Help Lesotho is an international development organization working in the AIDS-ravaged country of Lesotho in southern Africa. We are empowering a critical mass of children and youth in Lesotho with the knowledge and support needed for them to lead a movement that: - advocates for social justice, particularly the rights of girls and women, in pursuit of gender equity; - promotes the prevention of HIV transmission; and - champions and challenges all involved to make healthy decisions and be socially responsible. Orphaned, vulnerable children and youth need support and guidance to grow up as healthy, productive members of society. AIDS has decimated the working and parental generation, leaving children and youth without role models or positive influencers. Our two community leadership centres and village-based programs reach children and youth—and the grandmothers, teachers, and community members who support them—with education and life skills training based on solid research. Our approach empowers people to: 1. Heal: build resilience to positively move forward in life 2. Learn to think: foster self- management and decision making 3. Have a purpose: become leaders who take action for the benefit of others. In May 2014, Help Lesotho received accreditation through Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. Help Lesotho is proud to be part of the 0.13% of Canadian charities who have achieved this gold standard for operational excellence. In July 2014, Charity Intelligence launched its Canadian charity ratings. Help Lesotho is one of 72 charities awarded 4-star status (the highest level!) based on our financial transparency, accountability to donors and cost-efficiency.