Motlatsi Jonas Mofolo is a motivated gender and human rights practitioner from Lesotho. He has seven years of experience in civil society, lobbying, and advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of marginalized populations. He has worked in research, women's empowerment, capacity building, strategic litigation, social justice, and other developmental initiatives through gender and rights-based approaches. He holds a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB.) and a Master of Law in Human Rights Law (LLM.), both from the National University of Lesotho. He participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship program, taking a leadership in civic engagement class at the University of William and Mary and the University of Virginia, under the Presidential Precinct. 

At Sonke, he works as the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) specialist supporting and strengthening the regional programs and other projects under the guidance and direction of the PD in line with Sonke’s strategic direction. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Organizing Community Service Opportunities for LGCSE Completing Students

The project promoted community service and volunteerism in a group of young people who had just completed high school. Through week-long trainings at two local schools, a total of 181 students  learned about civic engagement, social problems, and community service and a culture of responsible citizenry was built. Thirty-five of the project participants were also supported by mentors  to implement 11 community service projects benefitting 437 people. Both of the participating schools requested support to build similar ongoing initiatives.

A project partner reflected, "For the first time I see what it is that we can do as a country to make sure that educated young people stay and invest their skills into developing their own communities...If schools in Leribe can continue with this project for the next five years, we will become a national example of true patriotism."

"I am grateful for the opportunities that my community service project has brought for me. From now on I will be a full-time volunteer supporting village health workers in my village with their community activities. I hope to work for Civil Society Organizations when I finish school, so that I can also empower other young people to serve their communities." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Motlatsi participated in the IVLP Project Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning in partnership with GlobalJaxville, WorldDenver, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Global Ties Arizona and Global Ties ABQ.

Motlatsi's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "The IVLP experience provided insight into how U.S. organizations have leveraged the power of communities they serve in order to place such communities at the forefront of their own transformation. Volunteerism was at the hub of such efforts."

U.S. Communities Visited

Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Albuquerque, NM; Philadelphia, PA

Country: Lesotho 

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