MONROVIA — Deddeh Morris, like all other physically challenged children, had a tough upbringing. She had faced poor health and difficulties in obtaining an education. 20 years later, despite her physical appearance, Deddeh is now saving the lives of first-time mothers and newborns. She is now challenging those with disabilities to make the most of their situation.
By Oretha Bundoo Seh, Contributing Writer
“Don’t allow your physical appearance or disability to hold you back, you have so much to contribute to society. Deddeh further “Don’t sit and allow society to do everything for you when you have potential and you have great things to give to society.”
She’s the coordinator of the organization “Help a Mother and Newborn” Initiative (HMNI), a women/youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing reproductive, maternal, and newborn health outcomes and lowering fatalities in Liberia and beyond through long-term, evidence-based interventions.
With a population of 5.303 million people, Deddeh accounts for an estimated 20% of people with disabilities, according to data projects, and she has had a significant impact on many people’s lives.
“I think it’s time that we move on; society is no longer looking for people who pity themselves but rather people who are pushing so that they can be able to push you in front. Deddeh said, “I will encourage you to move on and there will always be people who will come around to push you, but it depends on your determination.”
For Deddeh it feels great working in a non-PWD environment, especially with a team of young people who have shown her nothing but love and familyhood without any kind of discrimination.
“I don’t like people taking me to be special because I am in a wheelchair, I should do certain things while other people do others. She said, “You won’t believe I can go in the field because of Help a mother I started riding a bike because I have to carry things in the field and I have to go meet participants in the field and by myself.”
Ms. Deddeh during one of her routines in the field. Credit: Help a Mother Facebook page
Deddeh is the first of five children born in 1997 to Mr. Morries and Ballah Yamah in Lofa County. She matriculated from the Mission for the Disable, formerly “Our Lady of Fatima” in Lower Johnsonville, where she received her primary education under special care, before enrolling at the University of Liberia in 2018 to major in sociology with a focus on public administration.
Deddeh started her job as a volunteer. She successfully implemented the menstrual hygiene project, which led to her position as an adolescent girls coordinator at the “Help a Mother and Newborn” Initiative.
Deddeh found it difficult at first to maneuver between varied groups of individuals due to her lack of experience managing a large number of people coupled with her physical disability, but she now enjoys it.
“Working with young babies is challenging and learning in the process because things that I didn’t know about how to take care of myself, those basic things that women are supposed to do I didn’t know it but through teaching as you teach others you are also learning in the process. Working with help a mother is rewarding and I am grateful that I am with this team.”
Lela Precious Dolo, the founder of the Help a Mother and Newborn Initiative, speaks highly of Deddeh’s work.
“Despite any obstacles she may face, she approaches her work with enthusiasm and professionalism, always striving to give her best. Dolo said, “Her contributions to our institution and the support she provides to young mothers have been exceptional. Deddeh’s service to our organization and the impact she has on the lives of those we serve are truly commendable.”
Deddeh, according to Dolo, has been a valuable member of the team since 2022, and her passion and commitment to her work have been incomparable.
“Deddeh consistently demonstrates a loving, down-to-earth character and is a fantastic team player. Her positive attitude and willingness to collaborate make her a joy to work with, both for me and her co-workers,” she told this outlet.
