In Nepal Leprosy Trust, we trust!

Stylish and durable goods with the added peace of mind that comes from knowing your bag or wallet was produced ethically. Nepal Leprosy Trust produce handmade products from their quality hand-made leather.

Nepal Leprosy Trust supports people affected by leprosy and disability by training them in practical skills and helping them earn a dignified income. They also support social welfare and medical projects. Thanks to the high sales of their products, they have been able to improve medical benefits and offer educational sponsorships as well.

Purchases of their products through The Leprosy Mission Australia’s shop will help people like Maita and her husband Bel, who work for Nepal Leprosy Trust. They had only been married for 15 days when Bel fell and broke his back. He became paralysed from the waist down.

After the accident, their lives became very difficult. Bel spent his days on the floor unable to do anything, and they had to rely on his family for support. Then, a foreign missionary visited their village. He asked them if they would like to come to work in Kathmandu and learn skills at Lalitpur Technical School, a Nepal Leprosy Trust project.

They spent two years learning to work with leather and make leather goods. After their training, they decided to stay in Kathmandu. Going back to their village would be hard, and even Bel’s family would not welcome them back. They struggled to pay rent, with Maita taking hard work like carrying sand and bricks. Sometimes, they didn’t even have food to eat, but Maita did not give up her trust in God to provide for them.

One day, they got a call from Ms. Eileen Lodge, the founder of Nepal Leprosy Trust, who offered them a job in a leather workshop. They have been working hard there for over 20 years now. They receive fair wages, with allowances for celebrating festivals, and covering medical bills.

Maita says she is thankful to Nepal Leprosy Trust and those who support it, because without their help, she is sure that Bel would not have survived.

Your shopping helps Maita, Bel, and others like them in similar situations.