The Lesotho Connection (TLC) is a charitable organization committed to partnering directly with local groups in Lesotho to address the urgent needs of:
Orphaned and vulnerable children
Families impacted by diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
Communities living in extreme poverty
Through grassroots collaboration and sustainable support, TLC works to create lasting, meaningful change in the lives of the most vulnerable people in the Mohale’s Hoek region of Lesotho.
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TLC History – Timeline of Impact
2002 – Sr. Juliana Manele and Bishop Sebastian Khoarai establish the St. Camillus Centre in Mohale’s Hoek to care for children affected by HIV/AIDS.
2006 – Theresa Power-Drutis of Tacoma, WA, visits Lesotho for her doctoral thesis and shares her experiences with friends and family, planting the seeds for TLC.
2007 – The Tacoma Lesotho Connection is founded as a registered nonprofit in Washington State by Fr. Bill Bichsel, Joe Power-Drutis, and supporters.
• First fundraiser raises $46,000 to purchase a truck for the St. Camillus Centre.
2012 – Organization changes its name to The Lesotho Connection (TLC) to reflect its growing national support and expanded mission.
2013 – Linda Henry, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Chagrin Falls, OH, joins TLC as its in-country liaison, helping to initiate plans for building a home for children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
2014 – Construction of the new St. Camillus Centre is completed, providing safe housing for up to 30 orphaned and vulnerable children.
2016 – Girls for the World holds its first empowerment workshop at the Centre. The group continues to meet regularly, supporting girls facing issues like child marriage, trafficking, and gender-based violence.
2017 – With Oak Tree Foundation support, TLC funds a full-time social worker to lead family reunification efforts and support children’s emotional needs.
2018 - TLC facilitates its first medical brigade, bringing U.S.-based physicians to provide care to the Centre and surrounding communities. The initiative continues annually (except during COVID years).
• TLC, Oak Tree Foundation, and MedWish ship the first 40’ container of medical equipment to six local clinics and hospitals.
• A dedicated library building is added to the Centre—the only one in the area—providing a vital educational space for Centre residents and local children.
2020
• TLC supports COVID-19 awareness efforts, funding local teams to distribute flyers, posters, and booklets.
• A second 40’ container is sent with essential PPE and medical supplies to aid in COVID-19 response.
2023 – TLC sponsors a shipment of bicycles and partners with a local shop to launch bike clubs and community races, providing transportation, recreation, and independence for children at the Centre and nearby villages.
2024 – The medical team expands services to include cataract surgeries, addressing a critical gap in eye care in Lesotho.
The Lesotho Connection is a non-denominational, 501(c)3 organization that aspires to develop resources, promote understanding, and foster mutuality between communities in United States and Lesotho. TLC works in partnership with grass-roots, Basotho led organizations responding to:
The high incidence of HIV/AIDS;
Ever growing number of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children;
Extreme poverty of Lesotho, Africa.
