The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development has announced major reforms to the National Volunteer Corps Programme, aimed at improving transparency, accessibility, and effectiveness for young people across Lesotho.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Minister Pitso Lesaoana unveiled a new online application system set to go live next week, marking a shift from the program’s long-standing in-person application process at the ministry’s Maseru headquarters.
Launched in 2009, the National Volunteer Corps Programme has historically required applicants to submit forms in person, a practice that, according to Lesaoana, has disadvantaged youth outside Maseru.
“It is difficult for young people from districts outside Maseru to complete their applications, so much so that it seems that it is intended to benefit only young people in the Maseru district,” the Minister said, citing findings from a recent internal review.
The review also uncovered other operational issues, including inactive individuals who remain registered on the system and weak transparency in volunteer placement.
To address these concerns, the Ministry is launching a digital application portal that will allow youth to submit applications remotely from anywhere in the country. The application link will be shared via the Youth Department’s Facebook page starting July 4, 2025, and the system will officially go live on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The platform will include features such as frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a submission tracking tool, making the process easier and more transparent for applicants.
In addition, the Ministry will implement a new “Proof of Life” requirement. Every three years, unplaced volunteers must re-register to confirm their continued interest in the program. This is intended to keep the database up to date and ensure active participation.
The government aims to enroll 2,500 youth into the program in the current financial year, starting with an initial intake of 104 youth in July. The programme’s core goal remains to instill patriotism and offer practical work experience in various government departments.
Meanwhile, Minister Lesaoana also highlighted the success of the Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP), another key youth initiative under his Ministry. The project equips young people and vulnerable groups with entrepreneurship skills and startup support to help them launch small businesses.
To date, 950 youth have benefited from the program in five local councils: Thaba Mokhele (Mohale’s Hoek), Metsi-Maholo (Mafeteng), Tosing (Quthing), Phuthiatsana (Berea), and Bolahla (Leribe).
This year, the Ministry aims to assist an additional 1,140 young people in the same councils. The application process is already underway at the council level, and selected participants will receive training in business development followed by financial support to launch their ventures.
“It is important to note that youth who have previously participated in the PSLP will not be eligible to reapply,” Lesaoana emphasised.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
