Our SEED Partners are making a real and lasting difference in Faizabad, India, where we support a Vocational Training Centre. We are pleased to report that hundreds of leprosy-affected individuals and their families have benefited from much-needed skills-training and employment assistance over the last 12 months.

Vocational Training Centre

Education is a vital way of bringing economic and social change to individuals, families and communities affected by leprosy, stigma and poverty. It opens up possibilities and opportunities and gives back the social standing that leprosy may have stolen.

• The Vocational Training Centre in Faizabad offers a range of courses including computing, electronics, car mechanics and sewing.
• Students are selected from leprosy-affected families in Leprosy Mission projects across India.
• Placement Officers help graduates secure jobs that utilise their new skills.
• Graduates are also eligible for a loan scheme to help them set up their own businesses.
• Students benefit from counselling and courses that teach them general life skills.
• Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities such as sport, music and the annual Students Retreat.
• Upon graduating students are invited to join the Alumni Association. The Association was set up to provide ongoing support to graduates, and members help recruit new students.

Over the last 12 months, the Vocational Training Centre has changed the lives of 130 leprosy-affected individuals and their families:

• 130 students enrolled in courses, up from 110 in the previous year.
• To date, 120 students have completed their training, and scored 70% or more in their exams.
• 110 of these students secured jobs within 3 months of graduating.
• 3 small business loans were given to graduates from the Cutting and Sewing course.
• A third of the students were female - up from one fifth in the previous year.
• A further 130 students are set to begin their training in August 2010.

Reducing stigma

Every year, awareness raising campaigns are organised by the staff and students. These campaigns help to educate the local community about leprosy and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. Recent activities have included:

• Two rallies in Faizabad town in October and December 2009.
• An awareness raising campaign in 6 local schools.

Neeraj's Story

When Neeraj was 17 his father had an accident that left him unable to work.  Neeraj had no choice but to give up his studies and find a job. He left his home town of Sitapur in North Eastern India and went to the city of Lucknow to work as a labourer in a gas agency.

It wasn't long before he noticed the early symptoms of leprosy. He had tingling in his hands and feet, a fever and terrible pains in his body. Neeraj didn't realise it was leprosy and went back to his family who took him to several doctors for treatment. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with him, but they recommended that he visit the Leprosy Mission hospital in Naini where he was diagnosed with leprosy.  Neeraj stayed in Naini hospital for five months where he received multi-drug therapy.

'While I was in Naini I heard about the Vocational Training Centre run by the Leprosy Mission in Faizabad and went to see it. I joined the cutting and sewing trade and I am  enjoying the training. I also take pleasure in helping others in my class. This disease has changed my life and fate for good. I always wanted to be a tailor and only after being affected by leprosy did I get the chance to come to Faizabad Vocational Training Centre. After completing my training I will be able to run my own work and provide livelihoods for others by giving them work in my shop. I want to be a successful tailor and be an example for others as a leprosy affected person.'

Amar's Story

Originally from Rajasthan in north-west India, 18-year-old Amar is now learning how to repair diesel engines at the Leprosy Mission Vocational Training Centre in Faizabad.

Amar contracted leprosy two years ago, just as he was starting his working life. He had a job in a factory but had to leave because the numbness in his hands meant that he didn't notice when he was getting burnt.  When his hands started to become clawed, he went straight to see a doctor. He was diagnosed with leprosy and referred to the district hospital for treatment.

While he was there, the staff told him about the Vocational Training Centre and suggested that he enrol in a course. Amar jumped at the opportunity and decided he would like to learn how to repair engines.

'My life is totally changed after coming to the Faizabad VTC. I live in the hostel and have learnt to lead a disciplined life, waking up on time, taking my meals on time, self care for my anaesthetic hand and exercising. After finishing the training I want to work for myself and stand on my own two feet.'

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