Home built by residents of leprosy colony

A key component for the empowerment of people in India affected by leprosy is practical vocational training that earns them income and freedom from poverty. This training releases many individuals from the need to beg to make a living for themselves and their families, and increases their sense of dignity and self esteem.

The GLRA-SMHF Vocational Training Center in Calcutta (Kolkata) is an excellent example of training centers in India. This center, which began training students on 1 April 2007, is jointly sponsored by the Germany Leprosy & TB Association and the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation (GLRA-SMHF).

Learning a vocation:weaving

The center offers 2-3 month training in 16 money-making skills such as tailoring, knitting, embroidery, and the making of bags, artificial flowers, dolls and soft toys, jewellery, glass painting, incense sticks, detergent and liquid soap, cake and chocolates, perfumes, candles, and fabric printing on textiles.

In addition, there is a business training for all participants towards the end of learning their vocational skills that teaches them how to use their capital, procurement of raw materials, production, quality control, sales, income management, profit planning, etc.

making artificial legs in leprosy colony

Residential accommodation is offered to 10 trainees who must travel a long distance to get to Kolkata, and for leprosy colony participants in the Kolkata area their railway and bus fare is paid. Residential candidates also receive free meals during their stay.

The center provides free raw materials for learning in the classes, and interest free micro-credit is available to graduates through colony committees, and NGOs.

Special shoes made for leprosy affected people in colony

Admission to the center's programs is possible in several ways: recommendation from
1) leprosy committees, 2) NGOs, 3) government organizations, and 4) personal requests from eligible candidates.

Preference is usually given to women candidates in the 15-50 years old age range, or to members of self-help groups. There is no educational bar for general candidates.

Writer visits leprosy colony

Daily classes are held from 9:30 AM to 1 PM, and 2:30 PM to 5 PM. Candidates have their final examination during the last week of their training, and those that pass are awarded a certificate by the center.

The Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation is an affiliate of the Nippon Foundation, which supports empowerment workshops, seminars, and training throughout India and Nepal for people affected by leprosy.