By Christian.conteh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Abass Sesay, a 28-year-old civil war survivor and aspiring lawyer, has made a heartfelt plea to President Julius Maada Bio for a chance to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s future. In an emotional letter, Sesay recounted his struggles as a war amputee and his unwavering determination to overcome life’s challenges, asking for the opportunity to serve and make a difference in the country he loves.
Sesay, who lost his right arm at the tender age of three during Sierra Leone’s brutal 11-year civil war, has not allowed his disability to define his future. Today, he holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is in his final year pursuing a law degree at Fourah Bay College, making him one of the first war survivors with special needs to follow this path.
Reflecting on his journey from a child whose life was shattered by conflict to an influential figure in his community, Sesay wrote: “By far and large, I am one of the most resilient youths of Sierra Leone.” He added that his story serves as a beacon of hope for other war survivors, many of whom look up to him as their “barrister” and believe he will someday represent them in Sierra Leone’s legal system.
Despite his achievements, Sesay expressed concerns about the obstacles he continues to face in securing stable employment. He lamented that, despite his qualifications and volunteer efforts, including a year of service at the Law Reform Commission, he has struggled to find a job due to societal biases and his disability. He highlighted the contrast between his lived experience and the government’s focus on inclusion, stating, “The odds are not in my favour, especially when every effort to secure a job proves disappointing because of who I am.”
Sesay’s appeal to President Bio resonates deeply with the president’s own vision for Sierra Leone. In his letter, he recalled the president’s touching words during a TED Talk, where Bio spoke of his commitment to improving the lives of young Sierra Leoneans, symbolized by his daughter Amina holding his ballot paper during an election. “With my ballot paper in both our hands, I fully understood the one priority for me if I was elected President of the Republic of Sierra Leone: how could I make the life of Amina and millions of other young girls and boys better in our country?” Bio had said.
Inspired by this message of hope and national progress, Sesay remains hopeful that the president will recognize his plea and give him the opportunity to continue his journey of resilience, hard work, and dedication to national service.
“I want to do more. I am fully aware of the potential I have to thrive and to make a meaningful impact if given the opportunity,” Sesay concluded in his letter.
The appeal by Abass Sesay is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential among Sierra Leone’s youth, particularly those who have survived the horrors of war. Sesay’s story is one of perseverance, and his plea highlights the need for continued efforts towards inclusivity and support for individuals with special needs, ensuring they have the same opportunities to contribute to the nation’s development. CC/2/10/2024
