“Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled”

as  Khang Kijarro Nguyen said.

Mwalimu Linet Emenza Magembe is a GAWD member and being a teacher with

disability has been quite a journey to her. She had a one on one talk with Richard

Oryema who is the program manager of Global Action for Women with Disability

and shared her story.

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Oryema: What inspired you to choose teaching as a profession?

Linet: I accepted to go for it because it was the cheapest course that my parents

could afford but with time I came to love it. I love teaching the young ones and it has

become my passion.

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Oryema: Have you ever been rejected for a job because of being disabled?

Linet: Yes, I have been rejected especially in private schools. They look at me and they are like 'how will she teach in this condition? Will the children even understand? Does she even know what she is doing?'

I can remember one day we went for an interview in a private school. I met all the requirements, passed the interview but was told  the board decided that this would not be a challenge for and I could not manage it. They did not even give me a chance of trying but instead they made the choice for me and decided on my behalf. It was really heart breaking and I felt rejected and stigmatized.

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Oryema: How did you handle the whole issue?

Linet: Life had to continue. I pulled myself together and I said I will try again. God gave me a job in a public school and I am very grateful.

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Oryema: What are some of the challenges that you have faced because of being disabled in your profession.

Linet: The challenges are several and to start with, when I have a physical exercise lesson it becomes difficult because some of those activities I cannot perform. I have to request my other fellow teacher to do the lesson on my behalf. Another challenge is moving from one class to another especially when it is raining. Some classes also have very high door steps and without assistance I cannot get in the class. Sometimes fellow colleagues look down upon me when I am assigned to teach in their classes. They go around saying how their class might not do well and they are assisting me in teaching. I am grateful to my able head teacher Mr. Musyoka. He considered my situation and assigned me to a lower class where I do not have to move from one class to another.

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Oryema: Do you have a role model who inspires you

Linet: My parents, specially my mom. She used to carry me on her back to and from school before I joined a special school. She always told me “Linet I really want you to know how to write your name.” So when I was taken to the special school I was very happy. I worked so hard because I felt like I belonged somewhere. I am grateful to my sister. She has been with me through thick and thin up to now. I remember when I finished college, we used to go with her from office to office to look for a job. When she saw that it was taking long, she opted to take me to short courses like counseling and computer.

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Oryema: Do you have a particular practice or motivation that keeps you going?

Linet: My family, especially my son. I work so hard so that I can give him everything he needs. I do not want him to feel like there is a gap and start questioning and wondering that if my mum was not disabled I could have had everything. He really motivates me and makes me go the extra miles. The children that I teach are also a motivation to me when they do well. Parents do come to appreciate my work when their kids improve and do well in exams. It really motivates me.

 

Being disabled should not limit anyone from chasing their dreams and ambitions. Just like Linet, many disabled people have missed opportunities and chances because of being disabled. People have made choices for them that they CAN NOT do it but just like Linet, YOU CAN DO IT.