Shamol, from Bangladesh’s Churkuta Village, in Bogra district, runs a self-help group in his village that promotes financial independence and income generation.
This group was started a year ago. We have saved 7,000 taka (£66) between us and Lepra gave us an extra 20,000 taka (£180). With this money, we provide loans for people in the group.
So far nine out of ten members have had loans for a variety of businesses like goat rearing, small kitchen gardens or starting a local shop.
A lot of people in Shamol's village have leprosy. He himself has been disabled by leprosy and now has trouble walking.
Outside this community there is a lot of prejudice towards us but here I feel happy because I am not alone with leprosy.
The leprosy-affected in the village are the poorest. We get no support from the government.
I make around 6,000 taka (£50) profit per month. My child is sick at the moment with a fractured hip and I have medical costs.
Before I met Lepra I would be out begging with my daughter so we could fix her problem.
Lepra organises a series of self-help groups in Bangladesh. These groups advise people on how to best help themselves with health care and income generation.
You can help set up more self-help groups for people like Shamol.
Your support is vital in helping us continue our work to help the children, women and men affected by neglected diseases like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
Make a donation