Your Best Info Source for Peace Corps Lesotho

Welcome to your best source of information for Peace Corps Lesotho! If you’re considering volunteering in Lesotho, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you more about the history of the Peace Corps in Lesotho and explore Lesotho as a nation. You’ll learn about the languages spoken in the country and hear about other volunteers experiences. You can find more information about safety and health issues here too. And we’ll tell you how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Lesotho. Get ready to find out more about information to help you decide if serving in Lesotho is right for you.

Volunteers in Lesotho work with their communities on locally prioritized projects in Education (ED) and Health (Health) sectors. Cohorts usually leave in September.

What is the History of Peace Corps Lesotho?

Peace Corps Lesotho is one of the oldest and longest-standing Peace Corps programs in Africa. The Peace Corps began its operations in Lesotho on October 24, 1967, following an invitation from the Basotho government. Lesotho’s request for Peace Corps assistance was primarily aimed at addressing the country’s pressing educational needs and promoting grassroots development. As of 2023, 2630+ volunteers have served in Lesotho.

Peace Corps programs in Lesotho have primarily focused on education, health, and community development. Volunteers in the education sector have worked as teachers, teacher trainers, and curriculum developers, assisting in strengthening Lesotho’s education system. In the health sector, volunteers have collaborated with local health professionals, community organizations, and government agencies to promote public health initiatives, such as HIV/AIDS awareness, maternal and child health, and nutrition education.

A world map with highlighted borders indicating the position of Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Lesotho is situated within the borders of South Africa, near the eastern side of the continent.

What about Lesotho as a nation?

Lesotho is a small landlocked country located in southern Africa. It is called the “Kingdom in the Sky.” Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa and boasts a stunning landscape of high mountains, deep valleys, and fertile plateaus. As a nation, Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage rooted in the traditions of the Basotho people.

The country gained independence from Britain in 1966. It has a constitutional monarchy. Lesotho has a parliamentary system of government. The capital city is Maseru, which serves as a political, economic, and cultural hub.

Lesotho faces various challenges, including poverty, high unemployment rates, and limited natural resources. The majority of its population relies on subsistence agriculture. The country has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. This has had a significant impact on the population and the development of the country.

Vibrant celebration of Lesotho's culture as girls adorned in colorful traditional attire joyfully engage in traditional dance. Their attire features intricate patterns and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Lesotho.

Despite these challenges, Lesotho has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The government has invested in expanding access to education, resulting in increased literacy rates. Healthcare services, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS and reducing maternal and child mortality rates have improved.

Lesotho is known for its textile industry, which contributes to the country’s economy. The industry has experienced growth and provides employment opportunities for many Basotho. Lesotho also benefits from its natural resources. For example, water is exported to South Africa and generates revenue for the country.

Lesotho has a vibrant arts scene, with traditional music, dance, and crafts playing an important role in Basotho culture. The nation celebrates its cultural heritage through festivals. These showcase the unique customs and traditions of its people.

Despite its size, Lesotho has managed to preserve its unique identity. It continues to strive for social and economic development while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The government is working to address the challenges faced by the nation and improve the lives of its citizens. Lesotho remains a resilient nation with a strong sense of community and pride in its Basotho heritage.

What languages do they speak in Lesotho?

The official language of Lesotho is Sesotho. Sesotho, also known as Southern Sotho, is a Bantu language of the Basotho people in Lesotho. English is also an official language and used in government, education, and business sectors. There are other indigenous languages spoken by various ethnic groups in Lesotho, including Zulu and Xhosa.

An intergenerational exchange of knowledge as a wise and experienced volunteer points to Lesotho's location on a world globe, while a curious student attentively observes. This meaningful interaction embodies cross-cultural learning, fostering global awareness and understanding through mentorship and geographical exploration.

A dedicated Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho stands at the center of a group of enthusiastic students. With smiles on their faces, they engage in a lively educational activity, highlighting the commitment to learning, cross-cultural exchange, and empowerment fostered by the Peace Corps program in Lesotho.

How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Lesotho?

In general, 86% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Lesotho. And 79% felt safe or very safe where they worked. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Lesotho Country Crime Profile.

In Lesotho, many medical issues encountered in the US are also prevalent, including colds, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, minor injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adjustment disorders, and emotional problems. But, for Peace Corps Volunteers, these health concerns may be more frequent or intensified due to various local factors that increase the risk or severity of certain illnesses.

Specific medical problems that are unique to Lesotho include giardia, typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, rabies, diarrhea, skin infections, dental problems, headaches, respiratory infections, minor injuries, amoebic dysentery, HIV/AIDS, and STIs. Additionally, health issues can arise from local environmental factors like dust, humidity, insects, and disease-causing microorganisms. Given that malaria is prevalent in Lesotho, Volunteers are required to take anti-malarial medication as a precautionary measure.

But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Lesotho can be found in the Lesotho Health and Medical Care Summary.

What do volunteers think of serving in Lesotho?

Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 93% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 91% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 88% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Lesotho Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.

A heartfelt gathering in Lesotho as adults come together, forming a circle, and passionately singing during a meeting. Their faces radiate joy and unity, showcasing the power of music and community engagement in Lesotho's vibrant culture.

Where can I learn more about PC Lesotho volunteer experiences?

PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Lesotho. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.

Blog and YouTube Channel Links:

A horizontal tricolor flag with stripes of blue, white, and green, representing the sky, peace, and prosperity respectively. In the center, there is a black Basotho hat, a traditional conical straw hat, symbolizing Lesotho's cultural heritage and unity

If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Lesotho, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Lesotho with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.

How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Lesotho?

And where can I find official information about Peace Corps Lesotho?

Peace Corps Lesotho on Instagram

Curious Lesotho boys engrossed in a magazine, sitting closely together and eagerly flipping through its pages. Their expressions of interest and concentration showcase their thirst for knowledge and the universal joy of discovering new information and stories.

Two industrious Lesotho women passionately tending to a garden, equipped with hoes and wearing traditional attire. Their determined expressions and rhythmic movements demonstrate their dedication to sustainable agriculture and self-sufficiency, cultivating the land to support their families and communities

"Peace Corps Lesotho Welcomes You" book cover - 2013

This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Lesotho“, published in 2013. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Lesotho. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.

Conclusion:

This blog post has provided you with information to help you decide if serving in Lesotho is right for you. You have gained insights into the cultural, linguistic, and developmental aspects of the country. We have also touched on the safety considerations and health-related information relevant to volunteers. And, you learned how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers. For more information about Peace Corps Lesotho, you can visit the Peace Corps website or explore the provided resources. We hope this post has been helpful in your quest for information on Peace Corps Lesotho.