2010 MAY UPDATE APPEAL
21 year old Ajay is much like any other student. Currently studying on a computer course, he will graduate in July and is looking forward to finding a job. He is bright, friendly, and full of hope for the future. Nobody would know that Ajay has had leprosy.
Four years ago Ajay began to have sensation loss in his hands, and he went to hospital for diagnosis. 'The hospital doctor explained I had leprosy and said I had to take medication for one year,' he says. 'In my family no one has ever had leprosy, so I felt very bad.' Ajay has also had two operations to restore his hands after they became weak and clawed. 'Before surgery I was unable to take water or food, to hold a pen or even pick up things with my hand, but now I'm able to do all that.'
Releasing potential
Today Ajay is a student at The Leprosy Mission's vocational training centre (VTC) in Champa, India. He is also receiving physiotherapy treatment for his hands at The Leprosy Mission hospital across the road. He was accepted onto the computing course after staff at Champa did a search in his area for suitable candidates. Ajay is very enthusiastic about being at the VTC. 'It's good because I can learn things here I will utilise in life. I will explain to others the advantage of doing computer courses here. Also, they do work placements, so it's easier to get a job.'
Ajay admits he was a little worried before he arrived, unsure what to expect, but now he's settled into the routine and is flourishing. He gets on well with the other students, sharing friendship and acceptance with people who understand about living with leprosy. There is even a communal garden where they can work, enjoying fresh air and exercise.
Benefits for mind and body
Ajay's parents are happy that he's at Champa too. He used to help them on their paddy farm, with no real hope of ever finding a better, more rewarding job. Manual labour can also be really dangerous for someone like Ajay - desensitised limbs can easily become injured and infected. His parents know that a computing qualification is Ajay's opportunity for employment and purpose, and a chance to step out of the poverty that is all they know.
Finding employment is the final step that many former leprosy patients need to feel truly 'cured' and restored. With employment comes dignity, independence, self-worth and status - all things that leprosy too often takes away.
The idea behind The Leprosy Mission's vocational training centres (VTCs) is simple - the best way to help someone fully recover from leprosy is to find practical ways to get their life back on track. Read more about the VTCs in New Day Update May 2010
As in the UK, young people in India have dreams and aspirations, a desire to make their lives better and find a place in society. Your gift of £30 is enough to buy one student's uniform and materials - for someone like Ajay; this could be the start of a whole new life.
Photos © Georgina Cranston