Learning Hub — Impact

Rubina was just a teenager when leprosy began affecting her body—starting with skin patches, then facial paralysis, and loss of feeling in her feet. At first, doctors didn’t recognise the signs, and Rubina lived in fear and shame. With no answers and her confidence shattered, Rubina hid from her friends, terrified and ashamed.

A few years ago, Mina took out a small loan to start her farm. Today, it’s a thriving business providing income for her family—and she’s working toward expanding it to create jobs for others. You can be part of Mina’s story. A Gift of Love, like the $40 Farmer’s Toolbox, gives someone affected by leprosy the tools and training to build a better future.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Margaret Callister, one of Leprosy Mission Australia's longest serving and most passionate supporters. For over 65 years, Margaret dedicated herself to the mission of ending leprosy and restoring dignity to those affected. Through faithful giving, prayer and advocacy, Margaret helped fuel lasting change for people impacted by leprosy around the world. Margaret often reflected on the extraordinary medical advancements she’d witnessed, especially the development of Multi-Drug Therapy. She believed deeply in the vision of a world with zero leprosy transmission, zero disability, and zero discrimination, calling it “remarkable that a charity is...

What was your life like at the age of 12? What did you dream of becoming? In a lot of ways, your answers are probably like Disha’s. She’s a little girl like any other, she loves talking to her school friends about her favourite pop band, and she wants to learn how to dance just like them.  But what’s different is that both Disha’s parents have had leprosy. They met and fell in love at the hospital and wanted to work there once they had recovered. Disha was born at Anandaban Hospital and has spent her whole life there. Growing...

Rima has had a lot of jobs to take care of her family. Running a hotel, a kiosk shop, tailoring service, taxis, and farming — anything she could to earn enough money. But it’s been difficult to build a sustainable business. Bu with a helping hand and a Gift of Love, Rima’s life is transforming! When Rima’s husband passed away, she had to sell the business they ran together. They needed the money for medical bills, and they wanted to move closer to family. She learned tailoring and started to repair clothes and teach people to sew. Using some of...