Linda James Rin is a blind lady from Jos south local government area of Plateau state. She was born with eye problem, though she could see, but not well.
In an attempt to better her sight, she was taken to hospital by her parents where she had surgery, unfortunately this lead to her total blindness, then she was in primary school.
In a chat with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle when they embarked on a tour to Jos South as part of our “Connect Our Voices to The World” project, she spoke about her education and other challenges.
TQM. Were you able to continue with your education?
Ans. Not immediately, after I became blind, I stayed at home for about ten years. I was then taken to School for the Blind Children Gindiri in Mangu local government area. Where I only spent one year, I had to stop schooling because my father got retired and there was no money to be spending on my education. I stayed at home for sometimes, before I got admission into Government Vocation Training Center for the Blind zawang.
TQM. What are some of the things you learnt at the vocational school?
Ans. I learnt things like soap making, carpet, foot mat, weaving cane chairs and baskets.
TQM. What work are you now doing?
Ans. I am not working, although I keep some few local chickens which from time to time, I do sell some of them to take care of my needs.
TQM. What about the vocational training you received, why are you not putting it into practice?
Ans. I lack the finance to engage myself in these vocations, most especially now that, cost of materials are very high.
TQM. Have you not sought for assistance for anywhere to start this business?
Ans. I have, but did not get. The economic situation is hard now on people, that such assistance is difficult to come by.
TQM. As a lady, have you been experiencing stigmatization, discrimination or abuse of your person because of your disability, if yes, in what ways?
Ans. I have not experienced that. But I wish my parents have had the money to send me to school.
TQM. Which school would you want to be enrolled?
Ans. Any school that will accommodate me, I know I am about thirty years old, but I am ready to start from primary school, if that would give me the desired education and knowledge, I will go along with it.
TQM. What personal call do you have to make to the government and people who are reading your story?
Ans. The government and my brothers and sisters out there should please, help me with money to start carpet, weaving of chairs and basket business. I also need assistance to back to school.
TQM. How much money would you want to start this chairs and basket business?
Ans. I would want about fifty thousand Naira (N 50,000.00.) but I will welcome any amount to start.
TQM. Thank you for your time.
TQM, is wishing you the very best of luck.
Ans. Thank you so much.
