Story

Liberia: Civil War Amputees Sleep, Beg on Streets

September 16, 2007 | Pulitzer Center
By
Andre Lambertson, for the Pulitzer Center, Liberia

Many amputees end up living on the beach begging for change to survive. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

Many amputees fought in the war and are considered social rejects both because of their disability and their past. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

David is one of the amputees who begs for change on Randall Street every Saturday. After David woke up in the hospital and realized his leg was amputated he tried to kill himself three times. Now he says his inspiration is David Jr. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

David completed the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration program after the war, but has been waiting two years to receive his sewing kit so he can begin working as a tailor. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

The government knocked down David's first house because they said it was built on government land. David rebuilt his house in the same location and is now waiting for the Department of Public Works to come knock it down again. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

On Saturdays, a group of 21 amputees beg together. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

The youth pool their money so they can eat together at night. Image by Andre Lambertson. Liberia, 2007.

Many amputees who have fought in the 14-year civil war are considered social rejects because of their disability as well as their involvement with the devastating war. Some amputees join a soccer league and receive much recognition for their talents. Yet, these same soccer stars still live on the streets of Liberia begging for money and food. David Gibson and his friends are amputees who beg together every Saturday and pool their money so they can eat together at night.

Pulitzer Center grantee Andre Lambertson and Ruthie Ackerman travel from the Park Hill community in Staten Island to the slums of Monrovia, Liberia's capital. They examine the process of reintegrating and rehabilitating Liberian youth after the war, on both sides of the ocean.