By: Alieu Jallow
For Modou Lamin Kujabi, a visually impaired graduate of the University of The Gambia, the dream of securing a decent job remains painfully out of reach. Despite earning a degree in Political Science and serving as the male nominated representative of persons with disabilities in the National Youth Parliament, Modou continues to face discrimination rooted in his impairment.
“I am the fourth child of my mother’s seven children, but in total I have eighteen siblings from my father’s side,” he said, recalling life within a large extended family. “Losing my father at ten years and four months was the biggest challenge for us, especially for the younger ones.”
Modou was not born blind. His condition began in early childhood, and although three foreign doctors once recommended overseas treatment, financial hardship made it impossible. Since then, his mother has been his greatest source of strength, waking early each morning to escort him to the bus station and struggling to provide for him while keeping the family together.
After completing his degree in 2024, Modou’s hopes were simple yet profound. He wanted a job that would allow him to support himself, his family, and especially his mother, whose sacrifices, he says, are “beyond measure.”
“I will forever thank Allah for blessing me with such a mother,” he said.
But life after graduation has tested his resilience in new ways. Despite his qualifications and determination, doors to employment remain closed, often not because of his competence, but because of societal perceptions of disability.
Modou recalls the long and difficult journey through education, studying without textbooks and relying only on a Braille machine and a recorder while his peers had full access to materials. At the university, he faced inaccessible facilities, poorly designed roads, and lecturers who were unsure how to accommodate students with special needs.
“Even getting internship opportunities for persons with disabilities is difficult, much more finding a job,” he explained.
Yet through it all, Modou remains hopeful. His calm voice carries a quiet strength that reflects his faith and his determination to rise above circumstance.
“My life journey as a visually impaired person is full of challenges people have no idea about, but I believe with patience, effort and Allah’s guidance, better days will come,” he said.
For now, Modou continues to advocate for inclusion and opportunities for persons with disabilities, hoping his story inspires change rather than pity. His journey is a reminder that talent knows no barrier, and that what many see as a limitation can instead be a symbol of courage, perseverance and grace.
As The Gambia strives toward inclusive development, stories like Modou’s call for more than sympathy, they demand action. It is time for both public and private institutions to open doors, provide fair opportunities, and ensure that no qualified person is left behind because of a disability.
By: Alieu Jallow For Modou Lamin Kujabi, a visually impaired graduate of the University of The Gambia, the dream of securing a decent job remains painfully out of reach. Despite earning a degree in Political Science and serving as the male nominated representative of persons with disabilities in the National Youth Parliament, Modou continues to The Fatu Network
