Story Section
A Bible story - 10 men with leprosy
Stories of those with Leprosy today
Story 1 - Hari
This story is told by a short film
Story 2 - Juma
Hi my name is Juma and I live in Nicanda in Mozambique. I am in The Leprosy Mission's school programme. They give me all I need to attend school - school bag, books, pens, pencils and pay my school fees. At school my favourite subject is Portuguese.
Let me tell you my story.
I was found to have leprosy a few years ago. The village health worker noticed skin patches on my arms and legs.
Leprosy can damage hand and feet. I was treated early and have no damage. I took leprosy tablets called Multi Drug Therapy and am now completely cured.
My grandmother also had leprosy but like me is completely cured. People in my village are happy to have me live there. The health care teams have done a good work in educating my village all about leprosy.
My Mum passed away some years ago and Dad has moved away to live with another woman but he visits me now and again.
I have my own house which is close to my Grandmother's house. It is a very simple building made out of sticks and mud. My village has no electricity but I have made a torch using 4 large batteries and a small bulb.
When I grow up I want to become a teacher so I can teach others the things I have learnt. I would really like to teach in the school I attend and help children from my village.
Munni's story:
My name is Munni and I live in Northern India.
When I was younger I attended a private school. I loved my school but had to leave as it was too far away and too expensive. Government schools are free but not as good as my old school.
About 18 months ago I found a crack on my foot. I didn't know what it was so I visited the local government hospital. For about a month they treated me but the injury to my foot was gettingworse. A friend in my village suggested I visit The Leprosy Mission hospital at Naini as they might be able to help me.
The Naini doctors told me I had leprosy and gave me tablets which I must take every day. I was very frightened but the doctors told me I would be cured in 6 months. The crack in my foot is getting better but I must be very careful it does not happen again and I must check my foot every night before going to bed.
It's not easy being away from my parents and friends in hospital but I must be strong and not get too sad. I am determined to get back home with my family and friends and get a good education and a good job.Leprosy won't hold me back.
STORY 4 - CHAMANI
Chamani is a young boy, probably about 9 years old but we can't be sure. He comes from Nepal, where for many years he lived happily with his mum and dad, until one day his dad noticed that he had a wound on his hand that didn't hurt.
His dad, guessing it was leprosy sent him off by himself on a bus, to see Leprosy Mission workers. They confirmed that it was indeed leprosy, and arranged for Chamani to have treatment and an operation in Anandaban Leprosy Mission Hospital.
Chamani was very scared when the staff talked to him in hospital, and was often in tears because he missed his family, and he didn't really understand what was going on. Chamani hopes that he will make a full recovery and be able to return to the family that he so badly misses.