Story Laila

My daughter Laila is 35 years old. She has spastic paralysis and since she had a stroke four years ago, she cannot do anything at all.

When my daughter was 5, we found out about the center for children with disabilities in Falsathia. Laila enjoyed going there and she learned a lot. We learned how to help her eat independently and she exceeded our expectations by learning to read, write, talk and walk. My husband has leprosy and when Laila was 15, she started helping me around the house. She even learned to cook. I was so proud of my daughter. My two sons moved abroad and they have not been in touch since.

Antoinette and Niketan really mean everything to me. They are the only ones who look out for us, who are always on our side. When Laila suffered a stroke, Niketan arranged for a good mattress, a wheelchair and therapy. During the COVID pandemic, we even received money and food. My sons didn’t even call me! I’m worried about the future; Laila is getting heavier and I’m getting older. I’m thinking about selling my house and land to go and live at the Afroza Place care farm with my husband and Laila. Then she will have more contact with other people and there will be people I can fall back on. I very much hope that Niketan will continue to support Laila and us, also after I’m gone. – Renu Begum, mother.