Mamolefe Petlane is the director of Sesotho Media & Development, a non-governmental organization based in Maseru, Lesotho. She graduated from National University of Lesotho's Mass Communication Program, and also completed the University of Cape Town's Advanced Project Management Program. She believes audio visual communication is one of the best ways to engage the public on social development issues. She has been involved in community development work for over two decades. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Young Women Through Reproductive and Sexual Health Education

This project worked with 47 community leaders and 7 professional partners to train and support 97 adolescent girls and young women from marginalized, underserved rural communities in reproductive and sexual health education. The project provided sexual health education and awareness to the local community and improved access to related funding. Seminars used film as a tool for educating on safe, consensual and pleasurable sex. Four radio programs facilitated public conversations about sexual exploitation caused by poverty and how to build inclusive communities that accommodate all, regardless of sexual orientation.

Check out her project here: IVLP Lesotho - YouTube

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Mamolefe participated in the IVLP Project NGO Management I organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with Global Ties Arkansas, Global Ties Miami, West Reading, PA, GlobalPittsburgh, International Institute of Buffalo, WorldDenver, World Affairs Council of St. Louis and Georgia Council for International Visitors

Mamolefe's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "My IVLP experience was very informative and exciting. I look forward to using lessons learned to empower youth, including women and girls in Lesotho to become active agents of change in their communities."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Little Rock, AL; Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; West Reading, PA; Pittsburgh, PA

Country: Lesotho

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