Peace Corps Lesotho recently brought together 18 Peace Corps Volunteers and Basotho Counterparts from their communities participated in Grassroot Soccer's first ever Peace Corps Lesotho SKILLZ Girl Workshop. Grassroot Soccer is a non-profit organization that uses the power of soccer to fight against HIV by providing young people with knowledge, skills, and support to remain HIV free. It is a simple, but powerful connection between soccer and life that helps young people understand health messages, stay strong when faced with challenges of peer pressure and protect themselves and others from HIV and AIDS. It speaks to youth through a language they know best, soccer. This is especially important to Lesotho as it now has the second highest prevalence rate of HIV in the world. The discussions and team enthusiasm that filled the room and embodied our week were incredible. Working with a counterpart is a crucial part of sustainability in the Peace Corps, but it also brings about new understanding on both sides. SKILLZ Girl practices aim to empower and build the self-confidence of girls; a very important factor for girls in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I was inspired by the workshop and jumped up in front of the group proposing a photography idea. Everyone actively FULLticipated and 36 new GRS SKILLZ Girl coaches proudly gave me their I AM BEAUTIFUL face. At the end of the week I had witnessed a complete transformation of the participants. I believe, they will all make great SKILLZ girls coaches. HIV Calendar