Integration of disabled victims of discrimination in Nigeria 

The Daughters of Charity have been working in Nigeria for 50 years, providing health, education, training and social services for the most vulnerable (homeless, destitute, street children, prisoners, home visits, care for the mentally ill).

Living among the poor in the impoverished regions of Akwa Ibom State in the south-east of the country, they opened the Sainte-Louise Community in 1987. The government recognised their school and then approved their vocational training centre for disabled people to facilitate their integration (learning to sew, knit and bake).

"Some disabled graduates have been reintegrated or employed to work in the centre.

In particular, I work with deaf men and women and vulnerable people, especially widows, on a small farm, local poultry farming and crops." Sr Emerechi Alimnu

An agricultural training project that will enable disabled people to produce locally and integrate into society through an income-generating activity.

“In Nigeria, people living with disabilities are often chased from their villages, tortured and subjected to all forms of abuse and neglect.

Constantly confronted with discrimination and stigmatisation, they are excluded from all basic social services such as health and education, and are unable to find employment.

These people end up sinking into depression, isolation, poverty and, eventually, death." Sr Emerechi Alimnu

Recently, the Sainte Louise Community was able to acquire a number of plots of land, which are being used to train these vulnerable people in cultivation techniques and give them the ability to produce their own agricultural produce to meet the needs of their families. 

"The project is currently providing jobs for 20 people. Having seen the success of the first batch of beneficiaries, we would like to continue by extending the proposal to more beneficiaries through the purchase of additional equipment."

Thanks to the " With Mend the living " project, the centre will be able to purchase :

- 2 water tanks with filters to retain rainwater pollution

- a solar-powered water pumping system

The sustainability of this agricultural project will enable people with disabilities to :

- learn by working in an inclusive community 

- improve their self-esteem, social life and dignity, and promote social interaction

- have an activity that enables them to participate in and contribute to the life of their family and society

- buy and sell farm produce at an affordable price

- to change mentalities and negative attitudes towards these people, who are often considered unfit for agricultural work

Beneficiairies

20 people (11 men and 9 women) will benefit from this agricultural training. They will learn how to grow quality produce, rear poultry and then sell the fruits of their labour.

Thank you for your support

With them, thanks to you!