Kanang Gyang is a blind woman from Barkin-Ladi local government of Plateau state who became blind as a result of glaucoma.
This single lady had little of formal education. She attended School for the Blind Children in Gindiri, Plateau state, before she proceeded to Vocational Training in beads making in Lagos, where she learnt how to make several products like necklace, earrings, flowercase, purses, bags etc using beads.
After completing the training, she came back to Plateau and start putting in practice what she learnt and making a living out of it.
In this interview with Joshua Yenle and Bulus Bala Izang our correspondents in Jos, she discussed her challenges in her chosen vocation.
TQM: You came back to Plateau after your training in Lagos, what are you doing now on the Plateau to earn a living?
I am doing what I know how to do best, that is producing things using beads, even though here in Barkin-ladi, the market for these products is not much, but l still makes a little.
TQM: What do you think is responsible for this low demand for these products?
Price is the problem, especially now that the cost of living is very high and there is little or no money, people are using their money to buy food items.
They consider what l sell as luxury and the few people that want to buy, want it at a very low price even with the high cost of production. Selling below the cost of production will only push me out of the business.
I am considering changing business from beads making to selling food items. What is stopping me now is lack of capital to start the business.
TQM: Have you ever received any financial assistance to expand your business either from the government or other organization?
I have not, but l will like to receive such assistance, especially now that l am considering a new line of business.
TQM: What kind of assistance would you like?
I need capital or materials to expand my business and to engage in a new one.
TQM: Thank you for sharing your story with us, we wish you the best in life.
