Underway for the poorest – Aid mission in the leprosy colonies of Jharkhand, India

On the Road for the Poorest – Aid Mission in the Leprosy Colonies of Jharkhand, India

In April 2025, Benno and Tina once again traveled on behalf of FriendCircle WorldHelp e.V. to India—this time to one of the country's most impoverished and overlooked regions: Jharkhand, in the northeast. This state, the center of India’s coal industry, is marked by hard labor, extreme poverty, and a deep sense of abandonment. Particularly affected are people with leprosy and their families, living in isolated colonies on the outskirts of the cities.

Arrival and First Challenges

The journey began with a layover in Delhi. To exchange money at a better rate, Benno briefly left the airport’s transit area—a move that caused some complications on re-entry. Meanwhile, Tina stayed behind guarding their luggage. The effort paid off: the better exchange rate saved around 800 euros—funds that would later go directly into life-changing projects.

After continuing their flight to Ranchi, a five-hour car ride through chaotic Indian traffic brought them to Dhanbad, their base for a week of intense visits to numerous leprosy colonies.

Angarpathra: Urgent Need for Toilets and Roof Repairs

Their first stop was the Prem Jyoti Leprosy Colony in Angarpathra, home to 25 families living near an abandoned coal mine. The houses, built over 30 years ago, have deteriorating roofs made of asbestos sheeting patched with plastic. There are no toilets, forcing even severely ill residents to relieve themselves in nearby bushes. FriendCircle WorldHelp funded the construction of two shared toilets and is currently working on a safe and sustainable roofing solution using steel sheets and natural materials.

Jamadoba, Nirsa, Chadmari: Clean Water, Shelter, Dignity

In nearby Jamadoba Colony, which has 23 houses and 21 children, the problems were similar. Two additional toilets with septic tanks were financed here as well.

In Nirsa Colony, the situation was especially dire. Leaking roofs led to mold, and water was available only once or twice a day—sometimes not at all for several days. A 40-meter water line was installed and a 1000-liter tank set up. Roofs were repaired using steel frames and new sheeting.

In the Mother Teresa Colony in Chadmari, around 120 people live in 32 houses. Each house was inspected individually. A total of 61,000 rupees was distributed directly to families for roof repairs, and 10 large tarpaulins (25 × 25 feet) were provided for emergency coverage.

Phusro: Education as a Way Out

Phusro was particularly emotional. About 170 people live here, including 50 children. Only 15 attend school. Many parents lack the means or motivation to send their kids. FriendCircle WorldHelp hired a local caregiver to accompany children to school daily. Educational supplies were purchased, including 48 school backpacks—bringing visible joy to the children.

A man suffering from leprosy received new wheels for his handcart, his only source of income. An elderly woman who had been hit by a car a month earlier finally received medical treatment paid for by the organization, after being denied help due to lack of funds.

Bokaro: Supporting a Large Community

In the Mansa Singh Gate Colony in Bokaro—home to around 600 people—there are only four hand pumps, one of which was broken. FriendCircle WorldHelp covered the repair. The community hall, used for studying, meetings, and storage, was collapsing. Repairs were funded: new roofing, three walls, a door, two windows, and a new floor, totaling 128,960 INR.

Sindri, Bhojudih, Karkend: Small Acts, Big Impact

In Sindri, tarpaulins were used to patch leaking roofs, and two new toilets were built. The community hall was also repaired. In Bhojudih, a technically skilled resident received tools and a faucet to help repair local plumbing. Plans are underway to lay a 200-meter hose from a railway station to provide safer water than the often contaminated river water currently used.

At the Karkend Colony, no local representatives were present. Still, the children happily received some new balls to play with.

Jharia Region: Three Colonies, Many Needs

In Jharia, three closely located colonies with a total of 320 residents were visited. Roofs were the biggest issue. For 293,000 INR, materials like steel sheets, bamboo poles, and tarpaulins were purchased to replace or reinforce the damaged roofs. A man who had received an electric shock earlier that morning received immediate medical care. A dangerously exposed water pipe was also reinforced with cement and sand.

Closing Days – and Looking Ahead

Back in Phusro, the team checked on the delivery of school supplies. The woman with the broken leg received a walking aid—she beamed with joy and immediately walked to the village square to be among people again.

In the Mother Teresa Kust Colony in Ramgarth, the main issue was a leaking toilet tank. Repairs were completed, much to the delight of residents—especially the children.

Finally, Benno and Tina traveled on in extreme heat (over 40°C) from Ranchi to Guwahati to explore new project opportunities. One striking observation: during ten days in Jharkhand, they hadn’t encountered a single other Western-looking person—proof of how remote and forgotten the region is.

Gratitude, Hope – and a Quiet Farewell

Benno and Tina say farewell with deep gratitude to everyone who supported this mission—through donations, encouragement, or simply following along. Every moment on the ground, every smile, every gesture of care confirms: FriendCircle WorldHelp is making a difference—tangibly, visibly, sustainably.

Thank you for being part of this journey