Ubed was once cast out. Today, he leads change.

Nearly 13 years ago, Ubed from Nepal was newly diagnosed with a severe case of leprosy that left him in and out of hospital for two years—even after his leprosy was cured.

Despite treatment, ongoing complications, stigma, and isolation pushed him to the brink of despair, fearing he would be abandoned like others before him.

It’s hard to imagine how hope could ever follow such trauma. Yet, everything changed when Ubed joined a Self-Help Group (SHG).

Over the next few months, Ubed and his SHG learned how to care for their wounds. Six months later, everyone in the group’s wounds were healed.

Together, the SHG learned safe cooking and farming methods to protect themselves from further disability, plus additional methods to keep themselves and their families healthy. 

With their wounds healed and renewed confidence, the SHG members were accepted back into their communities.

And Ubed? Not only has he recovered, but he now runs a successful micro-enterprise that supports his family and walks alongside others affected by leprosy, encouraging them to seek treatment and rebuild their lives as he did.

And you can bring this lifelong care to others just like Ubed when you become a Small Business Sower today.

BECOME A SMALL BUSINESS SOWER!

Your investment will be put straight to work through a 5-step Plan:

	1.  You sow kindness: Self-Help Group Set Up You'll establish 17 Self-Help Groups for the most vulnerable. Your $1,972 gift can help set-up all 17 Self-Help Groups.
	2.  Your support sprouts: Learning Begins Training include financial literacy and business planning. Your $1,180 gift can teach members essential business skills.
	3.  Your love grows: Local Registration The group registers with the local government as a cooperative. Your $3,300 gift can register 10 small businesses.
	4.  Your care blossoms: Small Business Gets Started Group members now have the skills and confidence to start a small business.  Your $5,500 gift provides the seed funds for 10 Self-Help Groups.
	5.  You revive so many lives: Business Blooms For Lifelong Change Group members now have a reliable income and are respected in their community. Your incredible gift of $16,200 can kick-start 40 NEW small businesses - from pig-raising to veggie-growing to bee-keeping!

BECOME A SMALL BUSINESS SOWER!

My prayer is you’ll know how your kindness changes the lives of people like Ubed – every day for many years. Thank you for your unconditional love that lasts a lifetime!

SPROUTS (Strengthening Pathways for Economic Resilience through Sustainable Opportunities to Communities) in Nepal is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Thanks to ANCP this project is able to help improve the well-being of people affected by leprosy, other Neglected Tropical Diseases and disability in Nepal.

Please note: Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. Due to added security measures, donations below $10 can no longer be processed online. To make a gift $9 or less, please call us on 1800 LEPROSY (1800 537 767).