Co-ordinator - Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie (seventh from left in the front row);  the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sport and Recreation – Honourable 'M'e  'Mathabiso Lepono (eleventh from left in the front row) and the first lady 'M'e 'Mathato Mosisili (forteenth from left in the front row)

The programme and the work of the volunteers will continue to complement other efforts by the Government, the UN and international and local organizations to accelerate the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals and Lesotho vision 2020.

A group photograph of NVC-Volunteers during the Launch

The programme also offers the young graduates from tertiary institutions an opportunity to gain working experience which will contribute to improving their chances of employment in a highly competitive labour market. Youth unemployment is a major issue in Lesotho with over a quarter of the population unemployed. The National Volunteer Corps is one amongst a few programmes that directly support the Basotho youth in their efforts to develop sustainable livelihoods.

The Launch has set the programme on a course that would provide the future leaders of the country a chance to volunteer, learn and develop their character, capacity and courage to serve in Lesotho.

Contact the UNV Programme Office:

You can call us at 2231 3790, ext.326 (Momoh Jimmy) and ext.327 (Ntsieli Tlahali). We are based in UNDP at UN House, United Nations Road, PO Box 301, Maseru 100. For email, write to momoh.jimmy@undp.org  and Ntsieli.Tlahali@undp.org . We look forward to hearing from you.