In the heart of Sierra Leone, a country scarred by a brutal civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002, there exists a group of resilient individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges yet continue to persevere with unwavering determination. Among them is Lahai Makieu, a 45-year-old amputee whose spirit embodies the resilience and hope of those who have endured profound suffering.
“We fall and we rise.”
These words spoken by Lahai Makieu resonate deeply with his own journey and that of many other amputees in Sierra Leone. The legacy of the civil war lingers on in the form of approximately 28,000 individuals who bear the physical scars of conflict, having lost limbs as a result of brutal violence inflicted by rebels. Despite the war officially ending decades ago, the impact on these survivors endures, with high rates of amputations still prevalent due to various factors including accidents, inadequate medical care, and delayed treatment.
The lack of comprehensive data collection on amputees in Sierra Leone underscores the broader issue of disability rights and inclusivity within the country. While estimates suggest that there are around 500,000 disabled individuals in Sierra Leone, including those who are amputees like Lahai Makieu, societal attitudes often relegate them to the margins. Discrimination and stigmatization persist, relegating many amputees to lives of begging and marginalization.
Amidst this challenging landscape shines a beacon of hope – the Farming on Crutches initiative led by Mambud Samai near Freetown. This transformative program offers not just agricultural training but also a sense of community and empowerment for its participants. Through learning valuable farming skills and gaining independence through entrepreneurship opportunities, amputees like Lahai Makieu find a renewed sense of purpose and dignity.
“Many (amputees) are being rejected by their families and communities. They don’t believe they have love.”
Mambud Samai’s words echo profound truths about the harsh realities faced by many individuals living with disabilities in Sierra Leone. As an advocate for social inclusion and empowerment, Samai’s journey from being a refugee during the civil war to founding Farming on Crutches reflects his deep commitment to supporting marginalized communities.
The intersectionality between disability rights and broader social justice issues comes into sharp focus through stories like Lahai Makieu’s. His transformation from dependency on others post-amputation to becoming an aspiring farmer alongside his wife Zanib showcases not only personal resilience but also the power of community-driven initiatives in effecting positive change.
As Lahai tends to his crops each day with unwavering dedication despite physical limitations, he embodies a spirit that refuses to be defined by circumstances or societal perceptions. The camaraderie fostered among fellow trainees at Farming on Crutches serves as a testament to the transformative potential inherent in collective support systems for vulnerable populations.
“I sustain my life through farming… This training can be a big package for you.”
Lahai’s words carry weight beyond their literal meaning; they encapsulate both his personal journey towards self-sufficiency and his desire to inspire others facing similar struggles. In an environment where systemic barriers often hinder access to resources and opportunities for persons with disabilities, initiatives like Farming on Crutches stand out as beacons of hope amidst adversity.
However, challenges persist for many other amputees like Alimany Kani who highlight ongoing discrimination in employment opportunities despite possessing advanced qualifications. The gap between legislative frameworks aimed at promoting inclusivity – such as Sierra Leone’s Disability Act – and their effective implementation underscores larger systemic issues requiring urgent attention from policymakers.
“The government don’t keep their promises… It’s inhumane.”
Alimany Kani’s poignant statement reflects not just individual grievances but systemic failures that undermine efforts towards building an inclusive society where all citizens can thrive irrespective of abilities or backgrounds. The long-standing calls for reparations outlined by Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission underscore unresolved historical injustices that continue to impact marginalized groups like amputees today.
While international support plays a crucial role in sustaining initiatives like Farming on Crutches through organizations such as Pasture for Life based in Britain., local governmental engagement remains essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability. As debates around resource allocation within sectors like agriculture unfold nationally,
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads where decisions made today will shape tomorrow’s landscape for generations to come – particularly for small-scale farmers like Amara
and Moustapha Jalloh who represent aspirations grounded in resilience amid adversity.
