Rising Star Outreach (RSO), founded in 2002 by Becky Douglas, is an American charity with a mission to help Leprosy colonies in India become thriving, self-sufficient communities. In India, there are over 700 leprosy colonies, and an estimated 100 million leprosy-affected people worldwide are victims of social, educational, vocational and other types of discrimination.

RSO has funded about 1,000 micro-loans (typically $20-$100) to leprosy-affected recipients. A permanent school and children’s village is being built in phases, with full completion expected by 2010.  The completed school will ultimately enroll 800, and 300 boys and girls will be housed in two boarding hostels. Another 150 children are currently given educational support in the colonies.

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is curable. If caught early enough, Leprosy can be stopped before it ravages a body. Children in RSO care seldom show signs of the disease, which is not highly contagious. But it is very difficult for the residents of the leprosy colonies to break the social stigmas and escape the often horrible conditions of the leprosy colonies.

The government of India is also undertaking many programs to support the leprosy-affected, and has officially recognized the work of Rising Star Outreach.

RSO’s work focuses on 3 basic initiatives:

1) Instilling pride in their heritage, and teaching and training the Indian children to become productive members of society.

2) Providing micro-loans for small businesses, and funding for structural improvements that encourage independence.
Padma Venkataraman, the daughter of India’s former president, who already was working on micro-finance projects in Leprosy colonies, has partnered with RSO in providing loans to those afflicted with Leprosy. More than 3,000 loans to over 1,000 residents have been made since the program began. For the leprosy colonies, projects are undertaken for clean water, sanitation, wells, construction and other improvements.

3) Providing medical care.
A RSO Mobile Medical Unit travels to the colonies and provides screening, medicines, wound and ulcer care, and treatment for other ailments such as TB, typhoid fever and diabetes. A second mobile medical unit is being added and a permanent clinic is also being built.

Supporters of Rising Star Outreach can sponsor a child for $30/month, send one time donations, or volunteer. Information on all their activities can be found on their website.