Sr. Mercie Lae
Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood
Nigeria
In 2005 I came to Yakoko, Northern Nigeria and I have found this
new cultural experience and language very difficult. Although I am beginning to value this new
way of professional living, I know I still have a lot to learn. I find the
energy and passion for life I experience from the people I live
among is very life giving for me.
My work here is to coordinate services for people with physical and
mental disabilities especially polio victims. It involves
facilitating on-going reconstructive surgery and sourcing appliances
needed. Our services encourage young men and women to avail of basic
literacy and life skills in either tailoring, typing or weaving
leading to self-sufficiency on leaving the service.
We encourage and empower students with ability to source and avail
of secondary and tertiary education in regular Colleges. We network
with Government Departments and local businesses and spend a lot of
time educating the general public regarding issues people with
disabilities face. The Centre celebrated its’ first World Day for
Disabled People on December 5th 2006. A Public Awareness talk on the
Rights of Disabled People was also presented throughout the area. It
was well accepted. This gives us hope for the future of the service.