Others Are Not So Lucky

Abba Musa cannot walk. He couldn’t find a job and did not know how to earn a living. That was seven years ago. Then, CBM’s partner, the welfare department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, offered a shoemaker training course to the young Nigerian, who has a post-polio paralysis of both lower limbs. Today, the 27-year-old can take proud in what he has achieved.

In 2001 he completed his apprenticeship successfully. And he managed to establish his own shoemaker’s workshop, for which he received a loan of 35.000 Naira (231 Euro / 285 US Dollars) and a grant of 5.000 Naira (33 Euro / 40 US Dollars). A relation helped him to buy a metal-container used for shelter, and the local church contributed a piece of land, where he could establish his workshop.

Joblessness is a major problem in Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands supposedly qualified young people roaming the cities seeking jobs. The unemployment rate among the general population is about 28 % (1992). Therefore, the most realistic option for young disabled people is self-employment. The church social workers of CBM’s partner organisation identify young people, who would benefit from the programme. Project staff looks for an appropriate training place and ensures the transfer of basic business skills. In addition, the young entrepreneurs-to-be are provided with the necessary training fees, tools and materials.

The project "Services for people with disabilities" supports about 100 persons a year in its economic empowerment and livelihood unit. 50% of them are physically impaired, others have visual, hearing, intellectual and mental impairments. In 2003, 22 persons received vocational training. The apprentices learn tailoring, knitting or more technically oriented job skills, e.g. how to do electronic repairs and computer operating. When they have achieved vocational skills, they can apply for small loans or grants to build their own micro-businesses.

While Abba Musa was relatively lucky, others face greater difficulties in realizing what is believed a human right: to participate in economic activities. In 2002, another young man, Umaru, then 18 years old and visually impaired due to a genetic condition, stayed 4 weeks with a visually impaired person, who taught him how to make chairs, stools or brooms out of old ropes. But although Umaru put interest and effort into his training, it became obvious, that his fine-motor skills and sense of touch were not developed enough to grasp any of these relatively easy handicrafts. "One aspect that becomes very clear from this example is the importance of early intervention activities and the introduction of pre-vocational skills already in school, to lay a foundation for a possible vocational training later in life", says Paul Caswell, country coordinator for Nigeria and in charge of the project in the capital Abuja.

Therefore, the project in the 1,078,000 people city also has an early intervention component, with activities to provide early support to children with disabilities. Since it is a major aim of CBM to improve the transition from special education to vocational training and employment. About 100 children with intellectual, hearing or visual impairments take part in basic stimulation activities and physiotherapy. Pre-school education and the teaching of mobility and daily living skills lay the foundation to become more independent and self-confident.

What is known from industrialized countries, goes also true for the developing world: the support of the social environment is important for a young disabled person to find a job. The parents’ support and the commitment of the local community and church are crucial to overcome unemployment. In Abuja, CBM’s partner organizes parents meetings and initiates networks among the local service providers and stakeholders, i.e. schools, church, health services and parents. The aim: to raise the awareness of the community and especially employers for the rights of disabled children and young adults to learn a job and earn a living.

Since, employment paves the road to the best possible integration, independence and self-esteem. And it helps young men like Abba Musa and Umaru to lead a largely independent life and take proud in what they achieve.

Further information: Interdisciplinary Programmes