 |
|
|
|
What does 'MORPH' mean and what is it?
MORPH - short for 'metamorphosis', is a two and a half week immersion in countries where The Leprosy Mission and its local partners work. It is an opportunity to see the difference that is being made in the lives of people affected by leprosy and gain an understanding of all aspects of poverty.
MORPH in China 2008
The Leprosy Mission New Zealand has been invited by HANDA, our partner in China, to send two work teams to support people in the villages of Shengli Xiang and NingMing. Both villages were established by the Chinese government in the 1950's to isolate people affected by leprosy. People who were found with leprosy had no choice – they were sent to the villages for the rest of their lives.
Shengli Xiang is a small village high up in the mountains in Southern China. There is no road to the village. To get there people have to trek for over one and a half hours carrying everything on their backs. Today there are 83 people living in Shengli Xiang, 18 are elderly and live with serious disabilities as a consequence of leprosy.
The rest of the village is made up of their relatives banished because of a relation's leprosy.
There is much to be done to improve living conditions in Shengli. The village is in desperate need of a drainage system. The local school consists of two small rooms that need urgent
repairs. The village has its own "leaky building" problem with a number of houses in danger of collapse. Unlike New Zealand homes, these are made of mud and grass. It will only take one heavy downpour for lives to be at risk.
NingMing is also extremely isolated with only 19 people living in the village – 13 are affected by leprosy. The main road in NingMing needs to be rebuilt to connect NingMing to the outside world. This will help open up trade opportunities for the villagers and improve living standards.
The isolation of both villages means these people have few opportunities to generate an income and are dependent on a small subsidy from the government. The subsidy is inadequate to support themselves or their families let alone look after their houses or access medical care.
Unfortunately there is still much stigma and misunderstanding surrounding leprosy in many parts of the world, including China. Consequently there are few who will assist people in
Shengli Xiang and NingMing. By joining a Morph team you will play an important role in empowering people affected by leprosy to live their lives with dignity.
Inspired?
If you're keen to join MORPH 2008 or you would like to have an information pack sent to you, please contact Ngaira on 0800 862 873 or ngaira@leprosymission.org.nz. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have - we'd love to talk to you.
When and where we are going?
Saturday 27th September to Thursday 16th October, 2008
Click here for itineraries
|
|
