Sentebale

It’s the incredible teams on the ground—our staff in Lesotho and Botswana, and local partners—who bring our mission to life every day, walking alongside the children and young people we serve. While Trustees are key for governance and regulation, and Patrons—especially Founders—are an honour to have, it’s the people in the field who are advancing the work, no matter what. Our commitment to supporting youth in Southern Africa with better health, stronger livelihoods, and climate resilience remains as strong as ever. The work continues because they deserve nothing less. Carmel Gaillard, Executive Director, Sentebale #Sentebale

Did you know? Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Thaba Bosiu, Lesotho is more than just a place—it’s a purpose-built space where vulnerable children and young people receive vital medical, psychosocial, and peer support through our life-changing programmes, including our flagship Camps. Beyond its role in delivering these essential services, the Centre also operates as a sustainable source of funding for our work. When not in use for Sentebale programming, it serves as a venue for conferences, retreats, and gatherings—helping to support our mission while offering exceptional facilities, accommodations, and hospitality. Every event hosted at Mamohato Children’s Centre contributes directly to creating a brighter future for young people across Southern Africa. It’s one of the many ways we work towards long-term impact and sustainability. To learn more about our work, visit Sentebale.org or get in touch at [email protected].

?? Happy 19th Birthday, Sentebale! ?? On this day in 2006, Sentebale was officially registered in the UK, beginning a journey of impact that has transformed hundreds of thousands of young lives. The very first young people we engaged with are now adults—building families, shaping communities, and contributing to society. Over the years, Sentebale has remained a constant source of support, standing alongside more than 78,000 children and young people just in the past 16 months alone. Through changing times, our mission has remained the same: to enable vulnerable children and young people to thrive. Today, we celebrate the lives changed, the communities strengthened, and the unwavering commitment of everyone who has been part of this journey. Join us in celebrating 19 years of impact! #Sentebale19 #YearsOfImpact #Lesotho #Botswana

With determination and support, Tsepang transformed her future. After joining Sentebale’s Youth Hub, she completed a cosmetology course with business training—now, she runs her own hairdressing business, earning a steady income to support herself and her sibling. On this #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate the incredible young women we’ve highlighted this week—true Imbokodo. ?? Their strength, resilience, and determination are shaping brighter futures for themselves and their families. Thank you for supporting our mission to help more young women thrive. Click the link to give today. https://lnkd.in/gn8RqDYZ ?? #EmpowerYoungWomen #SkillsForSuccess #Sentebale #iwd2025

Celebrating Imbokodo | Meet Naledi Naledi’s story is a powerful reminder that when young people have the right support, they can advocate for themselves and drive change for others. With guidance from Sentebale’s network, she accessed vital baby formula and helped resolve broader supply chain issues. More young women like Naledi can receive the support needed through contributions to our 6-day fundraiser leading up to International Women's Day. Every donation makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/gn8RqDYZ #HIVAwareness #Sentebale #NetworkforpeoplelivingwithHIV #iwd2025

A double post today as we felt it important to share with our followers who may not know; a few facts about the breathtakingly beautiful country of #Lesotho where Sentebale was founded in 2006. We were founded on the vision that all children and young people in Southern Africa are empowered, healthy and resilient.? | Lesotho, despite its challenges, is a resilient nation with warm and inviting people. 7 Facts About Lesotho – The Mountain Kingdom ??? 1. High Altitude Beauty – Lesotho is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000m, earning it the nickname The Kingdom in the Sky! 2. 100% Renewable Energy Potential – With abundant water and sunshine, Lesotho has huge potential for clean, sustainable energy. 3. HIV/AIDS Impact – Over 20% of adults live with HIV, making it one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. 4. Extreme Poverty – More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, struggling with food insecurity and unemployment. 5. Climate Challenges – Droughts and harsh winters threaten crops and livestock, making life even harder for rural communities. 6. A Young Nation – With a population of about 2.3 million, nearly 40% are under 15 years old, highlighting the need for strong youth support and education. 7. Dinosaur Footprints – Lesotho is home to some of the world's best-preserved dinosaur footprints, dating back over 200 million years! (see the final photo in our carousel) ?? #Lesotho #KingdomInTheSky #DidYouKnow #Africa #Sentebale

Celebrating Imbokodo | Day 3 | Meet Bothle Botlhe is leading the way toward an HIV-free Botswana. As a Sentebale Let Youth Lead advocate, she works to break myths, encourage treatment adherence, and uplift other young people through outreach and advocacy. With nearly 100 youth advocates driving change, your support can help expand their impact. Donate today to our 6-day fundraiser leading up to #InternationalWomensDay2025 and empower young leaders like Botlhe. Click the link below—every amount counts. https://lnkd.in/gn8RqDYZ ?? #YouthAdvocacy #HIVAwareness #Sentebale #IWD2025

Celebrating Imbokodo | Day 2 | Meet Mamoeletsi As an only child living with her sick mother who was unable to work, Mamoeletsi wanted to contribute to the household. Through the socio-economic strengthening (SES) programme, she learned dressmaking; which has helped her to support herself and her mother. The SES programme saw us engage in the past 18 months with 360 vulnerable young women in Lesotho, through vocational training, and entrepreneurial skills support. In celebration of International Women's Day, we applaud the strong young women we have the opportunity to work with. Support our International Women's Day fundraiser by clicking here. Every amount counts. https://lnkd.in/gn8RqDYZ #IWD2025 #Sentebale #WomenEmpowerment #Lesotho #Entrepreneurship

"Imbokodo" is a Zulu word meaning "rock," symbolising strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. It is famously used in the South African proverb: "Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!" ("You strike a woman, you strike a rock!") This phrase has become a rallying cry for the power and perseverance of women in the face of adversity. Every adolescent girl and young woman in our programmes embodies Imbokodo—strength, resilience, and the power to shape a brighter future. As we approach #InternationalWomensDay2025 on Saturday, March 8, we celebrate their determination and courage. Educating and empowering girls doesn’t just transform their lives—it strengthens entire communities, driving progress in health, education, and the economy. This week, we’re sharing stories of the incredible young women we support—showcasing their journey toward confidence, independence, and opportunity. You can be part of this change. Donate to the work of Sentebale here: https://lnkd.in/gn8RqDYZ Every amount counts. #Imbokodo #EmpowerHer #IWD2025 #sentebale

Meet Mapeiso Mats’episo Thamae, our dedicated Program Coordinator at #Sentebale in Lesotho, whose journey is fuelled by personal loss and a passion for change. Over a decade ago, she witnessed the heartbreaking impact of AIDS on her loved ones, which inspired her to combat stigma and educate others about HIV. Her unwavering passion shines through in the lives of the children we serve, as she celebrates every victory—each child becoming more confident and resilient. One of her most cherished moments was creating a comprehensive health services platform for the Sentebale Camp program, providing children with access to doctors, psychologists, and vital screenings. Mapeiso’s vision for the future of Sentebale is one of expanded support and empowerment for even more vulnerable youth, ensuring they have the opportunity to transform their lives.