Sarjo's new wheelchair

This is the story of Sarjo Badjie and his new wheelchair. Sarjo is a handicapped boy who has just started upper basic school. His journey from his home to the school is about 2Km along sandy country roads. He had to get several people to push and pull him along with his old chair, as the small front wheels kept getting stuck in the soft sand. After making some enquiries about wheelchairs and his journey to school, Pippa decided that he really needed something rather more suited to the sandy roads. So Pippa visited the Foundation for Disabled People in Banjul and discussed the problem with the Director, Gabriel, who is himself disabled. He showed Pippa a different type of wheelchair, which is made in their workshop and specially designed for the Gambian sand-tracks. The cost of this wheelchair was just under £100, and this was covered by a generous gift from Sarjo's sponsor. Sarjo is delighted with his new wheelchair, which is so much easier to use on his journey to school, though he can still get someone to help him over the really rough patches if needed.

Sarjo at home - his old wheelchair does not work well on the sandy roads to school

 

Mr Opesan Gabriel Kenny
Director of the Foundation for Disabled People

A wheelchair made at the Foundation for Disabled People to cope with sand etc

The new, made-to-measure wheelchair in transit to Sarjo's home

Meeting Sarjo on his way back from school

Sarjo needs some help with steering at first..

Sarjo and his new wheelchair at home with Mum

 

Sarjo and his new wheelchair at home

Everyone is delighted with it, and a cushion has been found to make it more comfortable. A free pump was provided by the Foundation for Disabled People, as Sarjo lives in a country area.