Acworth Leprosy Hospital Society for Research, Rehabilitation and Education in Leprosy (ALH -RRE Society) is an NGO established by the staff of Acworth Leprosy Hospital in its eightieth anniversary year on 9th June 1970 with the main objective of facilitating rehabilitation of leprosy sufferers in all respects, encouraging research studies and carrying out health education in leprosy.  During its existence of last 52 years, ALH-RRE Society has pioneered many novel projects in the field of leprosy such as active surveys of school children, slum dwellers and industrial workers for early detection, leading to development urban leprosy work as a part of National Leprosy Eradication Program of India. Introduction of Dapsone (DDS)  Tile Test Kit to check the intake  of drug by the patients, Competitive Examination on Leprosy for Medical Students, “Mitra “ Project  for school students and teachers to get  active participation in Health Education activities of  Leprosy are some of the examples of such projects. 

Education has become less accessible in recent times due to heavy competition among students. So, the cost of educating a child has also gone up tremendously. Many children coming from disadvantageous background (impacted by poverty or leprosy) tend to discontinue education at high school level just because their parents are not able to afford the cost, even if they are good in studies. The following three programs commissioned by ALH – RRE Society aim to address key challenges to improve access to education:

Child Sponsorship Program

This project was initiated with key objective to help the leprosy affected children as well as children of the leprosy affected parents to continue their education and bring them in the main stream of the society. This noble project was initiated in 1982 to support such children, when the rehabilitation program of leprosy was generally focused on adult leprosy patients, their vocational training, and employment. Child population was often neglected. Under this program, students were provided assistance in the form of uniform, school fees, books and notebooks. In addition to this in 1987 personality development classes were initiated to maintain contact with students and parents, to check their regularity in treatment and to know about their educational progress. ALH-RRE Society has been running this program for last 40 years.  Till now, 2592 students were provided educational assistance under this program.

Bal Gurukul Project [Student Empowerment]

To develop the academically weak students from rural and tribal areas, this project is commissioned in three districts of the state of Maharashtra, namely Nandurbar (Tribal district), Raigad and Nanded. Students who are weak in studies particularly in Mathematics, Science and English are selected (maximum 30) for special coaching classes. These classes are conducted by expert teachers.  This initiative has helped students in improving understanding of these subjects and achieve better grades in the examinations. Considerable amount of development has been observed among the students due to this program. Currently we are conducting Bal Gurukul Project (Student Empowerment) in 10 schools in collaboration with Indian Development Foundation, Mumbai.

Guidance & Counseling

Guidance and counseling are important for children, and can play a great role in bringing out the best especially the ones with leprosy background. A proper counseling can help students talk openly about their issues.Through counseling, children are given advice on how to manage and deal with emotional conflict and other problems. Counseling of the students plays very important role in their development. Students who are being supported under Child Sponsorship Program are having direct conversation with the staff of ALH RRE Society, who are expert in guiding and counseling the students.  Students having difficulties and issues, have access to the staff to get the mental, social and other required support to continue and complete the education. 

FY 2023 Grant Update!

Through partnership with Yash Foundation, Acrowrth Society received grants in the amount of INR 1, 76, 917.00. The grants helped pay for school / exam fees for 18 students seeking college / higher education. Click here for details!