Livelihoods
What We Do
Our vision is leprosy defeated, lives transformed. In order to transform the lives of persons affected by leprosy, we are committed to supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Transforming lives with sustainable livelihoods
People affected by leprosy are often among the poorest and most marginalised in their communities, with the age-old stigma associated with the disease leading to their exclusion.
Left out of community gatherings and prevented from accessing community resources – people affected by leprosy can find it hard to participate in economic, social, and political life.
As part of our commitment to seeing zero discrimination against people affected by leprosy, The Leprosy Mission campaigns against this, and works to improve livelihoods – we want people affected by leprosy to be confidently standing up for their rights.
We partner with other organisations in key areas of poor housing, unsafe water and limited access to health and education – making sure people affected by leprosy are included.
Our livelihoods work includes:
Skills Training
Offering people affected by leprosy the opportunity to develop skills to make a living – farming and agriculture, mechanics, electrics, computing, and much more.
Micro-credit
A small loan provided to buy items such as livestock, a sewing machine, or agricultural tools – to enable people affected by leprosy to develop an income and support themselves.
Self-Help Groups
These enable leprosy and disability affected people to save money together and build up mutual confidence to advocate for themselves.
Read MoreSelf-Care Groups
These practical groups allow people affected by leprosy to learn together how to prevent the development or worsening wounds, ulcers and other injuries caused by leprosy.
Read MoreDisabled Peoples' Organisations
We work to integrate people affected by leprosy who have a disability into Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) so that they can receive support and have a greater voice when talking to local and national governments.
Our Livelihood Projects
India
Vocational Training Centre
The Vocational Training Centre (VTC) provides a free, quality, co-ed technical education to students who are directly affected, or the dependents of people affected by leprosy or disability. Courses include electrical engineering, mechanics, tailoring, and air-conditioning and refrigeration.
Nepal
Integrated Mobilisation of People for Active Community Transformation (IMPACT)
You can give people affected by leprosy and disability in Nepal healing, hope and opportunities they desperately need to lead a healthier and fulfilling future.
India
Inclusive Empowerment
By making a donation to The Inclusive Empowerment Project in India, you’ll be making a real difference —providing micro finance activities, vocational training or helping with advocacy and community issues.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability, and financial management. The Leprosy Mission Australia is committed to full adherence to the ACFID Code of Conduct. More information about the ACFID Code of Conduct may be obtained by contacting The Leprosy Mission Australia or visiting the ACFID website. Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct can be made to the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee.
We are committed to disability-inclusive development.
The Leprosy Mission Australia is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, a network of organisations that support fairness in prices and wages, improved market access and poverty alleviation