Borno, northeast Nigeria— As part of their commitment to support vulnerable people and victims of armed conflicts and violence, especially in conflict-hit regions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has donated about 36 tailor-made tricycles to persons with special needs in Maiduguri.
The donations were held on 30th June at the ICRC’s Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, where children and adults were supported to enhance their mobility, independence, and social inclusion.
“I am sometimes forced to crawl, especially when going to the hospital,’ Fatima Abdullahi, a beneficiary, stated while recalling her ordeal.
In an interview, Fatima revealed that “Life was almost unbearable without a wheelchair; I couldn’t even visit or go to places I wanted, for lack of mobility.”
“Sometimes even the taxis or commercial tricycles don’t pick us up at the bus stop, a situation that further grows discrimination and stigma, which are traumatising.
“Life has been tough since the inception of Boko Haram activities, which nearly made us hopeless for the crippling economy, insecurity and the loss of loved ones and properties.
“Last year, we were hit by flooding, which forced us to vacate and relocate from our houses, even though we have moved on to cope with the reality.
Today, I feel blessed with the support of the ICRC. I hope to establish a venture now to be self-reliant, since I can go anywhere I am able with this tricycle.
Like Fatima, Modi Mustafa, another beneficiary, discloses that “I now feel special; having a tricycle is more like getting a new leg.” I now feel privileged with little or no barrier because I can no longer be isolated; I have the means to go anywhere I wish to.”
While we struggle to be self-reliant, the gift of this tricycle has opened another door of opportunity, hope and resilience among persons with special needs.
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