Helen A. Yakubu is a widow with physical disability and a mother of three children, she was not born with disability but she became a person with disability at the age of three years as a result of sickness. She is from Doemak in Qua’an-Pan Local government of Plateau state.
In the interview with our correspondents Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke about how she is taking care of her children’s education and how she manages discrimination.
TQM. What about your educational background?
Ans. I did my primary school at science primary school Kwa, here in Qua’an-Pan, from there l proceeded to Government Secondary school Shandam, in Shandam local government, l was also privileged to be part of WAYE Foundation Vocational training.
TQM: What are doing to provide for yourself?
I am working with the Local government. But before, l gain employment with the local government, l was engaged in petty business.
TQM. Apart from the local government work, what other things are you doing?
I am into farming, cake baking, l equally make table clothes and carpets for sale to support my salary.
TQM. Have you been supported in any way by either the government or individuals to expand your business?
No.
TQM. Was your husband a person with disability?
No.
TQM. Are your children in school?
Yes, the first one is at University of Bauchi, the second one is at College of Agriculture Garkawa, and the youngest child is still in secondary school, he is in SS 2.
TQM. As a widow, Who is paying for your children’s school fees?
I am the one paying for their school fees.
TQM. As a person with disability, have you any record of discrimination?
Yes l have. When I was younger, a man was in love with me, he started coming to my place, when his friends find out, they discouraged him, that there are so many beautiful girls without disabilities, what are you doing with a girl with disability. With that, my then lover, ended the relationship.
TQM. What do you do about things like this?
I normally do nothing, l just mind my business.
TQM. The government is against any discrimination against any body including people with disabilities and have established institutions to help people with disabilities have their rights. Do you know about these Institutions?
Yes.
TQM. Before we go, what personal appeal would you have to present to the government or people?
I need assistance, especially with the payment of my Children’s school fees, and also with some inputs to increase my business.
TQM. Thank you Madam for your time.
Thank you.
