I was fortunate enough to attend a local school that provided education for children like me. From grades 1 to 5, I studied there, and for my higher education, I moved on to Sirjana Residential Secondary School for the Deaf in Pokhara, where I specialised in education studies during grades 11 and 12. Unfortunately, after finishing grade 12, financial constraints and other challenges made it impossible to continue my education.

The job market was tough, with very few opportunities for someone like me. Undeterred, I joined Gandaki Bahira Sangh (Gandaki Association of the Deaf), where I dedicated myself to advocating for the rights of individuals with hearing disabilities. I also became an active member of a network supporting people with disabilities in Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality. The search for meaningful employment continued, and it was during this time that I met a staff member from INF Nepal. We discussed the possibility of working with them, and I learned that INF encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

In 2073 BS (2016), I joined INF Nepal, and since then, I’ve been working as a gardener at the INF Nepal Central office. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values diversity and inclusivity. The collaboration, training, and support within INF is remarkable, and this journey has also taken me to areas like Banke and Surkhet, which has been an incredibly enriching experience.

Though my education might have led me into a different career path, my role as a gardener has brought great personal fulfilment. The team at INF Nepal has become like a second family to me, offering warmth, support, and kindness. This environment has allowed me to live independently and with dignity, letting my disability fade into the background.

In 2019, I had the honour of representing Nepal at the Annual General Meeting of the World Federation of the Deaf in Paris, France. It was an eye-opening experience, meeting deaf individuals from around the world, learning about their cultures, sign languages, and the services available to the deaf community. I also had the privilege of representing the Gandaki Association of the Deaf in Thailand, where I exchanged ideas and deepened cross-cultural understanding.

In conclusion, I am deeply grateful to INF Nepal for their unwavering support throughout my journey. I look forward to watching this incredible organisation continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for empowering individuals like me to overcome life’s challenges and flourish.

As if the physical toll wasn’t enough, the emotional strain of discrimination prevented Meena from pursuing her dreams, including marriage. Her condition and society’s prejudices made it impossible for her to find a partner, and despite her high standards, her options remained limited. Yet Meena’s story took a hopeful turn when she learned about Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) from a neighbour. Inspired by their success, Meena consulted with a plastic surgeon at GPH, who recommended reconstructive surgery for her hands. Meena underwent the surgery in two stages, first on her right hand and later on her left. Thanks to the charity support and excellent care at GPH, Meena’s hands were restored, and with them, her hope for a brighter future.

Coming from a large family of nine siblings, Meena was always an inspiration to her loved ones, especially her younger brother, who supported her both financially and emotionally. Despite her challenges, she never gave up. With her newfound independence after surgery, Meena now has the confidence to pursue skills training and secure a job, aiming for financial freedom. Her determination to overcome adversity fuels her vision of a future filled with possibility and empowerment.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the Nepal government has made Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) a priority. These stoves are designed to be more efficient, reducing cooking time, lowering the risk of respiratory diseases, and helping conserve valuable firewood. Additionally, ICS lowers carbon emissions, lightens the workload for women, and reduces reliance on traditional fuels.

INF Nepal has been at the forefront of promoting ICS in the districts of Rolpa and Bajura. Last year alone, 792 ICS were distributed, with remarkable results: firewood consumption dropped by 57%, from 3,440 kg to just 1,946 kg, and women saved around 15.7 hours each month. Women like Khem Maya Rokaya from Bajura are already feeling the difference: “The amount of time and firewood needed has been reduced thanks to the ICS. I can now finish my household work faster, and I’m grateful to INF Nepal for their support,” she shared.

By adopting ICS, communities are not only improving the health and well-being of women but also reducing their environmental impact, making everyday tasks more efficient, and contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Determined not to give up, Kal crafted a wooden leg for himself, hoping it would allow him to carry on. But despite his ingenuity, life became more difficult. Financial and household responsibilities shifted to his parents and wife, and his attempts to work by grazing cows and goats were hindered by the sores caused by the painful wooden leg. That’s when INF Nepal’s CHD Project stepped in. Through the Nadegufa Disability Group and collaboration with INF’s Jumla branch and Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Kal received an artificial leg that restored much of his mobility.

With his new prosthetic leg, Kal regained the ability to walk and take part in daily activities, including tending to his cattle. “I can now walk without a stick and work like others. My family and neighbours are happy to see me doing well,” he says with a sense of pride. Krishna Rawat, chairperson of the Self-Help Group, adds, “Supporting Kal has brought joy to his family and the community, and it shows that INF Nepal stands by those who need help the most.”

Kal’s journey is just one example of the broader impact of CHD’s work. Last year alone, 357 individuals with disabilities received assistive devices, restoring their mobility and independence, while 225 people were granted disability cards, enabling access to vital services such as social security and healthcare.

Rushed to a provincial hospital for emergency surgery, Gopal’s family was quickly overwhelmed by the mounting medical bills, especially after the recent loss of his father, who had battled paralysis for 15 years. With his father gone, the weight of supporting the family fell on Gopal’s mother. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Gopal was referred to Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) for rehabilitation. At GPH, he was given the tools to regain his independence—starting with a wheelchair that enabled him to move freely. With dedicated physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Gopal gradually regained strength, while peer counseling helped him face the emotional challenges of his new reality.

Throughout this journey, Gopal’s mother and wife stood by his side, providing unwavering love and support. Their encouragement, coupled with GPH’s care, ignited hope in Gopal’s heart. Each small victory—whether a moment of physical progress or shared laughter—marked a step toward reclaiming his life.

Gopal’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing that with the right care, support from loved ones, and sheer determination, life after tragedy can still offer hope. In the past year alone, GPH treated 81 spinal cord injury cases and provided rehabilitation to 688 patients, underscoring its vital role in offering specialized care to individuals facing life-altering challenges.

Just when hope seemed out of reach, Tara heard about the SH-IS medical charity program from a visiting physiotherapist. Desperate for help, she applied and was accepted into the program. At SH-IS, Tara worked with skilled therapists who guided her through the recovery process. She regained her strength, learning to sit, balance, and use mobility aids. She also learned to perform everyday activities like dressing and feeding herself. After two months of rehabilitation, Tara returned home with a wheelchair, an air mattress, a toilet chair, and home modifications to improve accessibility. More than just physical recovery, Tara regained her dignity and a renewed sense of hope.

“I’m so happy to have my independence back,” Tara said with a smile. “Now, I can do things on my own again, and I’m excited to help my husband with work so we can support our family together.” Tara’s recovery is part of a broader impact at SH-IS, where 49 patients with spinal cord injuries and 136 individuals with disabilities have received therapeutic services, regaining control over their lives and enhancing their functional abilities.

Her final pregnancy left her with a debilitating fistula, a condition that caused constant urinary leakage. The physical discomfort was unbearable, but the emotional toll was even greater. Shunned by her community, Janaki withdrew from social and family events, believing her condition was untreatable. “I thought my condition was not curable, so I never sought medical help,” she recalls. However, everything changed when she met a woman from her village who had suffered from the same condition but had fully recovered after treatment at the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre.

Inspired by this story, Janaki sought help and registered for surgery at the Fistula Centre in August 2023. After just two weeks of recovery, she was fully healed. For the first time in years, she was dry, comfortable, and able to rejoin her family and community without shame. “I never imagined I could live like this again,” she says, her voice filled with joy. Janaki’s newfound confidence allows her to participate in social events once more, and she is deeply grateful for the life-changing care she received.

Janaki’s journey is one of many. In the past year alone, the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre identified 82 new fistula patients, highlighting the widespread suffering in rural areas where many women believe their condition is untreatable. Of those, 57 women received life-saving surgeries, offering them a second chance at life. The work of the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre is more than just medical care—it’s about restoring dignity, bringing hope, and offering a new lease on life to women who have long suffered in silence.

Thanks to the skilled team at Green Pastures Hospital, Satish has regained movement in his left hand and a renewed sense of independence. Diagnosed with leprosy at just 17, Satish first noticed unusual symptoms—painful nerves and his left hand beginning to claw. This marked the start of a journey that would test his resilience and reveal the life-changing impact of early diagnosis, specialised treatment, and dedicated care.

After his initial diagnosis at Lumbini Province Hospital, Satish began a 21-month course of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy, which helped manage the disease but brought its own challenges, including skin darkening. As his symptoms progressed, he was referred to Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) for further complication management. At GPH, Satish underwent nerve decompression surgery, a vital intervention to restore function in his hand and alleviate the constant pain and discomfort that had impacted his daily life.

Following surgery, Satish spent a month at GPH, receiving intensive occupational therapy and nursing care designed to restore strength and sensation in his hand. This period of recovery was essential, allowing him to regain control and mobility while building his confidence for the future. The dedicated care provided by GPH’s team helped him see a path forward, free from the limitations leprosy had imposed on him.

Beyond physical recovery, the support and encouragement Satish received at GPH reignited his hope for the future. Now back in school and determined to finish his high school education, Satish has a new outlook on life, inspired by the skilled intervention and compassionate care he received. He’s confident that with continued treatment, he’ll fully recover from the disease and pursue his dreams with renewed energy.

Satish’s journey highlights the importance of accessible, specialised care for leprosy patients and the remarkable impact that timely medical intervention can have. His story is a powerful testament to how hospitals like GPH are transforming lives, one patient at a time, and offering a new lease on life to those affected by leprosy and other complex conditions.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Dilu’s memories are filled with painful episodes of ear discharge and relentless discomfort. As a child, she found temporary relief at local health posts with her father’s help, but her symptoms always returned. Years later, a neighbor shared news of GPH’s specialized Ear Centre, known for its high-quality ear care and life-changing surgeries, especially for those in financial need. This gave Dilu hope that she might find a permanent solution.

After a thorough evaluation at GPH, doctors recommended surgery on her left ear to address her chronic pain and infections. Dilu’s journey, however, was complicated by her family’s financial difficulties, having already exhausted savings and taken on debt to fund her husband’s treatment for a blood infection and tuberculosis.

In this time of hardship, GPH Ear Centre stepped in, providing essential financial support. With assistance covering NPR 41,775 (around AUD 474) for surgery and medications, Dilu’s financial burden was lifted, allowing her to focus on healing and recovery. Today, Dilu’s story stands as a testament to the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare and charitable support. Thanks to GPH Ear Centre, she faces a brighter, pain-free future.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Malati Bista, a 47-year-old from Sothargaun in Naraharinath Rural Municipality, Kalikot, was married at fifteen. Just two years later, she became a mother, stepping into parenthood at a young age. Not long into their marriage, her husband left for India in search of work, but he soon disappeared without a trace. Despite her efforts, Malati received no communication, no money, no letters—only silence. Enduring nine years of waiting and mistreatment from her in-laws, she remained hopeful for his return. Eventually, her husband did come back, but the reunion was short-lived as Malati faced abuse from both her husband and in-laws.

Unable to bear the abuse any longer, Malati made the difficult decision to leave her husband’s home and returned to her parental village with her daughter, leaving her other children with her in-laws. In 2015, she legally separated from her husband. Despite these challenges, Malati was determined to create a better life for herself and her daughter. She found hope and support through the Paribartan Self-Help Group, part of an INF Nepal initiative in her community. Joining the group offered her a chance to rebuild; with training in agricultural practices, she learned seasonal vegetable cultivation and integrated pest management.

With seeds and resources provided by the program, Malati began vegetable farming. Her dedication and hard work soon turned this venture into a stable income source, earning her NPR 7,000 (around AUD 80) per month. Today, Malati not only sustains her family’s food needs but also contributes to her daughter’s education. Her savings in the Self-Help Group have given her financial stability, ensuring a brighter future for herself and her family.

(Name changed for anonymity)