Francisca Nkup is a polio survivor from Shandam local government of plateau state. She became a person with disability when she was two years, she is from a family of seven children and the only one with disability. He father died when she was still very young.
In a chat with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke on her education and how she have been coping with her disability
TQM. What is your educational background like?
I was privileged to go to school to a certain level. I did my primary school at Pangtoma LEA primary school, from there, l went to Government Girls Science School Shandam, for my secondary education. After that, l went to College of Agriculture Garkawa, where l had my Diploma in Animals Health and Production.
TQM. Are you thinking of going further than the Diploma you have?
Yes, if I have the money to do so.
TQM. Who sponsored your education up to the diploma level?
My elder brother and the Catholic Church where l worship with.
TQM. With your qualification, where are you working?
I am not working any where, l have applied for employment to several establishment without success. This is one of the major problem we, people with disabilities face in Nigeria, when we are educated, we usually don’t get to be employed, and when we have handwork, we are still not assisted.
TQM. What economic activities are you then engaged in for a living?
I am knitting sweaters for people to buy.
TQM. Do you have a shop where you do your knitting?
No, I am doing it at home, I don’t have money to rent a shop, the income I get from the knitting is very small.
TQM. Are you married?
No, (a disbelieving smile) I am not, who would like to marry a lady with disability?
TQM. Do you have men coming to you with the view of taking advantage your condition?
I have not had that kind of experience.
TQM. Does your disability limits you from doing domestic work?
The domestic work that l cannot do are few, like carrying heavy things around with two hands, but with that apart, l can cook, wash, clean and all other work well.
TQM. Lastly, What would be your personal open call for help to the Society or any one reading your story be?
I have been trained in Animals Health and Production, if only I would have financial assistance, l would like to go into poultry business, or l should be assisted with knitting machine and some money to buy wools for the knitting.
TQM. Thank you for your time, l wish you the best of luck
Thank you.
