Christmas in the lower Himalayas. A partnership.

THE IMPACT OF OUR WORK WITHIN KHOKANA LEPROSY COLONY

Touch Nepal made our first trip to Khokana in 2007. The average person living in Khokana now receives 1,500 Rs (rupees) per month or the approximate value of 15.00 US per month. That is not a typographical error, 50 cents per day. They also receive a small amount of lower quality rice, salt, lentils for making dhal and soap for washing clothes. That is approximately another 11.00 worth of food which is supposed to be their monthly substance. Just a year ago it was only 25 cents per day but Krishna Maya, an important voice and advocate for the people there, took a group of people to NELRA (Nepal Leprosy Relief Association) to advocate for their situation. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare are the ones that control the money but it is NELRA that distributes the funds. Because of the voice of Krishna Maya, changes such as this have been taking place within the Khokana Leprosy Colony. But life is not only about food. Who helps them when they have other needs? Who will visit them when they are sick or take them to the hospital or to appointments? Many don't have anyone to turn to. Krishna Maya even cooks and cares for those who are in most need there. When we conduct outreach we are able to give them items they don't normally receive such as tea (important to their culture), sugar and oil for cooking. We are also able to distribute other items for hygiene and skin care which are also appreciated.