There's more to these children than leprosy!

Many children and young people from leprosy-affected families are less likely to finish school and find jobs due to the discrimination and the stigma of leprosy.

Yogita lives in India and is a clever young student who dreams of becoming a doctor … but sadly the stigma of leprosy forced her to leave school.

Yogita loves going to school. But then patches start appearing on her face. Her family tries to hide the fact that she has leprosy. But then, the patches start becoming more and more visible.

The kids at school start teasing her. And her own brother calls her cruel hurtful names.

It’s just too much for Yogita. She starts feeling depressed because she can no longer bear the rejection. And the shame. She loses interest in school and stops going.

Her dream has just been crushed. All because of the stigma of leprosy.

Will Yogita become one of the many children who end up losing fingers, or even feet, because fear and stigma keeps her from accessing proper treatment?

Will this talented young girl miss out on her education because of other people’s mistaken ideas about leprosy?

What a tragedy that would be… because there’s so much more to Yogita than leprosy!

See the impact you can have by watching this video “There’s More to Me Than Leprosy”. Children talk about their career ambitions and dream of a better future.

You can help children like Yogita in danger of losing their dreams to leprosy.

Yogita and her family received counselling and education about leprosy. That it’s a treatable disease and not highly contagious. She doesn’t have to stay away from school at all! A Leprosy Mission worker listened to her fears about school and helped Yogita feel confident enough to resume her education.

Many children from families affected by leprosy are still struggling to finish school.

Your help can get them back to school and not give up. Your gift can help provide books and uniforms, a child’s scholarship or even vocational training. The generosity of donors like you helps give children like Yogita a bright and stigma-free future.