Nigerian girl Hasna has been fitted with a prosthetic leg to help her live a normal life again. Hasna, who lost her leg due to a traumatic home accident, has been unable to walk for some time.
We were all children once, and as children, living without running around and playing with friends doesn’t seem like anything. This was Hasna’s reality until Cardtonic and the Iredi Foundation stepped in to change her story.
These two organizations are known for making a positive difference. And today? It gives good hope.
On that fateful day
For many schoolchildren, it was just an ordinary Monday morning. Unfortunately, for Hosna, it was a day when her world took a different turn. But who was going to tell her?
Hasna’s mother had directed her and her sister to fetch water from the water tank and prepare to go to school. Before they knew it, the water tank fell on them. Their sick mother had to jump out of her bed when she heard the children screaming.
Hasna was later hospitalized and underwent multiple surgeries to save the veins in her leg. But none of them worked, so amputation became a last resort. Life suddenly changed for her.
Young Hasna now has to deal with pain that can be better imagined than experienced. She is no longer able to walk, run, or play with her friends.
Then the light comes at the end of the tunnel for her and her family.
A life changing encounter
While in the hospital, Hasna and her family met someone who referred them to the hospital Iredi Foundation For help.
After the Iredi Foundation reviewed Hassan’s case and decided she needed support, Cardtonic joined the effort by providing funding for her prosthetic leg. This cooperation has enabled the Foundation to move forward in providing Hasna with suitable prosthetic limbs.
And no, the prosthetic leg was not fitted blindly.
A specialist first examined Hasna’s torso to assess any pain or sensation. Measurements were then taken and a custom-made industrial socket was manufactured.
After several fittings and training sessions, the girl began to walk independently and confidently.
In her words, “I tried to play, but I couldn’t. I tried to run, but I couldn’t. But now… I can do everything,” Hasna said.
Impact-led partnership
When discussing organizations that help those in need in Nigeria, we cannot avoid mentioning the Irede Foundation, founded by Christa Tshepo. The NGO’s track record of impact speaks for itself.
Since 2012, the Foundation has been empowering children (ages 0-18) with limb loss by providing prosthetic limbs and awarding several educational scholarships.
On the other hand, Cardtonic has made giant strides in the financial industry, especially with CardTonic Virtual Dollar Card. Aside from redefining what fintech should look and feel like, Cardtonic has launched several social programs to support vulnerable members of society.
Ultimately, one thing remains clear: both Cardtonic and the Irede Foundation are passionate about making an impact. And maybe that’s why this partnership seems so natural.
Cardtonic’s impacts extend beyond fintech
For many people, Cardtonic is known as a company that redefined how Africans interact with and move money across borders. But far from revolutionizing the financial industry, Cardtonic has continued to extend a helping hand to those truly in need.
Through the company’s charitable arm, Cardtonic careCardtonic distributed food to those who didn’t know where their next meal would come from.
The company also does outreach to distribute essentials to local charities and orphanages. A monthly program aimed at making the less fortunate in society feel seen, heard and loved.
As if all this isn’t enough, the fintech giant has founded a football club, Tonic FC, to help highlight local Nigerian talent to a global audience.
A careful look at the social intervention programs Cardtonic has offered over the years points to one simple fact: Goodwill will not be the fintech brand’s last direct social impact.
Final thoughts
A partnership like this reminds us all of what can be achieved if we come together. For Hasna, the partnership between the Cardtonic Foundation and Irede gave her the opportunity to live a normal life again. One can only wonder how many wonderful things more partnerships would achieve.
Most importantly, Cardtonic proves that technology doesn’t have to be about programming alone. It should also extend a helping hand to those who need it. If other tech companies emulate the fintech giant, our immediate society and the world as a whole will become much better places, with happier people. Inspiring!
