Leprosy Community

In 2015 members of the charity were invited to meet with people who suffered from leprosy. This group of people had been brought from different regions of Ethiopia by the government to Shashemene, to form a community. The level of poverty these people suffered was shocking. They spent their days begging on the streets and were shunned by the rest of society. Whilst their children are free from the disease thanks to medical intervention, they had no opportunity for education.

Hope and a Future Charity is helping to support over 50 families, where the parent has been affected by leprosy. Their children have been integrated into our schools and benefit from the food provision and health and hygiene programme. The charity has developed a farming project which provides occupation for those who are able to work and helps give them a sustainable income for their families.

Clothing and hygiene products have been supplied and these have helped to give the people dignity and to be better accepted by the local community.