Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF)

Established in Lesotho in 2015, the Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF) is a local organization led by youth. It boasts a presence in health facilities and communities throughout Lesotho and has a membership exceeding 5,000 young individuals. MFDF's voice reverberates within communities and on national platforms, serving as a representative of Basotho youth in pivotal discussions and initiatives. MFDF actively engages young individuals as essential decision-makers and participants in the formulation, implementation, and assessment of health and socio-economic services. Upon recognizing the challenges and affirming the rights (Right to Health) of young individuals in Lesotho, a ... read more Established in Lesotho in 2015, the Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF) is a local organization led by youth. It boasts a presence in health facilities and communities throughout Lesotho and has a membership exceeding 5,000 young individuals. MFDF's voice reverberates within communities and on national platforms, serving as a representative of Basotho youth in pivotal discussions and initiatives. MFDF actively engages young individuals as essential decision-makers and participants in the formulation, implementation, and assessment of health and socio-economic services. Upon recognizing the challenges and affirming the rights (Right to Health) of young individuals in Lesotho, a coalition of like-minded and inquisitive young leaders from diverse professional backgrounds convened to establish MFDF as a platform to amplify and advocate for the rights of vulnerable young people. This platform facilitates participation in initiatives aimed at enhancing access to youth-friendly services in Lesotho, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Guided by the Lesotho National Youth Policy (2017-2030), MFDF represents Basotho youth at a national level, including at the Lesotho Country Coordinating Mechanisms (LCCM) and PEPFAR COP meetings. The organization has a proven track record in executing impactful projects, including the PEPFAR Community Lead Monitoring initiative, The Global Fund's Her Voice Fund, the Global Fund for Children's Mental Health program, and the USAID Bokamoso (The Brighter Future) Projects. MFDF develops interventions and strategies aligned with local, regional, and international priorities such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNAIDS 95-95-95 Targets, Lesotho National HIV/AIDS strategic plan, and National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP). MFDF has previously collaborated with youth leaders, activists, youth-serving organizations, and both local and international donors, such as PEPFAR, by implementing the Community Led Monitoring (CLM) project in 20 health facilities within the Maseru district. Additional partnerships include collaboration with the Global Fund and ViiV Healthcare Positive Action on the Her Voice Fund across four districts (Maseru, Berea, Mafeteng, and Thaba Tseka) in the central region of Lesotho. Furthermore, MFDF is engaged with the Global Fund for Children through the Spark Fund Southern Africa in executing a Mental Health Project in the Maseru district, and with USAID on the Bokamoso Project, where MFDF leads the DREAMS component in the DREAMS Districts of Maseru, Berea, Mafeteng, and Mohales Hoek, in addition to collaborating with the Government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Health to involve young individuals as key decision-makers on issues that directly impact them, particularly by advocating for youth-friendly services in health facilities. At the grassroots level, MFDF functions as a human rights watchdog. Our members serve as awareness agents, connecting youth to community empowerment programs. At the national level, MFDF represents the vast majority of Basotho youth in crucial forums such as the Lesotho Country Coordinating Mechanisms (LCCM), District Child Protection Teams (DCPT), Heads of Departments (HoDs), and Technical Working Groups; we also participate in health forums, including PEPFAR COP/ROP meetings. Presently, we maintain partnerships with Community Councils, Defence and Security Departments, human rights defenders, media outlets, government ministries, and other local civil society organizations (CSOs). MFDF has established an esteemed reputation in the domains of youth mobilization, empowerment, and human rights advocacy. We envision a society wherein young individuals are acknowledged as a vital component of humanity, with every young person liberated from exploitation and all forms of violence, including both production and reproduction.