In February, 2024, DRP Initiative met a young lady named Nnenna who lived in a crowded part of Yaba.
She had a physical disability that made it difficult for her to move around without a wheelchair. For years she stayed indoors because the local schools and nearby shops were built with steps and narrow entrances. She had completed secondary school but could not continue her education or find work. Her family believed there was little she could do beyond helping at home.
During one of our community outreach visits, she approached our team with a quiet request for guidance. After a brief assessment, she was enrolled in our digital skill training. The sessions were adjusted to suit her pace. Within a few weeks she began to handle basic computer tasks, and her confidence grew. She later moved into more advanced computer modules and showed a strong interest in data entry work.
While her training continued, DRP Initiative opened a conversation with a small tech firm that needed part time administrative help. The company had never considered employing a person with a disability. After a series of meetings, the management agreed to offer a trial opportunity for Nnenna, provided she could complete her tasks from home.
Two months later, she had finished her first set of assignments and earned her first income. The company has since confirmed her as a regular staff member. Her parents say she now wakes earlier than everyone in the house. She pays part of her own expenses and contributes to family decisions with a new sense of ease.
For Nnenna, this shift was more than employment. It marked the first time she felt recognized for her abilities. For the company, it challenged long held doubts about inclusive hiring. For the community, it offered a simple reminder that persons with disabilities do not lack potential. They only need fair access and the right support.
This single case strengthened our ongoing work with local employers and helped shape our plan to build a wider employment pipeline for trained participants.
