I was once told that whenever you don’t have the power to change the whole world; but have the powers to change a little community, then you have done much more.
Well, the story began this way…
On a faithful morning in December as about 5:30am when I was coming back from a waybill I made at the park, I sighted a guy on wheelchair heading to the church. I was marveled by such courage for someone on wheelchair to go to church with so much determination.
When I arrived my room, I went back to my bed to continue my sleep, but something struck me to go to the church where the guy was worshipping. So, I quickly dressed up and went to the church. When I spotted him from far, I decided to sit close to him in the church.
After the mass at the church, I introduced myself to him and he told me his name is Gideon and that he was presently serving his country and was rounding of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Programe. For the benefit of my non- Nigerian readers, the NYSC programe is a scheme introduced by the Government of Nigeria. It is a mandatory 1-year service that every Nigerian graduate from a tertiary institution must participate in. Well, Mr. Gideon was a bit reluctant talking to me probably because I was still a stranger to him. At the end of the discussion, I told him that I would like to see him the next day and pleaded for a selfie with him which he accepted.
Here is the pics of my first meeting with him:
On the second day, we met him in the church again, and we had a very long discussion. He told me the challenges he faced before and during his university days. He told me how people on wheelchair were regarded as street beggars and how many people have offered money to him thinking he is a beggar. He told me some challenges he is facing during the NYSC and even how the transport system in Nigeria charge him for his wheelchair space anytime he makes use of public transport. He shared so many stories with me and most of them were touching and heart breaking. At a point in the discussion, I was already emphatic. I told him of my intention of meeting the Bishop of Awka Diocese , Bishop P.C Ezeokafor soonest to discuss about institutionalizing ramps in all the building within his jurisdiction.
Pics of my second meeting with Mr. Gideon:
At last, I met the Bishop on the 17th December, and I interviewed him. The interview was done along side with my boss, @Martin245 who is also a local guide and has interest in accessibility. It was a cover story that ran through three editions. To cut the long story short, the Bishop has given instructions that all the church buildings, schools, chapel etc, will have ramps. Presently, I have observed in some few places the ongoing construction of ramps in Awka Diocesan Buildings. Even my office usually has a ramp to the reception but now it has a ramp to the production department and other places are also accessible
Here are some pictures of the coverage and ongoing construction of ramps
Thanks to the Google Local Guides Programme for exposing me to ideas on how I can make positive change in my community with a ripple effect that impacts the world at large. I will keep doing the little I can to help my community. I love the local guides program and I am proud to be a Local Guide!
The good news is that Mr Gideon is now a local guide. Thank you @LarsGiddens . It was a blessing meeting with you.
Thank you also