Fernando’s whole life has been a story of resilience. 

When he was just a boy, he fell out of a palm tree and injured his leg. This sadly resulted in his leg being amputated. 

In low-income countries like The Gambia, prosthetic care and legs are prohibitively expensive, which often means amputation leads to a life of exclusion and hardship. 

Mobility matters in The Gambia. People with limb differences are often overlooked, not only by their communities but sometimes within their own families. Instead of being supported to reach their potential, many are denied the opportunity.

Fernando’s journey

Despite the stigma, Fernando’s father looked beyond Fernando’s condition and sent him to school. 

He also received a prosthetic leg, which offered Fernando a way to move on his own.  Today he is a teacher of English, sometimes teaching up to 67 children at once! But Fernando still admits it’s a challenge for him: “Moving around the classroom is sometimes a problem.”

The importance of mobility

“(The bicycle) is part of my mobility. If I say I don’t enjoy it, I may not be honest.”

With Fernando’s primary school 3.5 km away, his father wanted him to learn to ride a bike. 

Just getting to school is something a lot of us take for granted, but remains a big challenge for those with lower limb loss. 

Fernando’s bike is more than a commute. It’s giving him the freedom to learn, work and live an independent life.

Stigma

“When you are affected, society will not see you as a valuable asset. Yes, they may see you are not useful anymore. But they park them aside.”

Fernando continues: “A person who is physically challenged depends on the parents.”

Fernando was given that chance by his parents. Their belief and support allowed him to move forward, and today he is an inspirational role model for other people with limb differences.

“So I thank my father and my mum.”

Why your support matters

👉 Support STAND’s today, so more amputees like Fernando can build their future.