Stories from Sierra Leone: Idrissa's Story

My name is Idrissa, and I work in electrics. I have my own business where I do electrical work, repairing phones and televisions, for example.

I started doing electronic work during the 1990s, which was during the war. It was through Mr Eku Scotland; he was the one who brought me to OTC. He is my boss!

I am of the Temne Tribe, and when I was born, I contracted polio.

OTC is a place for people living with disabilities, but we also want it to be a place for able-bodied people, too. As people living with disabilities, we are fighting discrimination, and so we don’t want to discriminate – we want to include everyone!

There are so many benefits to being part of OTC. The environment is special; it is a disabled friendly place! You really see the beauty of it! We also have water, electricity, and good toilets! It’s really good for everyone.

I’m really happy to be part of OTC because I can impart the knowledge I have learned to my colleagues who, like me, are people living with disabilities.

When I first came to the OTC, Mr Scotland and others taught me to be self-reliant. I am so self-reliant now that I can support my family through my electronics business.

In the future, I want to see all of those who are living with disabilities come and learn at the OTC. I want them to become self-reliant, too. You cannot just depend on begging on the streets. Just because you live with disabilities, you don’t have to live that way. I want these people to come to the OTC and learn something, learn vital skills!

I want others to have a story like mine. I was a young boy when I came to the OTC. Now I have a family of my own who depend on me! I want people to come and learn. We have so many departments, we have electronics, tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and a blacksmith. What is vital is that we have the support of donors so that we can continue doing outreach, so that more people will come and learn. This is the future I envision!

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