inspiration ever before Chief Mrs. Orduh met the disabled street boys in Lagos.
She came in contact with them through buying a tricycle they built. It was a big
surprise to her that such young boys were not educated. They have been
denied the opportunity to develop the enormous wealth of talents, intelligence
and humour she found in them. The Organisation's belief is that all people are
created equal and have the right to dignity, respect, self reliance and
independence. Friends of The Disabled was established to help the
disadvantaged in the society, whether disabled, poor or elderly, through self
help empowerment and development that gives self esteem.
through tailoring, shoe making to carving,cane works and poultry. As years role
by,different groups made different choices of trades and that gave rise to the
dropping of wood works and carving in preference to bead making and
computer. We take contracts in metal works as well as building tricycles, skate
boards and crutches for the students and for sale. We also provide quality foot
wear that competes very well in the business world. Money realised helps to
sustain the Centre and also offers positive incentives to producers. All students
are encouraged to attend literacy classes in the evenings. They need to
communicate effectively in English and also compute simple numerals in order to
survive the business sector of skill acquisition. Those on continuing Education
have special period to have their lessons without clashes with Vocational training
periods.
The Centre does not feed the students daily now, but gives out food stuffs as
donors provide. The Centre also provides support and guidance to those in
need.
To reflect these developments, a Volunteer joined us in 1999 as Project Coordinator for two years and trained a counterpart to replace
him. In 2002 another VSO served with us for one year. An Administrative
officer, a disabled manages the Computer Section now and impacts his
knowledge to others who equally becomes computer literate. The disabled
girls have had their place since 2001. They need skill acquisition and education
more than non-disabled girls to take care of themselves now and in future.