Panmum Maina is a person with disability from Mangu local government. His parents had nine of them. four females and five males. His father is a driver, while his mother is a farmer.
He was born with physical disability. He attended Mangu Rehabilitation center, Sabon laying, and Government Secondary School, Jakkateh, for his formal education.
He is now learning shoe making, he is in his final year, after spending two years of apprenticeship.
In this interview with our correspondents, he spoke his vocation and how he can establish after his apprenticeship.
TQM. Who sponsored your education?
My father.
TQM. Have you been discriminated because of your disability?
Yes.
TQM. Can you tell us more about the discrimination?
I face discrimination from some members of my family and some relations as well, they do ridiculed and even abuse me, with words like, l cannot provide for my self, and that l cannot go to farm like them.
That is why l decided to learn shoe making, so that in the future, by Gods grace, l would be able to provide for my self.
TQM. Are you doing something beside learning shoe making?
Yes, I keep few local chickens and goats.
TQM. Do people outside your family and relations discriminate against
you?
Yes.
TQM. Government have established Disability Rights Commission, to help protect the rights of persons with disabilities, are you aware of these establishment?
Yes, l am.
TQM. Do think you would engage their assistance when the need for that come up?
It all depend on the magnitude of the issue and who is or are involved. One have to be careful, because issues like this can only complicate matters between you and the people.
TQM. What would you like the government to assist you with?
I would like the government to help me with capital to start my own shoe business, as l am about to finish my training.
I would like also to be help with scholarship, so that l can go back to school.
TQM. Talking about going back to school, What course will you like to read?
I would like to read Journalism.
TQM. Thank you for your time.
