A Voice of Disability from Africa, Part 1

Jenifer Simpson, AAPD's Sr. Director, Telecommunications & Technology Policy, recently returned from a trip to Africa in conjunction with work she is doing with the United Nations on the technology accessibility provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Jenifer met many advocates from the African continent during her travels, and several intend to share their stories, in their own words, here on the blog.

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A Voice of Disability from Africa


Guest Column
By Moses Gonsi

I am Moses from Nigeria. Here is my disability story:

I am Moses Gonsi, born on the 3rd of April, 1973. I come from Lewe Town in Gokana, a local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.

Born deformed, I  was put in a basket and abandoned in a place called the Forbidden Forest in my village by my father, who was amongst the people that stood strong in ensuring that an age-long tradition of killing deformed and twin babies was respected.

So I was kept in the forest where ants moved around the basket but the mystery was that they never got inside. I was exposed to the harsh conditions of the weather and other things for several days but remained alive and unhurt until I was picked up by a hunter. He then handed me over to a nurse that took care of me, and later to a chief, who in turn brought me to Port Harcourt Cheshire Home, where I reside till date.

My guardian, his royal majesty, late king (Justice) Ambros E. Allagoa (King of Nembe Kingdom) till his death and his wife left no stone unturned in giving me a formal education. I had my nursery education at Fatima Nursery School, Port Harcourt.  Thereafter, I proceeded to St. John’s State School, later to Baptist High School, all in Port Harcourt, where I obtained my senior school certificate.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get admission into a higher institution yet.

Though disabled I acknowledge the fact that there is ability in disability. I went into a small-scale poultry farming enterprise at the home where I am now residing. I am of the Anglican faithful and totally into Gospel music.  I love singing, planting and growing flowers, traveling and engaging in activities that will improve the problems of humanity.

I have been to London with the opportunity given to me by the late king (Justice) Ambrose E. Allagoa and Leonard Cheshire Foundation International. I strongly believe there are potentials God has embedded in everyone, disabled or not. If given necessary support to unveil my potentials, the heaven will be my limit. Thank you and God bless you.

~Moses Gonsi
Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Comments

[Bill Tipton]

Hello Moses,

I am very happy to get the privilege to meet you virtually.

I agree that God has embedded potentials in everyone. I also think that it is up to us to help that potential come alive within us.

I can tell from your story your on the path towards your potential and goals. This is very inspiring and encouraging to me.

I went completely blind one day from an extremely critical medical condition. I am wondering how the blind are treated in Africa; if you do not mind me asking.

If you or others are interested in how I went blind read Special Thoughts During Holidays:
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/disabilities/2006/12/special_thought.html

I wish you Moses, and everyone else reading this the very best. Moses, keep up the great work!

Bill Tipton