Livelihoods
What We Do
Our vision is leprosy defeated, lives transformed. In order to transform the lives of persons affected by leprosy, we are committed to supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Transforming lives with sustainable livelihoods
People affected by leprosy are often among the poorest and most marginalised in their communities, with the age-old stigma associated with the disease leading to their exclusion.
Left out of community gatherings and prevented from accessing community resources – people affected by leprosy can find it hard to participate in economic, social, and political life.
As part of our commitment to seeing zero discrimination against people affected by leprosy, The Leprosy Mission campaigns against this, and works to improve livelihoods – we want people affected by leprosy to be confidently standing up for their rights.
We partner with other organisations in key areas of poor housing, unsafe water and limited access to health and education – making sure people affected by leprosy are included.
Our livelihoods work includes:
Skills Training
Offering people affected by leprosy the opportunity to develop skills to make a living – farming and agriculture, mechanics, electrics, computing, and much more.
Micro-credit
A small loan provided to buy items such as livestock, a sewing machine, or agricultural tools – to enable people affected by leprosy to develop an income and support themselves.
Self-Help Groups
These enable leprosy and disability affected people to save money together and build up mutual confidence to advocate for themselves.
Read MoreSelf-Care Groups
These practical groups allow people affected by leprosy to learn together how to prevent the development or worsening wounds, ulcers and other injuries caused by leprosy.
Read MoreDisabled Peoples' Organisations
We work to integrate people affected by leprosy who have a disability into Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) so that they can receive support and have a greater voice when talking to local and national governments.
Our Livelihood Projects
Nepal
Integrated Mobilisation of People for Active Community Transformation (IMPACT)
You can give people affected by leprosy and disability in Nepal healing, hope and opportunities they desperately need to lead a healthier and fulfilling future.
India
Vocational Training Centre
The Vadathorasalur, Vocational Training Centre (VTC) provides free quality, co-ed technical education to people in Tamil Nadu aged between 16-40 years, affected by leprosy, disability and those from underprivileged backgrounds. Tamil Nadu in southern India is one of the most industrialised states, with a large number of manufacturing companies. The VTC regularly monitors the employment market and offers courses in trades that are in demand. This maximizes the chances of employment for graduates. The VTC currently offers courses in tailoring, air-conditioning, refrigeration, electrical and automobile mechanics. During their training, students are also educated on disability rights, positive engagement and fair labour conditions. This training is valuable for students when seeking employment after graduation. Additionally short courses are offered offsite through a mobile education service where women are able to attend education in their own villages. After completing a course, over 90% of graduates are able to obtain employment. In addition, the VTC works with businesses in the community to train them on disability inclusion and fair labour conditions. This increases the job opportunities for individuals with leprosy and disability and creates more inclusive communities. In the past year, the VTC supported 374 students through their centre and mobile education. Currently, the VTC is establishing production units where products are made on site and sold to bring in an income for the VTC. This will not only increase their financial independence, but allow opportunities for on the job training for students.
India
Inclusive Empowerment
By making a donation to The Inclusive Empowerment Project in India, you’ll be making a real difference —providing micro finance activities, vocational training or helping with advocacy and community issues.
Nepal
Integrated Mobilisation of People for Active Community Transformation (IMPACT)
You can give people affected by leprosy and disability in Nepal healing, hope and opportunities they desperately need to lead a healthier and fulfilling future.
India
Inclusive Empowerment
By making a donation to The Inclusive Empowerment Project in India, you’ll be making a real difference —providing micro finance activities, vocational training or helping with advocacy and community issues.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability, and financial management. The Leprosy Mission Australia is committed to full adherence to the ACFID Code of Conduct. More information about the ACFID Code of Conduct may be obtained by contacting The Leprosy Mission Australia or visiting the ACFID website. Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct can be made to the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee.
We are committed to disability-inclusive development.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, a network of organisations that support fairness in prices and wages, improved market access and poverty alleviation