Hi, my name is Nicola. I am 51 years old. Since Sahara came into my life, everything has changed.

I heard about Sahara from two of my friends, both of whom were IDUs from Calcutta, where I am from. They shared how Sahara helped them overcome their struggles and provided support for their families during their stay.

Before Sahara, I struggled to hold a regular job. I felt immense guilt about how I made money and my lifestyle. I was also very afraid of society because I dropped out of school at 9 years old after a traumatic experience. My life was dismal.

I didn’t know how to read or write and was unable to complete my studies due to my family's financial situation. I turned to injecting drugs and engaged in many activities that I am too embarrassed to discuss.

At one point, I gave up hope and didn’t want to continue living. I felt that I could never change, my life could never improve, and I wouldn’t be able to get a decent job due to my lack of education and family support.

Everything began to improve when I connected with Sahara. I was treated with respect and not looked down upon, which surprised me. I received counseling and support not only for myself but also for my infant daughter and my parents, who were living in extreme poverty.

Through Sahara, I learned how to manage living with HIV, HCV, and Hepatitis B. I started treatment and learned how to take care of myself. I also learned how to protect myself and others from infection.

I was admitted to the Sahara KCA care home multiple times for pneumonia, herpes zoster, and in 2021, cervical cancer. The high-quality treatment and support I received helped me survive.

Gradually, I learned how to interact with others, believe in myself, and trust that people were not there to harm me. At Sahara, I was taught basic literacy, how to create simple vouchers and bills, and how to handle money, budget, and save.

I received training and certification in caring for critically ill people. I improved myself through sessions at the Sahara KCA center and learned to communicate confidently with my teammates, patients, and senior staff.

I was trained to identify issues within my community and began representing women who inject drugs at various national and international forums and conferences. Initially, I spoke from behind a curtain, but eventually, I gained confidence and spoke face-to-face. I was interviewed by NDTV and newspapers and represented my community at UNODC ROSA meetings, closed-door meetings, NACO meetings, UNAIDS meetings, and UNIFEM meetings. I also spoke about drug users' issues at Response Beyond Borders in Kathmandu.

I continue to work and serve my community, even in external settings, never feeling scared of my status. My daughter is the first in my family to complete her education and secure a good job.

I have learned to find joy, believe in a loving God, and I am full of hope for the present and the future.