What’s New
Restoring dignity
We at Ryder-Cheshire New Zealand believe that relieving suffering by offering rehabilitation services and support is the best investment we can make to build the self-esteem and dignity of those most vulnerable.
There is a global surge in tuberculosis, rising mental illness and an increasing number of people seeking support. And the coronavirus pandemic is making things worse.
We’re working to change this. Ryder-Cheshire New Zealand is a non-profit organisation raising funds to provide support and services from our centres in northern India and Timor-Leste.
In India leprosy made people outcasts. With support and a home, they can live with dignity.
Early detection and treatment can stop this potentially fatal disease.
The growing threat of tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is killing 1.5 million people each year and infecting another 10 million.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress made in the fight to end tuberculosis. TB deaths have increased for the first time in over a decade. Fewer people were diagnosed and treated. New strains of the disease are spreading worldwide and becoming drug resistant.
We’re right there. Timor-Leste has one of the highest mortality rates of tuberculosis. Our centre offers inpatient treatment, a mobile unit reaching villages and accommodation for the multi drug resistant.
In India we’re assisting the Uttarakhand State Government in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of TB.
Supporting disability remotely
In isolated North India families struggle to raise their disabled children. Support is virtually non-existent. Parents are fearful, not knowing how to care for their loved ones with special needs.
We’re setting up resource centres in remote districts to offer much needed help.
Trained staff run clinics. Parents are taught how to care for their child, assist with their development and advocate for them to be accepted by family and friends.
You can become a Partner for Change and be part of a solution to reach hundreds of families in these remote locations and give them the help they need.
Learn about becoming a Partner for Change →
Training parents to teach their children daily living skills. Parents also discuss the issues they face and how to overcome them.
Meet Rozitu
Rozitu lived in a coastal town in Timor-Leste. Because of his physical disabilities and location he didn’t think he would ever be educated.
Staff at our centre visited Rozitu. They found him a school and arranged for the support he needed.
“No one treats me any different here because of my condition. My life is good now.”
Now Rozitu is receiving an education. And he has made friends. They assist him both in the classroom and after school.