Thaba-Tseka High School in Lesotho, Africa

Thanks. The Peace Corps is a US government agency that trains and places volunteers in developing countries to partner with communities to share skills and passion at the local level where they can make a difference. Also known as grassroots development. It's a 2 year commitment and has been around since 1961.

Instead of living in a compound with other Americans, a volunteer will either live with a host family or have their own dwelling with a partnering local organization. In most countries it's important to learn the local language and Lesotho is one of those. I focused heavily on learning to speak Sesotho and that really paid off in terms of cultural integration. You're really on your own and there isn't much structure other than broad goals the Peace Corps has in any given location. You really make your own experience. Lesotho is within the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, so the first goal there is prevention education. I used my IT and business skills to assist with economic development in addition to teaching at the school pictured here.

For example, one young man I met in the village while playing soccer told me that he was an orphan (lost both parents to AIDS) and was responsible for raising his two younger siblings. I worked with him to develop a business model for opening a roadside car wash and used some grant funds to purchase a power washer for him. We still keep in touch and he often sends thanks and gratitude. Almost 10 years later his car wash business is still operating and he recently said he plans to have his brother open a 2nd location one village over. It's this kind of development that is most effective and I'm proud to know my time there was well spent, which unfortunately not every volunteer can say after their service ends often times for reasons beyond their control.

Anyway, I know this was long but thanks for asking! I took my wife there in 2019 on our honeymoon and it was amazing to see all my friends again. Thanks to the internet we still keep in touch but of course nothing compares to being there. Lesotho is a beautiful country with an incredible culture.

I kept a blog while there so feel free to send a PM if you'd like to see/learn more about Lesotho 😃