A young Nigerian girl, Hassana, has been fitted with a prosthetic leg to help her live a normal life again. Hassana, who lost her leg due to a traumatic household accident, has been unable to walk for a while.
We were all once children, and as children, being alive without walking around and playing with friends feels like nothing. That was Hassana’s reality until Cardtonic and the Irede Foundation stepped in to change her story.
These two organisations are renowned for making a positive difference. And today? It’s giving Hassana hope.
On That Fateful Day
For many schoolchildren, it was just a regular Monday morning. Unfortunately, for Hassana, it was a day her world took a different turn. But who would have told her?
Hassana’s mother had directed her and her sister to fetch water from a water tank and get ready for school. And before they knew it, the water tank fell on them. Their mother had to jump up from her sick bed upon hearing the children’s screams.
Hassana was later hospitalised and underwent multiple surgeries to save the veins in her leg. But none worked, so amputation became the last resort. Life suddenly changed for her.
Young Hassana now has to deal with pains better imagined than experienced. She could no longer walk, run, or play with her friends.
And then comes the light at the end of the tunnel for her and her family.
The Life Changing Encounter
While at the hospital, Hassana and her family met someone who referred them to the Irede Foundation for assistance.
After the Irede Foundation reviewed Hassana’s case and determined she needed support, Cardtonic joined the effort by providing funding for her prosthetic leg. This collaboration enabled the foundation to proceed with fitting Hassana with a suitable limb prosthesis.
And no, the prosthetic leg wasn’t fitted blindly.
A professional first examined Hassana’s stump to assess any pain or sensation. Measurements were then taken, and a prosthetic socket was custom-made.
After multiple fittings and training sessions, the young 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, “ Hassana said.
A Partnership Driven by Impact
When discussing foundations that help people in need in Nigeria, we can’t avoid mentioning the Irede Foundation, founded by Christa Chibu. The non-governmental organisation’s track record of impact speaks for itself.
Since 2012, the foundation has empowered children (ages 0–18) with limb loss by providing prosthetic limbs and awarding numerous educational scholarships.
On the other hand, Cardtonic has made giant strides in the financial industry, especially with the Cardtonic virtual dollar card. Aside from redefining what fintech should look and feel like, Cardtonic has launched numerous social programs to uplift vulnerable members of society.
At the end of the day, one thing remains clear: both Cardtonic and the Irede Foundation are passionate about making an impact. And maybe that’s why this partnership feels entirely natural.
Cardtonic’s Impacts Beyond Fintech
For many people, Cardtonic is known only as a company that has redefined how Africans interact with and move money across borders. But beyond the financial industry revolution, Cardtonic has continually lent a helping hand to those truly in need.
Through the company’s charity arm, Cardtonic Cares, Cardtonic has distributed food to those who didn’t know where their next meal would come from.
The company also conducts outreach to distribute essentials to local charities and orphanages. A monthly program aimed at making the less privileged in society feel seen, heard, and loved.
As if all of that isn’t enough, the fintech giant founded a football club, Tonic FC, to help spotlight Nigerian local talent to the global audience.
A careful look at Cardtonic’s social intervention programs over the years points to one simple truth: Hassana’s case wouldn’t be the last direct social impact of the fintech brand.
Final Thoughts
A partnership such as this reminds us all what can be achieved if we come together. For Hassana, the Cardtonic and Irede Foundation partnership gave her a chance to live a normal life again. And one can only wonder how many incredible things more partnerships will do.
Most importantly, Cardtonic has demonstrated that tech shouldn’t be about code alone. It should also lend a helping hand to those who need it. And if only other tech companies emulate the fintech giant, our immediate society and the world at large will become much better places, with happier people. Inspiring!
