Shem Hosea is a person with visual disability from Bassa local government of Plateau state. He lost his sight as a result of measles when he was two years old. Today he is married with six children.
In an interview with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, he spoke about his formal education, family and the discrimination he is facing.
TQM. What about your formal education?
At first my parents and other relations did not want me to go to school, because of fake news that was going round then, that when people with visual disabilities go to school , they are being killed for rituals, this put fears in them, but l insisted. I later went to school for the blind children Gindiri, in Mangu local government. But after three years, l drop out because of lack of finance. Some years later, l went to Vocational Training Center for the Blind, Zawan in Jos South.
TQM. What is Mr. Shem doing to provide for himself and the family?
After my training at the Vocational training center, l got employment with Bassa local government, and l am still working with them.
TQM. Apart from your work with the local government, are you doing anything extra?
Yes, l am into farming, even before the employment, l was Farming. When l was growing up my father taught me how to be a farmer and since then l have been farming. And in addition to that, l do produce chairs and carpets, but due to high cost of materials, l have not produced any for sometimes now.
TQM. What types of crops do you farm?
I farm crops like Maize, sweet potatoes, coco yam and some vegetables.
TQM. In all these, do you get financial assistance from some where?
No.
TQM. Are your children schooling, if yes, who is paying for their education?
Some of the younger ones are still schooling and by the grace of God, l have been paying for their education. The older ones have finished Secondary school, but because l cannot afford the fees of higher Institution, they are still at home, hoping for the time when God will provide us with money.
TQM. You grew up with disability, do people discriminate against you?
Yes, people discriminate against, in fact it was much more, when l was younger than now.
TQM. Can you give us such instances?
When l was younger and in the village, l went to fetch water, because it was dry season and we don’t have much source of water supply, we have to wait for the water to collect, before we take turns to fetch, a woman came also to fetch water, even though l came before her, she insisted on fetching, the water before me, when l refused, she insulted me bitterly, that l used my eyes for rituals.
TQM. How do you response in situations like this ?
I stand and fight for my right or against any discrimination.
TQM. If you fight for your rights. Have you ever involved, institutions that the government have put in place to help in fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities?
.
TQM. Lastly. What do you have as a personal appeal to the government or individuals?
I should be help, by giving my children scholarship so that, they can continue with their education, and l should also be help with fertilizer or some money to continue with my chairs and carpets making.
TQM. Thank you sir for sharing your story with us.
You are welcome.
