In a poignant expression of struggle and hope, Beatrice N. Wisseh, a 21-year-old social work student at the Mother Patern College of Health Sciences, has written an emotional poem titled “Voices in the Shadows.”
The poem sheds light on the challenges faced by Liberia’s disabled community, specifically the systemic exclusion they experience. It issues a heartfelt call to the government for greater inclusivity and respect.
Beatrice’s poem captures the neglect experienced by disabled individuals, portraying them as “walking paths alone” and “ignored, unheard” in a society that fails to recognize their worth. “Are they not worthy of something more? Of dignity, respect, a life to adore?” she asks, voicing the frustration of a marginalized group whose concerns often go unnoticed in the corridors of power.
Drawing from her own life experiences, Beatrice’s struggles are reflected in her poem. She has faced numerous obstacles, including the loss of her mother, enduring painful surgeries, and being subjected to bullying both at school and within her community. Despite these challenges, her resilience remains evident as she pursues her education with a clear vision: to become a legal advocate and activist for women, children, and people with disabilities.
“My school had no ramp, so people had to lift me to enter classes, which was embarrassing,” Beatrice shared, recalling the daily challenges of attending classes in a wheelchair. “The lack of accessibility in public spaces is a constant reminder of the neglect we face. We are often treated as if we don’t matter, as though our existence is just a name.”
In her poem, she speaks candidly about the marginalization of disabled individuals in Liberia, describing them as “wasteful” or invisible. She directs criticism at the government for its failure to address the needs of people with disabilities, stating, “You were elected to lift us higher, but your apathy smothers the spark of our fire.”
Beatrice’s words serve as a clarion call to the Liberian government: “See them, hear them, give them your all.” She advocates for implementing inclusive policies, the construction of accessible infrastructure, and greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for disabled individuals. She also critiques the government’s efforts, such as the annual food distributions by the National Commission on Disability (NCD), calling them insufficient and lacking long-term impact.
“The government can start by improving public buildings, like the State University, making them accessible to everyone,” Beatrice suggested in an interview with Verity News. “They can provide scholarships and healthcare support for disabled individuals,” emphasizing the need for sustainable programs that ensure people with disabilities can live with dignity.
Beatrice’s advocacy extends beyond public policy; she envisions a future where disabled people are empowered and have the opportunity to thrive. Her long-term goal is to establish a foundation that provides education and empowerment opportunities for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, orphans, and other marginalized youth.
Looking ahead, Beatrice envisions a society where disabled individuals are tolerated and celebrated for their potential. “In five years, I see myself as a graduate of social work and a legal advocate, leading initiatives to create a more inclusive society,” she says, her voice filled with determination. “I want to change the narrative, to make sure that the dreams of disabled individuals are no longer ignored.”
Beatrice’s dream for the future is clear: to see Liberia rise, not just for the strong but for every individual who society’s disregard has silenced. “A nation’s greatness is measured not by its might, but by how it uplifts those kept from the light,” she writes in her poem, urging both the government and society to extend their vision of greatness to include the disabled community.
Her message is empowering, encouraging other disabled individuals to rise above the limitations placed upon them. “Your disability does not define your worth,” she reminds her peers. “With the right mindset, you can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.”
Through her advocacy and poetry, Beatrice is raising her voice and amplifying the voices of all those who have been left in the shadows. Her words resonate as a powerful reminder that progress in Liberia will only be achieved when every citizen, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Her Peom:
Voices in the Shadows
They strive in pain, walking paths alone,
Risking their lives on foundations of stone.
Ignored, unheard, no voices to claim,
As if their existence is merely a name.
Are they not worthy of something more?
Of dignity, respect, a life to adore?
The needful cry out, but in vain they plead,
For in the halls of power, none heed their need.
In blackened politics, they’re cast aside,
Observed as wasteful, their worth denied.
Living in shadows, where no one cares,
Is like being born into motherless despair.
They are not interest rates to count and trade,
But resources of value, whose dues are unpaid.
Yet those we called motivators, now turn away,
Transforming into barriers, day by day.
Is it right to forsake the hopes of the weak,
To silence the voices too broken to speak?
You were elected to lift us higher,
But your apathy smothers the spark of our fire.
Society brands them, with labels so cruel,
Caging their spirits in a shadowy rule.
“Disabled” they say, but their hearts burn bright,
Seeking justice, a chance, their fundamental right.
In Liberia’s land, rich with history’s grace,
Why must the disabled be an invisible race?
Why do we forget they, too, have dreams?
Their voices, their struggles, silenced it seems.
To the government, this is the call:
See them, hear them, give them your all.
Expand your reach, dismantle the shame,
Give them the dignity of a voice and a name.
For they are the people you vowed to defend,
Not enemies, but allies, until the end.
Black and brown may mark our skin,
But its humanity’s spirit that lies within.
Let Liberia rise, not just for the strong,
But for every soul who has waited too long.
A nation’s greatness is measured not by its might,
But by how it uplifts those kept from the light.
