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Peace Corps Director Ted Mooney with the New Embassy Maseru DCM surrounded by the new Peace Corps volunteers

Peace Corps swears in 19 new Education Volunteers

Peace Corps Lesotho began 2009 on a high note with a ceremony to swear – in a new group of volunteers. The swearing-in ceremony will marks the beginning of a two-year assignment for 18 new Education Program volunteers who have taken the oath of service.

There are 84 volunteers currently in Lesotho, serving in two different programs:  Education and Community Health and Economic Development (CHED). Within the education program volunteers serve as secondary school teachers of English, mathematics, or science; or as resource teachers who train and coach Basotho primary school teachers. Volunteers in the CHED program work with one or many community-based organizations, nationally-based organizations, and/or NGOs, to assist and coach local counterparts in organizing and developing projects in a variety of areas including sustainable agriculture and nutrition, small business development, youth organization and community outreach for HIV/AIDS prevention and coping.

U.S Ambassador, Robert B. Nolan Hosts a “Celebration of American Democracy”

On November 4^th, 2008, as many Americans woke up early and prepared for the history-making events of the day, a celebration was being planned in Maseru.

On the evening of US election day, Robert B. Nolan, the U.S Ambassador to Lesotho, once again opened his heart and his home to over 500 guests to celebrate this historic milestone. The event was aptly titled “A Celebration of American Democracy”, and was held at the same time as many Americans back in the U.S stepped out of their homes to exercise their right to vote, and to make their voices heard. A highlight of the reception was an “under-the-stars” viewing of the biographies of both presidential candidates.

MCA-Lesotho Entry Into Force (EIF) Launch

Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili officiated at the ceremony to mark the launch of the Millennium Challenge Account Authority – Lesotho (MCA-L) Compact Entry Into Force (EIF) phase. During this phase, a country must establish and staff an Accountable Entity which will be responsible for the implementation of the Compact activities, develop the proper systems for financial control and oversight, finalize the post-Compact legal documentation requirements, and conclude detailed project planning.

U.S. President Bush Commits U.S. $48 Billion to HIV/Aids

In 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush launched the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to combat global HIV/AIDS.  This was the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in human history. On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed into law the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act (PEPFAR II). U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho Mr. Robert Bernard Nolan and his wife Mrs. Nancy Nolan will graciously open their home to host a reception to celebrate this milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS and additionally to introduce the new PEPFAR HIV/AIDS Team.  This PEPFAR team includes Katie Crowley, the new PEPFAR Coordinator for Lesotho and Carol Culler, the new USAID Country Director for Lesotho.

U.S. Government Exchange Programs Alumni Association

August 28, 2008, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho Robert B. Nolan and the U.S. Exchange Programs Alumni Association of Lesotho hosted a reception at his residence for 40 alumni of various exchange programs which were sponsored by the U.S. government over the past 30 years.  The association was established with the purpose of providing a platform for networking and communication for alumni as well as strengthening the friendship between the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the United States of America.

Donation of Children’s Books to Baylor – BMS Children’s Clinical Center of Excellence – Lesotho

On Tuesday May 6^th  2008, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho Robert B. Nolan handed over children’s books to the Baylor Center for Excellence Pediatric AIDS Clinic in Maseru.  The books were provided for the “Reach Out and Read” program which provides education and entertainment for children who seek treatment at the clinic.

U.S. Hip Hop Theater Artist Will Power in Lesotho

In May, The U.S. Embassy welcomed a young gentleman by the name of Will Power.  Mr. Power, was in Lesotho from the 6^th to the 12^th of May. This award-winning rapper, actor, playwright, and educator who is viewed as a pioneer in this genre held a one day workshop with young talented Basotho hip hop artists, theater performers, and poets and together performed a hip hop theater production (a first in Lesotho).

During the visit, he also presented on the history of hip hop to theater students at the National University of Lesotho, Machabeng College, and had a Jam Session with traditional (Famo) musicians in a village in Semonkong.

 

Ambassador Nolan shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador Bohua while Mrs Nolan and DCM W. Patrick Murphy look on

 

American Room Grand Opening at State Library

In the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the American and Basotho peoples, the U.S. Embassy in Maseru and the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Culture are proud to officially open the American Room at the State Library of Lesotho.  This grand opening will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 6:00pm.

It is our hope that this room and its materials will serve as a resource for Basotho students, readers, and all those who desire to enhance the long-standing and heartfelt relationship between the American and Basotho peoples.  This room will be used not just as a library, but as a center for the sharing of ideas, culture, and enjoyment between our proud nations.
“Books for Africa,” a U.S. non-governmental organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, donated the roughly 20,000 books in the American Room.  The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Culture provided the room at the National Library.  The furniture, decorations, and coordination were supplied by the U.S. Embassy in Maseru.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Engages Developing Nations in Maseru

Ambasador Peter Allgeier, the Deputy United States Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, and Assistant United States Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser engaged developing countries at a meeting for trade ministers from the WTO Least Developed Countries (LDC) grouping on February 27-29, 2008. The Government of Lesotho, which currently holds the chair of the WTO LDC grouping, hosted the event at which over 30 trade ministers attended.

Ambassador Nolan Visits Mokhotlong District

February 6-7, 2008 Ambassador Robert B. Nolan and Mrs. Nolan, accompanied by Embassy staff members, visited Lesotho’s northeast district of Mokhotlong. Ambassador Nolan paid a courtesy call on District Administrator Mrs. ‘Makhothatso Ts’ita before taking a journey to a high school in the remote area of Senkoase, where U.S. Embassy Self Help funds support the roofing, flooring, and plastering of the school’s poultry house project. Self Help funds also assist an HIV-AIDS support group in the Senkoase area by providing funds to purchase an oven and material for a bakery.