Henry Mashep is a Polio survivor from Ganan Daji village in Barkin-ladi local government of Plateau State. A single man who did not go the school but have the privileged of attending Plateau State Rehabilitation Center for physically challenge persons where he spent three years and learnt how to make shoes.
In this interview with our correspondent, Bulus Izang Bala, he told us how he was not able to establish a shoe making shop because of lack of money.
TQM. After your training, what are you doing now for a living?
I have attached myself to Mr. Solomon Moses shop, a fellow person with disability, where l polish shoes for people.
TQM. You are now shining shoes, why are you not repairing or making new shoes, you said, you learned how to make shoes for three years?
I don’t have money to buy materials for making shoes, and the person that l attached myself with, is also repairing shoes, l cannot be doing what he is doing, he only allowed the shoe shining for me so that, l can be getting some money from it.
TQM. When you finished your training from the Plateau state Rehabilitation Center, were you not given a starter pack, to put what you have learned into practice?
We were told that after our training, we will be given something to start with. But up to now, l have not heard anything from them.
TQM. Have you seek for assistance from other areas?
Yes, l did, but l have not gotten any assistance, the only person that assisted me is Mr. Solomon, who is accommodating in his shop.
TQM. You earlier, said you are from Gannan daji village in Barkin-ladi local government, but your are in Barkin-ladi town, have you rented a room or what is happening?
I am staying with a relation who have a house here.
TQM. What about your parents?
My mother is dead, while my father is still in Ganan Daji.
TQM. Have you had any situation, where people discriminate against you, or abuse your rights, because of your disability?
Yes.
TQM. What do you do to correct such abuse?
I do nothing.
TQM. Can’t You report such abuse to the police station?
I will rather leave matters in Gods hands.
TQM. What would your appeal be to the government or individuals?
My appeal is, l should be assisted with money to open my own shoe shop, so that I can have a better life.
TQM. Thank you Mr. Henry for your time, we wish you the very best in life.
