The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country in southern Africa, which has two unique distinctions: it is one of only three independent countries in the world completely surrounded by another country (South Africa), and it is the only country with all of its land situated more than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, giving it the highest low point of any nation.

There are two major mountain ranges dissecting the country from northeast to the southwest: the Maluti Range and the Thaba Putsoa Range. These two dramatic ranges are split by deep ravines and river valleys, creating some of the most incredible scenery in all of Africa.

Though 85 percent of Lesotho is mountainous highland, it contains only 10 percent of the population. That leaves most of the Basotho inhabitants living in a small fraction of the country. The population growth rate is depressed by an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate estimated to be nearly 30%.

The Basotho are descendants of many different groups, including Sesotho-speaking people and those of Nguni origin (Xhosa, Zulu, and Swazi).

Peace Corps Volunteers support development in three key areas: education, community economic development, and community health. Volunteers in all projects integrate HIV/AIDS education, awareness, and life skills training into their activities.

Education

Education has always been a focal point for Peace Corps/Lesotho, beginning with the first group of teachers in 1967. Education Volunteers are assigned to the Ministry of Education and Training to strengthen the quality of education through deployment of English teachers in secondary schools and resource teachers in both early childhood care centers and primary schools.

All education Volunteers work to enhance reading, establish functional libraries, and do HIV/AIDS education in the schools and local communities. Some are members of the district AIDS task forces. Volunteers also promote the concept of girls' education through clubs, tutoring, and other mentoring activities.

Community Health and Economic Development

The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to affect every level in society in Lesotho as it exacts its toll on the population in terms of death, disability, lost productivity and numbers of orphans and vulnerable children. The community health and economic development project develops an HIV/AIDS-competent and economically productive society. Volunteers focus on preventing and mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS, strengthening community-based organizations, youth development and skills promotion, and business and economic development. HIV/AIDS Volunteers are working at the village and district levels to provide HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. In all 10 districts of Lesotho, Volunteers in this program provide sustainable, effective outreach to youth, entrepreneurs, and income-generation groups.