Abu Bangura

Rehabilitation Therapist and Project Lead

Abu, a strong yet caring young man joined the team in 2007. His compassion and love for these children is evident in the long standing commitment he shows them. He felt a calling from God to continue with this work, even when given other opportunities to further his education in other interests. Abu has been taught by Enable the Children's UK qualified therapists and despite many hardships in his past and present life, he has learnt broad skills in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Using the title 'Rehabilitation therapist', since there is nowhere to qualify professionally in Sierra Leone, Abu can independently carry out assessments and plan appropriate treatments, as well as design and make specialist equipment such as tilt chairs and standing frames.

Abu is loved by the children and their families, and is an extraordinary asset to the team.

Sarah Withers

Clinical Lead

Sarah, a British Occupational Therapist, joined the team in 2009. Having heard from a friend what was happening with this empowering project in Sierra Leone, she was keen to help develop the team further. Now living in Sierra Leone and knowing more about the local culture and daily life, her skills have been able to integrate our children's achievements into normal activities such as counting, schooling, dressing and function through equipment and adaptions like ramps and doorway widening.

As Clinical Lead, Sarah has expanded Abu's therapy skills as well as supporting him in the day to day leadership of Enable the Children's work in activities such as money management and administration.

Sarah is a patient and kind person who evidently loves God and wants to serve Him as she serves the children of Sierra Leone. Her leading by example will continue to lead Enable the Children to reach out to many children and families, demonstrating Jesus' love in a practical way.

Abdul

Driver

Without Abdul's driving skills, many of our children would not get reached. The other drivers on the roads are terrible with few laws ever being followed. Driving the shortest route can be hazardous. The roads are often potholed, muddy or sandy depending on season, and sometimes impassable. Yet Abdul seems to find a way through. Our sometimes not so trusty LandRover is the teams mode of transport, office, staff room, equipment transporter and meeting place.

Abdul has been steadfast in working with us since 2009 and we are happy to have him on team.

Abu Max

Mechanic and Logistical Advisor

Abu Max has again been with us from the beginning of the project. With many local contacts and much experience, Abu Max has often made the impossible possible. Our old Landrover gets a good beating on the African roads, and Abu Max is regularly called on for help. On his own journey with the Lord, he has served humbly often working weekends or meeting visitors at the airport late at night.

We are grateful for his continued service often volunteering his skills and commitment beyond the call of duty. Another person we could not do without.

Allusan and other local craftsmen

Finding a carpenter who could understand our strange requests for unusual looking furniture took us just over a year. Then we found Allusan. Although sometimes not being the most reliable with his timings, he has great skill in understanding the specific requirements needed for our custom made equipment. He makes tilted chairs for those who have little head or body control, standing frames for those who need to take weight through their legs but don't have the muscles to do so, and special walking devices such as adapted crutches or frames. We also use local tailors and blacksmiths to make leg splints and support straps.