12 years ago, Harka Bahadur*, 44, Rukum, experienced a grave accident. While cutting grass for his livestock, he fell from a tree, fracturing his spine. He was rushed to a hospital in Kathmandu, where he spent two months for his treatment. Already facing financial hardship and with medical bills piling up, Harka Bahadur was forced to borrow money from people in his community to cover the costs. Sadly, despite his time in the hospital, he received no physical rehabilitation services.

A year later, Harka Bahadur learned about the rehabilitation service offered through the INF Surkhet programme. There, he participated in a 3-month physical rehabilitation programme, where he received a wheelchair and training on how to use and care for it. For the first time since his accident, he could move from the bed to the wheelchair and the toilet independently. On top of it, the money troubles made it difficult to manage daily and his children’s education expenses. “It embarrassed me, and I felt I was a burden to my family and wife. Sometimes, I felt so depressed and questioned why I was alive. I felt that it was better to die than to live,” Harka Bahadur recalled.

Desperate for help, he reached out to the local government and relevant organisations for support, but he was not able to find any. He then heard about UMN’s local partner, Nepal People Awakening Forum (NPAF), and requested support for home modification and income generation.

Soon after, UMN’s physiotherapist, as well as NPAF’s staff, visited Harka Bahadur and assessed his home. They found that his kitchen, yard and toilet were not accessible for wheelchair use. Through UMN and NPAF’s support, Harka Bahadur’s living room, kitchen, toilet and yard were modified to make them more accessible. He also received help with income generation. Now, his home is physically accessible, helping him move his wheelchair without any barriers.

Tasks that were previously difficult for Harka Bahadur have now become easier. Earlier, he depended on his family for food and ate whatever they had prepared. Now, using the accessible kitchen, he cooks meals to his taste, not just for himself but for his entire family. He can step out of his room, move around his yard and bask in the sun, something he could only dream of while confined indoors.

Additionally, he received three local goats as part of income generation support. While his wife looks after the goats, Harka Bahadur helps her in the kitchen. Recently, they sold one of their goats for NPR 10,000 (approx. GBP 69), which helped them cover the costs of their children’s secondary education, with some money left to spare.

Today, Harka Bahadur is no longer living in the shadows of despair. He is enjoying life and the sunshine that once felt out of reach.

* Name changed