By Foday Moriba Conteh
Dr. Abs Dumbuya, an exceptional Sierra Leonean, has risen above daunting challenges and shattered barriers throughout his remarkable life. Despite growing up at the Freetown Cheshire Home and facing numerous hurdles due to his disability, Dr. Abs refused to be defined by his circumstances and embarked on an extraordinary journey of academic and professional achievements.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Abs pursued his education with unwavering determination, ultimately earning multiple degrees from esteemed international universities in the United Kingdom and obtaining a PhD. His achievement of becoming a chartered engineer showcased his exceptional intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication to his field.
Despite a lucrative career in the UK, Dr. Abs made a life-changing decision that demonstrated his deep compassion for others. He sold his house and relocated to Sierra Leone, feeling compelled to support persons with disabilities (PwDs) living in deplorable conditions. Witnessing the plight of his fellow colleagues from the Cheshire Home, he was moved to take action.
In honor of his late benefactor, he established the Dorothy Springer Trust, a tribute to the support he had received. This trust has since evolved into one of Sierra Leone’s leading organizations, tirelessly addressing the myriad issues faced by PwDs. Through inclusive information and communication technology (ICT) training, an Employment Bureau, and a Child Empowerment Programme, supported by Lilliane Fonds, the trust is transforming the lives of countless individuals.
Dr. Abs’s dedication to disability inclusivity extends beyond Sierra Leone, as he has become a highly respected disability inclusion expert in the sub-region. He lends his expertise to prominent organizations such as the World Bank, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Sightsavers, and Mot MacDonald. His profound knowledge, acquired through academic and experiential learning, has placed him at the forefront of disability inclusion initiatives.
In addition to his life’s work, Dr. Abs finds strength and support within his loving family. He is married to a remarkable woman, Mabel, who wholeheartedly embraces his advocacy efforts, and together they have raised two wonderful sons. This familial bond provides him with the unwavering support needed to conquer the challenges he continually faces.
Dr. Abs’s passion extends beyond his immediate surroundings, as he has selflessly lent his expertise to various political parties and Government agencies. His commitment to developing disability-inclusive programs on a pro bono basis reflects his deep understanding of the power PwDs possess to effect positive change in society. By advocating for their rights, he strives toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
Dr. Abs Dumbuya is not only an exemplar of perseverance and resilience but also of the innate capacity humans possess to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through his exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication, he serves as an inspiration to all those who share his commitment to human rights and disability inclusion.
