Paul Dauda
Paul Dauda popularly known as PASTOR is a young man with physical disability from Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau state who had disability as result of polio.
He is a shoe and slippers maker and married with three boys.
In this interview with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, he shared us how well his shoe making business has done and the challenges he is facing.
TQM: Did you have the opportunity of having formal education?
No, I did not have that privilege because my parents thought that as a child with disability, l will amount to nothing in life, even at some point in my life, l thought along that path too. As such, l was not sent to school or even to learn any form of vocation.
TQM: what do you do for a living to feed your family?
I make male and female’s palm shoes for sale.
TQM: You said that your parents did not also expose you to any vocation, how then did you learn how to make shoes, and for how long have you been in the business?
When l was growing up, something in me was searching for meaning of life for me, a life without formal education and skill.
I knew, if l am to have a life worth living, l need to equip myself with vocational skill. So l went and met someone that is making palm shoes, l indicated interest in the vocation and he agreed to train me. I spent three years with him learning. After graduation, l opened my own shoe making business.
Today, l can boost of about twenty-four apprentices who under my tutelage as I speak with you, apart from those that have graduated.
From the business, I married, taking care of my family, paying my house rent, paying my children school fees and other things. This is my thirteen years in the business.
Even my parents who thought that l would be useless in life. Today, l am not only useful to myself, but also useful to the society, my parents and numerous young Nigerians who are learning from me.
To God be the glory.
Paul Dauda
With some of his
Apprentices
Paul Dauda
With some of his
Apprentices
TQM: What are some of the challenges you are facing in this business?
The biggest challenge is lack funds to expand, my workshop is very small, so small that when it rains we do not have space in the shop for shelter.
Secondly, with twenty-four apprentices, we use a lot of learning materials. Sadly, l don’t have enough money to buy all the needed materials for the practice.
TQM. Have you ever received any form of financial or material assistance from the government or other organization to expand your business?
No, the only assistance l have ever received is food palliative assistance from Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center.
TQM. How many of your children are in school?
Two of them are in school, one is yet to start.
TQM. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
I thank you people for coming, God bless you.
