In Chad, blind man builds business and composes songs
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In Sarh, Chad, Doumta Jacob, a blind man, started a business to support himself and his family instead of relying on assistance.
Born in 1972, Jacob began losing his sight while in school, eventually dropping out when he was 14 because he struggled to read and write. His grandmother gave him 2,000 CFA francs to start a small business, and he began selling cigarettes, then expanded to selling bottles and recharging mobile phones.
Over the years, Jacob used the profits from his businesses to build a room for himself and contribute to his family’s expenses. He developed a method for identifying different denominations of currency, allowing him to manage his sales independently. At age 53, Jacob advises young people not to depend solely on government jobs, suggesting small businesses can provide income. Jacob later learned Braille from a now-deceased teacher, which enabled him to read, write, and continue learning.
He now writes songs under the name Général Litakoï, focusing on social issues like excessive alcohol consumption and environmental protection, though he lacks the funds to record them professionally. He encourages others with disabilities to find their own abilities and pursue activities suited to their circumstances, and advocates for greater access to education and professional opportunities for the visually impaired.
