Transform lives of 30 Filipino Leprosy Patients

We are currently processing the application of a single mother from the Hansen's Club for the educational support of her daughter and the application of an adult learner who wants to complete his master's degree in the Southern Philippines. We hope to find more Persons affected by Leprosy who need financial support to complete their high school, college, or vocational training. 

Many of our PALs actually need skills training in money management and running small businesses so that they can earn more income or become more employable.  There is a non-government Livelihood Education and Rehabilitation Center in one of our cities that caters to disabled citizens.  There is training for urban gardening and other skills.  We hope to tie up with this Center and support PALs who wish to undergo training there.  Our PGH Hansen's Club members are learning how to prepare and package dishwashing liquid to sell--but they need more training on how to plan and run a small business.  With training in small businesses and some start-up funds, our PALs will be able to earn additional income in the future.

Please continue supporting our empowerment project for Persons affected by leprosy!

The year 2022 has brought us one college graduate (BS Psychology) who graduated with excellent grades and opportunities for 3 new adult learners who are leprosy-affected and a daughter of a former leprosy patient. Through GlobalGiving, we were able to provide partial support for a first year medical school student, a second year student of Criminal Justice, a 4th year electrical engineering student, and a first year student of the Teacher's College. We have partners in their towns who oversee their progress and proper utlization of the funds. All of them have longed to continue their formal training and eventually become professionals.  Some of them had to stop schooling in the past. But now, they are well on their way to reaching their goals, thanks to the help from GlobalGiving. 

Congratulations to our college student "Raul" (not his real name) who is graduating this August with a degree of BS Psychology!  The PLM Family is very happy and proud of this young man indeed!  He applied for the educational assistance 2 years ago so that he could afford the internet load payments and internship expenses to ease the financial burden on his family.  He struggled with chronic lepra reactions through the years but, despite these leprosy complicationos, he was able to excel in his studies.  This young man has promised to "pay it forward" to other persons affected by leprosy. We thank God for granting him strength and forbearance through all these challenges!

As we have completed our support for Raul,  we are also in the process of screening 3 applicants for higher education: two are former leprosy patients and one lady is the daughter of a former patient.  One applicant "Bryan" (not his real name) had to stop schooling several years ago due to severe lepra reactions.  Now that he can resume formal schooling, he lacks funds to pay for his tuition for a teacher's course.  The second former patient needs support for her college education on criminal justice. The third applicant is an intelligent lady who has been accepted as a student of Medicine. She is the daughter of a former leprosy patient and an active grassroots organization leader.  She needs support for travel expenses or book supplies.

As you can see, leprosy is not an obstacle to reaching one's dreams and ambitions of becoming professionals and productive members of society.  With your continued support, we can sustain and increase the number of Hansen's patients or former patients with formal education or skills training.  Thank you!

Brian (not his real name) is a 42 year old lepromatous leprosy patient in the Southern Philippines who is completing the Mulit-Drug Therapy.  He had to stop attending school last year due to his illness but he is determined to enrol in school once more. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Education but lacks funds to pay the full tuition this schoolyear. With the help of the government dermatology service in his city, he learned about the Philippine Leprosy Mission educational assistance fund and applied for support.  We are processing his application for tuition fee funds so that he may continue his studies and achieve his dream of working as a full-fledge teacher.

Our current 'scholar' Raul (not his real name) has performed remarkably well, showing us high grades in all his subjects in Psychology:) We are now providing additional financial support for his internship which will be completed this schoolyear.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns have caused delays in our efforts to reach many leprosy patients needing formal education. Aside from Brian, there are more adult leprosy patients who are hoping to complete their college education or perhaps support their children through high school and college. Slowly but surely, we will reach our target of 30 Filipino leprosy patients empowered and transformed through education!

We are excited to receive lists of potential Persons Affected by Leprosy (PALs) who are applying for educational assistance.  There are several PALs who are being recommended by our partners, the Dept. of Dermatology in Southern Philippines Medical Center and the Dept. of Dermatology at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, also known as the former Tala Leprosarium. The screening process consists of the verification of eligibility to avail of the educational support (ex. must be either a leprosy patient, a former patient, or a direct dependent of a PAL) and then the online interview to ensure that they are sincere and determined to continue their education.   Some would like to complete a high school or a college degree. We hope to support in part their ambitions for a brighter future through formal education.  Perhaps by the next schoolyear, we will be able to reach our goal---with your unwavering support! May the spirit of Giving grow and continue!