A disabled African man who was thought to be of little use to his community now runs his own business.
Not many people have a more difficult life than Mandi. He had everything working against him. His parents died when he was young. Then, while living with his uncle’s family, he contracted polio and lost the use of both his legs. Like many children with disabilities in West Africa, he lived a life without dignity, crawling through the dirt with no chance for an education. He was basically considered a lost cause.
Then, when Mandi was in his early twenties, members of our team discovered him. At that time, all they could do was get him a tricycle, yet that was already a huge improvement in his circumstances. With the tricycle, Mandi could get around on his own, go to the market and visit people. But the tricycle didn’t really give him something to do. He wanted to be independent and make his own way, like any- one else would.
Finally, Mandi suggested that he be given the chance to learn to sew. So the Centre helped to set up a sewing apprenticeship with someone near his village. It was not easy at first, but he persevered. Now, Mandi has his own business in his own shop. He is even training another apprentice who is also disabled. When you talk to him, he is obviously very proud of his work. He earns his own living and helps out his family.
Mandi is a recipient of care and support from SIMaid in Burkina Faso. Project 'Help the Handicapped' No. 93279 PDF here