Jos, School for the Deaf, Bassa, one of Central Nigeria’s most popular special schools has suffered grave humanitarian crisis since the outbreak of Covid-19.
Before lockdowns started last year March in the country, the school was rated among the most neglected schools in Plateau State. In October 2020, the Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen donated foodstuffs to the school. Perhaps, she was the only one to respond to numerous reports about the humanitarian challenges in the school.
Eight months later, the school is still struggling to feed its over 400 deaf boarding students. “Food is almost a daily challenge for us,” Principal of the School, Mrs. Nanbam Silas said. Again, Minister Pauline was the first to respond.
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The Executive Director, Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre Jos, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan on Monday delivered a range of humanitarian supplies on behalf of the Minister.
Nearly a trailer load of grains, pastas, cooking oil and blankets were donated to the school, a “huge lifesaver”, said Mrs. Nanbam.
This is “more than philanthropy,” said the school’s Head Boy, Mr. Felix Nkup and Head Girl, Miss Jirit Sunday. The donation thrilled all students and pupils of thevschool. But how long would it last, and how soon will another donation come? A more sustainable source of survival would better impact the students.
“Persons with disabilities possess special, enormous and multidimensional abilities, gifts, talents and capabilities that must be supported for them to be useful to themselves and the society,” said Mr. Ayuba Gufwan.