The Duke launched Sentebale in 2006
Prince Harry reunited with his old friend, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho on Tuesday October 1, and gave an impassioned speech around a bonfire about the work their charity Sentebale has been successfully carrying out.
On day one of the Prince’s trip, his first to the African country in five years, he spoke in front of Prince Seeiso and youth leaders, where he shared details of the positive impact they had in “breaking down stigma in this country and also in Botswana”.
© Brian Otieno“We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25 – and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening,” he said. Watch the full video below:
Prince Seeiso added: “This whole journey of Sentebale started from that element of [Harry] having come to the motherland – he’s now my younger brother Mohali, the warrior – but experiencing breathing the same air, eating the same food as the children… that inspired this dream to come to where we are now.
“But it is that deep felt need that we want, collectively, to make a difference in our lifetime, and not only in our lifetimes, but to leave a legacy and pass on the baton to the next generation so that’s why we are going out in all different angles.”
© Brian OtienoHarry first visited the country in 2004, when he spent two months of his gap year there, and then launched Sentebale in 2006, when one in three children in the country had lost a parent to HIV AIDS-related illness.
Sentebale now works across Lesotho and Botswana, teaching children critical life skills that build confidence, as well as providing inclusive services to address mental and physical wellbeing, and offering vocational training for young women.
© Brian OtienoTheir first night saw singers and dancers open the ceremony, which came after Harry’s arrival in the country, where he greeted his old friend Seeiso and met with other leaders including Sentebale Board Chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, with Ntoli Moletsane, Lesotho Country Director and K.T. Montshiwa, Botswana Country Director.
© Brian OtienoDuring the rest of his visit, the Duke will visit Sentebale centres and showcase the charity’s work to new supporters alongside existing donors through American Friends of Sentebale, with the princes also meeting local leaders and youth advocates.
© Brian OtienoHarry will also help to mark Lesotho’s 200th anniversary, and will visit Johannesburg, South Africa where the group will take part in a reception with South Africa-based stakeholders and strategic partner Lebec, a women-led finance and philanthropy firm.