Pema's journey
Disability inclusion
Pema*, a single woman in her early sixties, lives with her parents in Palungtar, Chyangli-8.
She migrated from Dhading District during her adulthood, and her parents became Christian after relocating to Chyangli. Pema converted to Christianity when she was in her early thirties, however, due to a disability that impacted her ability to walk, Pema has never been able to attend church.
INF Nepal began their work in Palungtar, Gorkha by forming a Self Help Group and providing training, workshops, and orientation on disability. They also initiated a Bible study course called “Church Bar-None,” which focuses on disability.Through continuous education on disability, the Self Help Group members and the church community started showing more compassion towards people with disabilities and began actively helping them.
The church began realising the importance of every member’s presence during worship services and started considering Pema as a valued member. They investigated ways they could help Pema attend church, arranging a motorbike rider to help Pema get to and from Saturday services.
Taking personal responsibility for Pema's transport, the Self Help Group and church pay NPR 200 and 300 to the bike rider for this responsibility.
“Pema didi [sister] gets ready by 8:30am and waits for me to arrive”, the bike rider said. “She becomes sad if I don’t show up there before 9:15 am.”
Pema expressed her happiness to be part of the church service after 60 years of being unable to attend. She is delighted to fellowship with others and says she has been blessed to be part of the church community.
“I am so happy that my church has changed and started valuing even people with disabilities,” she says.
“I'm sure there are many more like me who would appreciate this opportunity to take part.”
Story by INF Nepal Communications Officer, Anil Rai. Pema's name has been changed to protect her identity.
Please pray...
There are many people with disability throughout the communities in which INF Nepal and other partners work. Traditionally there have been strong links between illness and wrongdoing, and so the stigma of disability is difficult to overcome. Our partners also have to work creatively to find practical solutions to the problems their members face in terms of transport and access.
Please pray that communities will continue to learn and include those who have often been excluded, and that the resources will be found to enable people with disability to take part in all aspects of community life.