Despite the challenges he faces being blind, Ibrahim Omar Maalim, 55, sets a strong work ethic for others in the IDP camp where he lives in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district to follow.
“I repair house furniture like beds and sofas for people in the camp and I also make chairs,” Ibrahim said. “I am encouraging sighted people in the camp to go out to work too!”
The father of four was a carpenter in Mogadishu even before he lost his sight more than 10 years ago through illness. He was later forced into displacement. But he taught himself to continue with his trade despite his sight loss and although he has incurred several minor injuries he says he is dedicated to continue his work.
The blind carpenter serves people with disabilities free of charge. Some sighted carpenters help him when it comes to measuring and precision tasks.
He told Radio Ergo that he is happy doing carpentry work as it gives him a steady source of income.
