Emmanuel Longyen is twenty three years single person with physical disability from kwalla in Qua’an pan Local Government of Plateau State. He became a person with disability at the age of five years. He is the only child with disability among the thirteen children of his parents, his father married two wives.
In a chat with our correspondents Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle were in his house at part of our project (Connecting Our Voices To The World) supported by Oxfam Voice, he talked about his education and his struggles as a person with disability.
TQM. Were you privileged to go to school?
Yes, l have started schooling, when l got sick and became a person with disability, l later continued with my education, l did my primary school here in Kwalla, after that l went to Government Secondary School Magama in Qua’an Pan, from there, l joined a Computer Training Center, where l was trained In Computer Application. l completed two years ago.
TQM. Who paid for your education?
My parents.
TQM. What are you now doing with the knowledge you have gained?
I have attached myself to a Computer Business Center, where l do go and offer a voluntary services, hoping for the day when God will bless me with my own Computer business Center.
TQM. What is your story of discrimination as a result of your disability?
At home, l don’t face discrimination, but out in the society, l face a lot of discrimination, girls don’t want anything to do with me, because of the disability. And when things are shared in the community, even when my share is given, some people will collect it and refused to give me.
TQM. What do you do in situations like this?
I just leave everything in the hands of God.
TQM. Are you aware of Institutions that the various governments have put in place to help protect the rights of people with disabilities. Like The Plateau State Disability Rights Commission?
No, this is the first time l am hearing about it.
TQM. Where are you staying and who is feeding you?
I am still staying with my parents and they are feeding as well.
TQM. What appeal of assistance do you have to put across to the government and others persons?
I am begging on people to please come to my aid with Computers and generator, as well as some money to rent a place to open my own computer business center, to put what l have learned into practice, that would give me the chance to be self employed and to live a life like other people are doing. Please, help me to have a brighter life.
TQM. Thank you Mr. Emmanuel, TQM is wishing you the best of luck.
Thank you.
