Changes

As in many other places in the world, leprosy is a feared disease. Also in Madagascar, people suffering from leprosy are often forced to leave their village community. But also after successful treatment, very often former lepers are not welcome back in their village. In 1988, Marie-Hélène KAM HYO Zschocke founded the non-governmental organisation [http://www.calamada.org CALA] to help former leprosy patients to socially and professionally reintegrate. Today there are over 100 people living in Belfort village, half of which are children. Belfort village is named in memory of a deceased patient. On the grounds of the village is a school with a canteen and various workshops were villagers can learn profitable activities such as basket weaving baskets, mats and hats, making jewellery from nuts and mat weavingseeds, farming or jewellery makingworking in the nearby Macolline planting nursery. CALA does not only support the villagers financially or technically, CALA also donates drugs, food and clothes when needed.