By Sainabou Sambou
A nine-year-old girl named Sira Cham stood tall before a crowd in The Gambia, launching the Sira Burn Foundation—a beacon of hope for burn survivors. At an age when most children are focused on play, Sira’s resolve to support others stems from her own painful journey, transforming her scars into a powerful mission for healing and awareness.
Sira’s story began at two years old when a tragic accident changed her life. Her mother, Awa Cham, tearfully recounted the day Sira, crying, ran to her while she cooked, accidentally knocking over a frying pan of scalding oil. “We rushed her to the clinic, where she stayed for a month,” Awa shared. Unable to afford overseas treatment, Awa sold family land and took loans to fund Sira’s five surgeries in Turkey. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Sira’s spirit remained unbroken. When doctors considered amputating her finger, Sira boldly asked, “If you cut my finger, how will I live in society?” Her resilience inspired those around her.
At the launch, Sira’s voice rang with purpose. “I am a young girl full of dreams, but my life changed after a burn accident,” she said. “Many burn victims face disability or even death. I started this foundation to help them heal and give them hope.” The Sira Burn Foundation aims to provide physiotherapy, emotional support, and burn prevention education. Sira also urged parents to safeguard their children and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
The event drew praise from community leaders. Solomon Atibuni of the Child Protection Alliance lauded Sira’s initiative, noting, “At your age, what you are doing is powerful. You are showing child participation, a key pillar of child rights.”
Mbakot Yaminde Cole, Head Nurse at the Pediatric Surgery Unit of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, called the foundation “a beacon of hope.” She emphasized, “Beyond the scars are emotional wounds that take great strength to heal. This foundation will help children recover with dignity.”
Fatou Dally Bittaye from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “Sira reminds us that true healing comes with empathy and understanding.” Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh added, “At only nine years old, Sira has shown that no one is too young to serve humanity. Her story teaches resilience and the importance of protecting children.”
Dr. Kebba S. Marenah, who treated Sira, underscored the preventability of burn injuries. “Her foundation will raise awareness so fewer children endure such pain,” he said. Sira’s compassion was evident long before the foundation’s launch—she saved her school lunch money to buy medicine for other burn victims, a small act that grew into a bold vision.
Sira’s courage has ignited a movement. The Sira Burn Foundation is a testament to her strength, proving that even the youngest voices can spark transformative change. As Sira continues her journey, her foundation promises to light the way for burn survivors, offering hope, healing, and a brighter future.
