Raj Bahadur lives with five family members in a remote village in Jumla District. The extreme geography means food production is limited and Raj can only produce enough for seven months of the year. He struggles to provide for his family all year round.
When his first son was born they soon realised he had a disability. Trying to care for their son with little support added to the struggle to meet his family’s needs. Raj’s wife is now their son’s full time carer leaving Raj to find work. The challenge has been difficult and caused distress within their family.
Ray joined a Self-Help Group in Jumla facilitated by INF. They began meeting regularly and Raj was able to learn about helping those with a disability. He learnt how to care properly for his son.
The group soon began an income generating scheme, providing loans to group members so that they could set up small businesses. Raj received NPR 25,000[USD240] from INF Jumla and bought five goats to start a new business rearing goats. Today, he has 10 goats and is able to support his family all year round.
‘I’m thankful to INF for helping to learn more about caring for my son and helping me to start my own business,” says Raj Bahadur.