In a compassionate effort to improve the life of Atonimarawa Taboia, the Human Dignity Group (HDG) has recently completed the construction of a ramp at his home.
Mr Atonimarawa, originally from Rabi, suffered a life-altering spinal injury at the age of 17 while working aboard a fishing vessel.
“I lost my ability to walk just before Covid,” Mr Atonimarawa recalls.
“It all started when I was working on a fishing vessel. I remember I was walking, and it was raining heavily. I went outside to rear in fish and then I fell on the ship.”
Following the fall, he initially experienced no pain, but within days, discomfort set in, eventually progressing to numbness and paralysis in his legs.
“I could only feel some burning feeling,” he said.
“Afterward, I really could not feel anything, and I was totally numb.”
Mr Atonimarawa’s journey through medical facilities including Valelevu Health Centre, Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), and Twomey Hospital in Tamavua has been marked by challenges and extended periods of care.
Despite his hardships, he has focused on learning new skills such as cooking and cleaning, supporting his mother within their home.
“Being inside the house, it is very boring.
“I can’t even move outside because of my condition.”
Since January this year, he had not been outside his home until the completion of the ramp by HDG, marking a significant moment of mobility and freedom after months of confinement.
The ramp constructed by HDG now allows Mr Atonimarawa to move in and out of his home more easily, offering him greater independence and access to the outdoors.
HDG director Dr Patricia Kailola reaffirmed the HDG’s commitment to support individuals such as Mr Atonimarawa, aiming to improve their quality of life and restore dignity through practical initiatives such as accessibility ramps.
“We found out about Atonimarawa when we were conducting a survey with the fisherman.
“And someone who used to work with him told us about Mr Atonimarawa and we thought, ‘why don’t we see what’s going on here and try and see if we can help in any way.”
Dr Kailola said this assistance of building a ramp was the first of its kind for HDG and his ramp not only enhances physical mobility but also promotes inclusion and a sense of belonging within the community.
Mr Atonimarawa parents, Tenna Bitanarra (mom) and Teborauea Taboia expressed their heartfelt appreciation to HDG was extending their generosity into their home and helping their son.
His dad, Mr Taboia says he misses fishing with his son and doing the things they would normally do, but now he has given that all up. He remains optimistic about his son’s recovery and hopes to fish with him again.
“When I’m out in the sea, it’s like I feel there’s no one to comfort and help me for three years,” he says.
“I have got six children, but Atonimarawa was usually the one helping me out at sea.
“I don’t want my son to stay inside, because, he is not used to it.
“When he was born, he was totally fit and very very playful, so to see him not walking, its hard for me.”
His mother expressed similar sentiments saying the ramp will help her son explore a bit more and to see him outside brings a sense of warmth.
“I am so grateful to HDG for helping us and my son by building this ramp because I understand my son hasn’t been outside for a long time and this ramp really will make a difference,” said Ms Bitanara.
“I also thank God for being with us all this time, it’s been really hard for us, Atonimarawa and his dad were the only two working to earn money.
“Ever since he couldn’t walk, he has been at home and dad has been our breadwinner, it’s been hard but I am grateful, to God and we pray everyday for Antoni to get better.”
The HDG also bought Mr Atonimarawa a laptop in hopes, he is able to utilise the virtual landscape to find a new purpose and even make a living.
