Young African storytellers shine in creative We Can Work competition

General

Hundreds of young Africans with disabilities have showcased their unique storytelling for a first-of-its-kind competition.

The We Can Work Narrative Competition received hundreds of entries, from essays and art to films and photography, from storytellers aged 18-35 in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Dr Rachael Kalinaki (pictured above, far left), a Ugandan doctor and advocate for inclusive healthcare, is the overall winner for her autobiographical essay, “From Can’t to Can: Shattering expectations as a Female Doctor with a Disability”.

Ghanaian filmmaker Essenam Drah was the competition’s first runner-up for her short documentary “Life with the invisible suitcase”, focused on mental health. Ethiopia’s Amanuel Solomon was second runner-up, with an interpretive dance short film highlighting resilience.

Esenam Drah, one of winners of the We Can Work storytelling competition, for her film “Life with the invisible suitcase”.

National winners and runners-up were selected in each country, with all winners gaining access to paid internship and career mentorship opportunities.

Amanuel Solomon, one of the winners of the We Can Work competition, for an interpretive dance short film highlighting resilience. He is wearing a grey t-shirt and smiling. He is holding a crutch pointed towards the camera. — Amanuel Solomon, one of the winners of the We Can Work competition, for an interpretive dance short film highlighting resilience.

We Can Work is a programme to enable young women and men with disabilities to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is led by Light for the World, Mastercard Foundation, the African Disability Forum and Organisations of People with Disabilities.

Bakary Diakite, from Senegal, who is one of the winners of the We Can Work storytelling competition. He received the Judges’ Honorary Award for a photo series called La Princessa. He is wearing a red and white checked shirt and has his arms folded as he looks at the camera. The background is black. Two crutches are visible either side of him.

Bakary Diakite, from Senegal, received the Judges’ Honorary Award for a photo series called La Princessa.

Young people (15 to 29) with disabilities are up to five times more likely to be outside education, employment or training. Yet excluding people with disabilities from work costs countries up to 7% of GDP annually.

Rachael’s story charts her determination to pursue a career in medicine despite facing discrimination, and her advocacy for inclusive healthcare, including securing adjustable maternity beds for pregnant women with disabilities.

“I have managed to achieve what others thought was impossible — becoming a medical doctor,” Rachael says.

“As I look to the future, I envision a world where disability is not a limitation but rather a strength, a world where accessibility is not an afterthought but a fundamental right. We must work towards a future where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive in a workplace.”

See all the winning stories in this digital anthology.

The full list of competition winners is:

Overall Winner: Dr. Racheal Kalinaki – Uganda
1st Runner-Up: Esenam Drah – Ghana
2nd Runner-Up: Amanuel Solomon – Ethiopia
Judges’ Honorary Award: Bakary Diakite – Senegal

In-country winners:
Brian Ndiritu & Elsa Wanderi -Kenya
Patience Atipoka Atuah & Sumailah Aduata – Ghana
Anifat Sadu & Moses Uzuakpindu – Nigeria
Joseph Rugemandzi & Patrick Mfitumkiza – Rwanda
Doreck Ankunda & Isaac Muhumuza – Uganda
Tilahun Dinku – Ethiopia
Antoinette Bassene – Senegal