Nepal’s Hindu culture often views disability as the result of bad karma, leading to stigma and rejection of people with disabilities. In response, Joni and Friends, through the Joni’s House program in Nepal, is changing that narrative by demonstrating that every person with a disability deserves dignity and love.
Families living with disability in Nepal share their personal stories of struggle, resilience, and hope. Despite facing significant challenges, their lives have been transformed through the support of Joni’s House, which provides vocational training, economic support, and compassionate care.
Source: www.joniandfriends.org
SCRIPT:
Kalyani
Some people treat me badly. But I’m not scared. I work with my hands and my feet. What can I say about those times? Well, I could not walk. So my brother used to carry me on his back. When I heard the students reading in school. I wept because they didn’t let me attend school. I have this kind of body. I ask why I did not choose it.
Dhruva – Surya’s Father
Surya has epilepsy as well as hydrocephalus. He suffers from seizures 2 or 3 times a day. Sometimes he’s as good as dead. Sometimes he suffers for hours
Reyya – Surya’s Mother
He can’t speak. Sometimes he sees dad, mom, brother or sister. And that’s all.
Dhruva
What shall we do? We can’t abandon him.
Narration: In the Kailash district of Nepal uneven dirt roads, steep foothills and rising streams make a difficult backdrop for people with disabilities, and often the terrain is the least of their troubles.
Kalyani
The municipality did not provide any opportunity to people like us. There was no education, no money.
Narration: Kalyani was rejected by her family and for years she lived on the streets and had to beg to survive.
Kalyani
I don’t like to talk about this. It hurts me. And I was alone at that time of suffering.
When I asked for one Rupee people used to throw it at me. Some would throw dirt and water at me. People did not help me. If they had given me a room to rent, I could run a business and earn money. I was in much pain and poverty.
Narration: Each person living with disability has a unique story, unique needs. That’s why our Joni’s house team in the Kailash district is breaking ground by seeking out these people. Hearing their stories. Listening to their most pressing needs and meeting them.
Reyya
I hope to see him well. We tried to treat him.
Dhruva
We took him to Delhi. We took him to many witchdoctors. Last year he burned his hand, but he did not cry. He came to me and just said, dad.
Narration: Surya’s injury was so severe that doctors had to amputate his fingers.
Dhruva
As long as there is life, there is hope. And until I die, I will look after him.
Narration: Nepal’s Hindu culture sees disability as the result of bad karma and too often stigmatizes and rejects people with disabilities. So with every visit and every need that gets met, Joni and Friends demonstrates the truth that every person deserves the dignity of complete, specific care. Sometimes this care starts with vocational training.
Kalyani
Now I have my portion of land and this hut. All is well. I will make some money with the chickens. I hope to build a small house someday.
Narration: Joni’s house helped Kalyani start a chicken raising business, providing her the materials for a chicken coop and training. For Surya’s family economic support began with goats and materials for a goat pen to begin a business raising and selling livestock.
Dhruva
Joni’s house has done a lot. They have given us goats. We got so much support. They provided us with the necessary training.
Narration: Barrage, who is deaf, has a field where he grows crops. Since Joni’s house provided him with a telling tractor, not only can he plow his own field, he now earns money plowing other fields in his community.
Theatr recently suffered from a stroke. Joni’s house helped her husband start a grocery business next to their home, so he can pay for her medical expenses. While providing the full time care she needs.
Kalyani
Thanks to Joni’s house I have received much support and I also gained hope.
Dhruva
Thank you for everything.
Reyya
Thank you very much Joni’s house.
Narration: By empowering people with disabilities to support themselves, Joni’s house not only meets pressing economic needs.
We shed light on the truth that every person with a disability deserves dignity and love. And as these individuals and families find inclusion and receive complete, Christ centered care through Johnny and Friends, new ground gets broken. In their hearts, homes and communities.
Story Provided By:
Joni and Friends
Recording Location
Nepal
Organization featured in this Story
Joni and Friends – www.joniandfriends.org
People Interviewed and their Titles
Kalyani
Dhruva – Surya’s Father
Reyya – Surya’s Mother
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