New housing for Naba Kustha Ashram leprosy village

Dear donors to the cause of New Housing for Naba Kustha Ashram leprosy village, 

First of all, I wish to sincerely thank you for helping this worthy cause. With your help, we will be repairing one of the big rooves in the village that houses three people and the kitchen. 

A little bit of history - before our charity began, the people of Nabakuthashram (as it's spelt locally - spelling is very flexible in Bengali!) were isolated and hungry. They're a group of older people who were taken to this village and left there by friends and family many years ago, when it was discovered that they had leprosy. We tend to think that the old idea of isolation in leper 'colonies' is over - but not so. 

The Bengali government had the responsibility of caring for them, but was failing in their duty. The food supplies were often not coming, and there was no medical care to speak of, unless these elderly, disabled people were somehow able to get themselves into the city of Purulia (an hour's walk away from the village of Dabar, where our work is centred). 

Sanjay (Tinku) Mahato, head man of Dabar village and visionary leader, teamed up with some friends, who helped to care care of these people. Over time they have managed to arrange nursing help to change dressings, medical supplies, a solar panelled auto rickshaw for residents to get into town, regular supply of rice and vegetables, and helping the villagers
to grow their own vegetables. They even won a competition in Purulia for the biggest pumpkin! 

But housing continues to be a major issue for them. Their old government built houses are literally falling down and present a dire hazard. Furthermore, rats and other vermin can get in. And they are often exposed to the weather with roofing problems. It's past time for this to be remediated.

Prabhat Alloi organisation has been helping out for 13 years now, with the goal of helping out disadvantaged people in this area, just outside the city of Purulia in West Bengal, India. We have two sister organisations - Prabhat Alloi Foundation (India), supported through Prabhat Alloi Inc (Australia). We have set up a school tuition centre for local chilren to help them pass school exams so they can graduate to the next year level. We also have a hostel for children who need safe housing. Now it's time for Nabakuthashram residents to feel safe in their homes. 

 
Thank you so much for your support for this work. Prabhat Alloi is currently seeking the support of a civil engineer to provide a plan of how to address this problem. In our next report we'll provide photos to show the completed work.

Meanwhile, here you can see images of the work that will be undertaken with the funds you and others have provided. This construction houses the kitchen and is the home of three residents in the village. You'll be able to learn more about them in the next report. 


With thanks and appreciation for making a difference, 

Shivanii Cameron
President, Prabhat Alloi Inc (Australia)