I can use my [prosthetic] hand to chop onion and do a lot of things. It helps me greatly.”
These films tell the remarkable stories of three upper limb prosthetics users, 12-year-old Kadija, a primary school pupil; Suleiman, a footballer and student; and Santos, a craftsman. Their stories illustrate the incredible power of assistive technology and aspire to raise awareness and address the stigma associated with the use of prosthetics and other assistive tools.
The story of Kadija
"When I wake up in the morning, I wash my face, sweep the compound and I take care of the living room.”
Twelve-year-old Kadija was born with an upper limb difference. Her mum never thought that Kadija would be able to do the things that other children do. But with her prosthetics hand that offers a range of tools, Kadija can play with her friends, help her mother with chores, and more importantly, write and draw as she pursues her dream of becoming a lawyer.
The story of Sulaiman
“After my hand was amputated, I thought I was never going to play football again.”
Sulaiman, a footballer and student, had to have his arm amputated after fracturing it whilst playing in a football match. He worried about how it would impact his marriage and lost all hope of returning to the game he loved so much. But, with assistive technology, he has regained his confidence and can play football again.
The Story of Santos
"I lost my upper limb during the war."
Santos is a famous Sierra Leonean craftsman. His woodwork and carvings are found in offices, hotels, and cultural and tourist sites in the country. He lost an arm during the civil war but managed to carry on working after making his own assistive tool. Now, he also has new prosthetics, which he is trying out to assist him in carving, lifting, and motorbiking.
Produced BBC Media Action in partnership with Koalaa and GDI Hub as part of the AT2030 Programme funded by UKAid’s Assistive Tech Impact Fund and supported by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health.