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Disabled Newlife Center

by David Ryder

I chose to work with the Disabled Newlife Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal because I was moved when I heard about their programs that empower youth with disabilities. The center provides a safe living space for up to 25 disadvantaged children with disabilities, some of whom have been homeless. The kids also receive healthy meals, quality education, rehabilitation and medical treatment.

I was shocked to find out that many of the children suffer from preventable burn injuries, often leaving them with amputations and severe scarring. It is common for rural Nepalese villagers to cook on the floors of their homes over an open fire, without a barrier for toddlers or babies, who can walk or crawl into a fire when unattended.

To show the importance of the Disabled Newlife Centre, I decided to tell the story of these children and young adults with severe burn injuries who, with the help of the centre, have been able to gain self-confidence, find a community of peers and live life as the regular fun-loving Nepalese youth that they are.

Kids like Bikash, 12, whose face is covered in scars, and Sanjay, 13, whose feet are amputated, can now meet and become great friends thanks to the Disabled Newlife Centre. They were bullied at their previous schools but have become happy, healthy kids after coming to the centre.

David Ryder On behalf of Disabled Newlife Center

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