Socio-Economic Rehabilitation - SER
Leprosy does more than effect a person’s body, it damages self-esteem, prevents a person from earning a living and makes even their closest loved-ones reject them.
TLM works hard to provide a holistic approach that enables each person to be completely restored, physically, emotionally, socially, and by God’s grace, spiritually. TLM’s SER projects offer education, vocational training, small-business loans, and sanitation and housing improvement.
Socio-Economic Rehabilitation - SER
Micro-credit schemes are already operational in around 50 of TLM’s programmes throughout the world.
The gift of a small number of livestock, a sewing machine, a kiosk style shop help to start up a small business that can transform a person’s future from one of life-long dependence into a future free from the chains of poverty and social rejection.
Sita’s Story: Leprosy in the family
Sita’s family are very supportive, but in hard conditions in Nepal, it is difficult to look after her as well as she needs. It’s also hard for an 11 year old to understand the importance of taking care of her feet and hands, to protect them against further damage.
But through the care and treatment she receives at Anandaban Hospital, Sita has the chance to break the cycle of leprosy that exists in her family.
Through Anandaban Hospital, Sita and many young people like her, will find the medical, emotional and spiritual help they need to build a life and future of independence.
Sarah’s Story: Breaking the Power of Poverty
Back at Kumi hospital Sarah received more than sympathy. She was given a practical way of getting herself out of poverty. Kumi hospital provided a loan of around £100 and with this money Sarah bought an ox and plough.
Sarah’s Story: Breaking the Power of Poverty
On her own, Sarah began farming. Despite being rejected by the people she thought loved her, and having to struggle to bring up two children, Sarah found the strength to keep going. The work is painstakingly hard, but Sarah’s incredible determination means that she is now independent and able to feed her children.
Sarah’s Story: Breaking the Power of Poverty
And of course, this is something for her to take great pride in. She no longer has to feel ashamed because, with the help of the loan scheme, she has gained independence and broken the power of poverty and stigma. Sarah is happy that her husband has returned to her now that he can see that she is a respectable woman. He has an ox as well, and so now they farm together.
Sarah’s Story: Breaking the Power of Poverty
Sarah says: I am very happy that the hospital helped me, and God bless all the doctors and nurses. Let God give them the wisdom to continuing helping people.
