Socio-Economic Rehabilitation (SER2) – Education Program

The SER (Socio-Economic Rehabilitation) Education Program aims to support 100 students (from primary school through to college) with scholarships to contribute to school fees, uniforms and supplies. Students are either directly affected or the dependents of people affected by leprosy or disability. The Education Program team also provides counselling sessions to parents in students in order to encourage girls to stay in school and receive an education.

Where

The children who receive scholarships come from 13 districts in the province of Bagmati in Nepal.

Why?

Children or people affected by leprosy are excluded from career development and normal community participation because of a lack of education or personal, social and economic issues that arise from stigmatising attitudes and marginalisation. Those most affected lack the knowledge and abilities needed to find a way out of their situation.

Although education is free in Government schools, parents affected by leprosy or with physical disabilities do not always have the financial means to meet other education associated costs such as school fees, uniforms, and supplies. The effects of leprosy can limit children from the ability to access education due to costs and stigma, however this kind of scholarship encourages them to pursue their dreams and have a more secure future.

What are we doing?

The SER Education Program works towards ensuring an education for children who are either affected by leprosy, have a physical disability or are dependent on leprosy affected parents.

This program provides scholarship support to children living in poverty as a result of disease or disability to secure a better life and hopeful future. The support is equivalent to approximately AU$120 per student which contributes to school fees, uniforms and supplies. Without this scholarship support, many of these students would have stopped advancing their education level.

As a result of this project, children have had the opportunity to complete their studies from primary school through to college, resulting in recipients also graduating with university degrees and securing jobs.

Children are provided with support based on recommendations provided by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperative members, local government, and schools where students are studying.

The Education Program team also helps socialise teachers and schools to disability accessibility and creating a stigma-free learning environment.

The SER Education project supports the Triple Zero Leprosy Goals through these key activities: