03 May 2010

Maseru, Lesotho: In partnership with UNV and UNDP, on 28 April 2010 the Government of Lesotho launched the National Volunteer Corps Project, setting the first batch of 153 National Volunteers on their path.

Designed to mobilize young professionals to support the Lesotho Government's development objectives, the project was launched by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mr. Pakalithi Mosisili, in the presence of more than 500 guests. These included Government ministers, Members of Parliament, Heads of Commissions, chief executives of private institutions, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, the UN country team, and various civil society and volunteer-involving organizations.

Cultural displays at the launch ceremony were accompanied by cheers from the 153 National Volunteers. The National Volunteer Corps project was highly commended by the Government with the Prime Minister pledging his Government’s continued commitment.

He also encouraged partners to engage the private sector and look for opportunities to engage youth, especially in the campaign to tackle HIV/AIDS. Lesotho has one of the highest HIV rates in the world (estimated at 23 percent), and half the population lives below the poverty line. These factors compound with food insecurity to creates extra difficulties for women, who will be a key focus of the National Volunteers' activities.

The programme will continue until 2012, and the work of the volunteers will complement other efforts by the Government, the UN and international and local organizations to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and Lesotho’s long-term development plan, 'Vision 2020'.

The Government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Gender , Youth , Sports and Recreation, manages the National Volunteer Corps assisted by one international UNV volunteer with experience of the successful Liberia National Youth Volunteer Service, and two national UNV volunteers who are providing administrative support.

The highlight of the launch, said UNV Lesotho Programme Officer Momoh Jimmy, was the Prime Minister’s impromptu request to have an on-stage photograph with the 153 National Volunteers, who are allocated to 11 public sector institutions. "This captivating moment ushered in a sense of pride and dignity for volunteerism in the Kingdom of Lesotho," said Mr. Momoh, "and particularly so for those young graduates who have been accorded the opportunity to serve their country as volunteers."

The programme also offers graduates from tertiary institutions an opportunity to gain working experience which will boost 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 out of work.

"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," concludes Mr. Momoh.

Implementing partners include UNV, UNDP, the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation plus the European Union Local Governance and Non-State Actors Support Programme.