Eric Gboluma, a 56-year-old physically challenged man, sits quietly in his wheelchair on a cool Wednesday afternoon, contemplating his future.
By Rancy Clarke, Contributing Writer
Once filled with optimism and determination, his academic journey has hit a roadblock. After enrolling at Bong Technical College in 2019, thanks to a scholarship initiative from Representative Josiah Marvin Cole for the disabled community, Gboluma’s dreams of earning a degree in education were cut short—because the college simply wasn’t accessible for someone in his condition.
“I was excited when I got the scholarship, and the staff at the college were very supportive, offering me special preferences because of my disability,” Gboluma recalled. “I was determined to succeed, to show that disability is not inability. I wanted to give back to my community by becoming an educator. But the lack of accessibility forced me to drop out.”
Gboluma, who had been pursuing a BSc in Education, faced significant obstacles after his second semester. Despite his enthusiasm to compete alongside his able-bodied peers, the lack of physical access to the classrooms became a barrier he couldn’t overcome.
“The outside of the building is fine, but the inside tells a different story. The classrooms are upstairs, and I had no choice but to struggle with my wheelchair just to attend classes. The challenge became unbearable,” Gboluma said.
Bong Technical College is housed in a multi-story building, with most classrooms located on the upper floors. While this setup might not pose a problem for most students, it created a severe challenge for Gboluma, who couldn’t easily navigate the facility without proper ramps or accessible entrances.
For many students with physical disabilities, ramps are essential to their ability to access classrooms and other parts of the building.
“I sustained body aches from constantly attempting to navigate the building in my wheelchair,” Gboluma continued. “It became more than just an inconvenience—it turned into a serious health issue. I couldn’t go on, fearing that my education would end up damaging my health further.”
Despite the physical challenges, Gboluma’s determination to succeed had him push through for as long as he could, but ultimately, the lack of accessible infrastructure forced him to withdraw.
Now, he’s looking for help to continue his education at another institution that is more accommodating for people with disabilities.
Gboluma is seeking support from charitable organizations and generous individuals who can assist him in transferring to LICOSESS Teachers College to continue his studies. “I just need a chance to finish my education. I know I can make a difference in my community as a teacher,” he said.
His plight highlights a broader issue faced by many students with disabilities: inaccessible educational facilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) calls for equal treatment of people with disabilities, ensuring that they are not excluded from opportunities such as education, healthcare, employment, and transportation.
For Gboluma, the struggle to access education should not be the reason for his dreams to remain unfulfilled. He hopes that, with the right support, he will be able to overcome these physical barriers and complete his degree, contributing to society as an educator and a role model for others with disabilities.
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