Transformed life of Rekha Kumari

SOIR-IM

Rekha Kumari is a 20 years old leprosy affected married girl. Nearly 10 years ago, she notices blisters on her left hand and left foot, and doctors of Lalgadh Leprosy Services Centre (LLSC) told her she had leprosy. By the time, she lost sensation in her hands and feet and began to develop disabilities. She had completed a year course of Multi Drug Therapy for the treatment of leprosy. She was admitted in Inpatient Department of LLSC for ulcer management. At the same time, she met Mr. Sanjay, leprosy affected boy, and decided to get married. Both Rekha and Sanjay had very harsh lives due to leprosy. Both have step mothers. Their families did not accept them at that time due to leprosy. But, they loved each other very much so they fought against every challenge bravely. They have a son now, Great!!

Rekha was supported with Rs. 500/- as a subsistence allowance from SOIR-IM fund by LLSC. From this support, Rekha and Sanjay were able to manage their food and pay the rent of a room. Later on, they were supported with Rs. 10,000/- for income generation activity. With this money, they started to sell snacks items in the nearby market. The business was profitable. They were able to save some money from the snacks business and they refunded the loan. They were very positive towards their life. LLSC staff again involved them in the Bead Necklace Making Training, and they had learnt excellently. As a result, they were given opportunity by LLSC to make bead necklaces which used to export in England. They started to gain confidence for further development, and discovered the value of being self- dependent. Their life changed dramatically when Sanjay’s father came to meet Rekha and her son. He respected not only respect Rekha but also took her to his home. Now Rekha is living happily with Sanjay’s family. An Amazing change occurred with her life. This is a god example that small support makes a big difference.

(Editors’ Note: In this section we want to highlight the contribution made by different development agencies. We believe that despite negative criticism from different walks of life, they have done tremendous job for uplifting Nepali society. If you feel your organization has played important role for bringing smiles in the faces of people please contact us at editor@nepalekhabar.com. Source of this story: www.ain.org.np)