Toufik
What is your typical day like?
My days are quite busy. I wake up in the morning and help my parents take care of their hands and feet, then help my mother cook, then have breakfast and go to school. In the afternoon, I come back from school and play with my friends. In the evening, I help my mother with her work, then after studying, I have dinner and go to sleep.
I help with the daily shopping and take them to the doctor or hospital if they need treatment. I also help my father with his sweet curd stall on holidays and when necessary.
What challenges do you have?
If my parents are not provided with the right care and support, it is not possible to do my studies properly, and if I am doing my studies properly, it is not possible to provide them with the right care or support.
It is difficult to arrange our two meals a day with their very limited income, and it has become difficult for me to continue private studies due to their medical expenses.
There are still some people in society who view me with hatred and neglect as the child of people with leprosy.
What do you like to do for fun?
Football is my favourite sport, so I play football whenever I get the chance. I listen to music on my mobile, sometimes draw pictures, and whenever I get the chance, I ride my bicycle.
What message would you like to share to help educate people about leprosy?
Once treated, leprosy is no longer contagious. Both my parents have leprosy. I have been serving them regularly and eat and sleep near them, but I am healthy!
Toufik and his family receive support from Bogura’s Federation of People Affected by Leprosy who provide advice on self-care, accessing benefits, understanding rights, and financial advice.