The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, in cooperation with YDTI/PerMaTa South Sulawesi of Indonesia and Felehansen of Colombia, launched a pilot program called the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholar Program in April 2024. The program supports persons affected by leprosy between the ages of 18 and 35 to gain skills for income-generating work while also nurturing their capacity to initiate projects and speak up on behalf of others affected by the disease.
Organizers held interviews in Indonesia and Colombia in June. They looked for young persons affected by leprosy who demonstrate motivation to become knowledgeable advocates and role models for their peers. Seven scholars and one associate were selected to receive personal career guidance, job-specific training, general education about leprosy and leadership, as well as mentoring from senior leaders. Recipients are pursuing training in areas such as nursing, health administration, graphic design, and accounting.
The Initiative plans to expand the program to other countries starting from 2025. In each country, the program will be developed in collaboration with a local organization so that the content and format is appropriate for the participants.
Indonesia
Kasmawati
“I am very impressed and proud because this is a golden opportunity to learn from people who have such great experience.”
Fichrin Hidayat
“I am extraordinarily happy and my hope is that in the future I can become a role model for friends who are affected by leprosy and to become an agent of change in the community.”
Hasan Basri
“Being selected as a SLI Scholar is a very valuable and knowledge-rich experience. Hopefully, I can contribute significantly to the advocacy of leprosy issues. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.”
Yusniati
“I am very grateful to be selected as an associate scholar and proud to meet great people. Hopefully, we can remove the stigma and discrimination in society about leprosy. Thank you.”
Colombia
Diana Patricia Medina Cordoba
“I am committed to supporting associations of persons affected by Hansen’s disease. As a leader, I offer a unique perspective that I can use to help raise awareness, banish stigmas, and provide support to those in situations similar to what I experienced in my childhood.”
Jhon Alexander Bedoya Parra
“I just want to say that this process has given me respect, responsibility, and a lot of hope.”
Maria Angelica Cañas Rodríguez
“For me, it has been a wonderful experience to meet such incredible people. I am full of expectations, and I am eager to get going and take this project to the next level.”
Omar Zuñiga Melendez
“I feel very happy and grateful to be part of this beautiful family. The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative helps people to dream, revive hope, and realize their dreams. May God grant that they continue to bring hope to people who need a helping hand to take the first step.”
