The amazing life struggles of Fadumo: A Double Amputee Mother and College Student

By: Farhan Abdi Suleiman (Oday)

It is hard to forget any achievement in one’s life, especially the people who manage to make a difference in their society, and who change and improve the lives of many others. Despite her young age, Fadumo Bihi, a double amputee, has achieved more than many others have done in a life time.

At the age of 6, Fadumo Bihi lost both of her legs to a landmine explosion at her Mandeeq Village in Hargeisa. Fadumo’s parents were thankful to almighty Allah for giving them the will and acceptance of their daughter’s disability but were worried about the worsening health condition of their daughter’s disability and misfortune. They took her in Somaliland Rehabilitation Center -The only place that provides disability services in town. But, unfortunately Fadumo’s case couldn’t be done in the center, therefore doctors advised to send her abroad to a medical facility with more advanced capability.In abroad, Fadumo was fitted with artificial limbs to walk as a normal person. Shortly after Fadumo was invited to participate in an international conference on mine elimination which was held at Switzerland in 1996. In that meeting, Fadumo was a real and living example of mine victims. She was asked what she likes to do by the United Nations; she answered bravely “I want to build a school at the same place where the mine exploded and caused me to lose both of my legs.”

To make that dream come true, the school was built by the United Nations and currently serves the educational needs of the community. Today, more than 1,200 students all of whom are from poor families are the beneficiaries of the Fadumo Bihi primary and intermediate school. The school has 13 teachers in both morning and afternoon shifts with limited office equipment and educational facilities. It has one latrine shared by all students. The school lacks recreational centers and other education enhancing facilities.

While 3 batches of students have so far graduated from upper primary school (grade eight), few of them have been able to join high school; and there is no record that shows any student from Fadumo Bihi’s school that is enrolled in a university.

Fadumo is perhaps one of the few from this area that was able to attend a university. She has received a generous scholarship to study at Lucy University College. She always attended social activities in her school and never lets herself left out from community functions. She is an active member of the Community Education Committees of her school.

Unfortunately, Fadumo lost both of her parents and lives with her aunt who also is a single mother and a head of house hold with eight children. Fadumo and her daughter live in the Mandeeq village in a hut made up of shabby wrappings and plastic sheets. The shack is at present in desperate condition - lacking all necessities for life. With tears in her eyes she mentioned that her aunt was the breadwinner for their family. Now, the children and the whole family have found themselves in a miserable condition with no food, clothes etc.

In spite of the challenges of having physical disability and living conditions, Fadumo manages to live a normal life, and continues to be productive and contribute to her society. She attends Lucy University College and is currently studying under the faculty of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). She has many friends, and is active in the student community. She believes that she will succeed in this field despite her condition.

Even after Fadumo got married and became the mother of one child; she continued to pursue her studies.  In the morning and afternoon she looks after her child, and then starts her 4 kilometers walk to the University.

Put yourself in Fadumo’s position - a mother with a disability and student with meagre financial resources

Dear reader; what goes through your mind when you read this story? I challenge all those who read this piece who are lucky enough to be physically fit and have parents who support them financially to imagine what it feels like to be a double amputee, mother and student.

Fadumo Bihi is an amazingly optimistic individual, who had shinned in many aspects of her life despite her physical limitations. She is role model to ordinary people like us, proving that disability is not inability.

Farhan (oday) is a Social Worker, Researcher and Youth activist in Hargeisa. He holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the University in Hargeisa.