by RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh — In addition to his job as a computer operator and accountant at a shelter for the sick in Rajshahi, Martin Tudu provides part-time basic computer training for students ages 16 to 18 (grades 11 and 12) at a computer training center in the same city. The 36-year-old from the Santal tribe, who has used a wheelchair since he was 12, credits Snehanir (Home of Compassion) and the Catechist Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Angels with changing his life for the better.
Snehanir is a community where children, some with disabilities or from poor families, live together, help each other, study, and prepare to support themselves. The Catechist Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Angels have run the center since 1992 in this Muslim-majority country, and they currently care for 39 children and youths who are Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist. Snehanir is funded by the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission.
Tudu broke both of his legs playing football at the age of 12. The treatment he received did not heal his legs, and they slowly became paralyzed.
“When I lost my ability to walk, I cried lot,” he said. “It seemed like I could not do anything. But thanks to the care of the nuns, my hope returned. I finished my grade 12 education by staying at Snehanir. They also provided me computer training. Now I am self-supported.”
Tudu, who is Catholic, is now able to give money to his parents, and he married last July at Snehanir.
“I am a happy person in the world,” Tudu said with a smile.
