By: Fatou Krubally
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) The Gambia on Monday convened an inception workshop to kickstart preparations for the implementation of its new EU-funded project dubbed Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology, and Play.
The session, held at the Gambia Pastoral Institute in Kanifing, brought together key stakeholders committed to promoting inclusive education and social participation for children with disabilities.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, CRS Project Manager, Saidina Alieu Jarjou, described the workshop as an important milestone towards building a shared understanding of the project’s goals, activities, and expected outcomes. He emphasized that the project seeks to empower children with disabilities by dismantling barriers and fostering inclusion through education, technology, and play.
“This is not just about delivering activities,” Jarjou said. “It is about changing lives, opening new pathways where once there were none, and ensuring that children with disabilities are empowered to participate, learn, and thrive.”
The 30-month project, funded by the European Union, will be implemented in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and the National Organization for Disabled and Orphans (NODO), along with other stakeholders.
Muhammed Krubally, chairperson of GFD, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to working closely with CRS and partners. He highlighted that the project aligns with The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act 2021 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both of which emphasize non-discrimination, accessibility, and full participation of persons with disabilities.
The CRS Country Manager, Dr. Amulai Touray, underscored the importance of a local leadership approach, noting that communities closest to the challenges are best placed to find sustainable solutions. He stressed that the project would complement CRS’s ongoing programs to maximize impact and promote inclusive education.
Speaking on behalf of the EU Delegation, Isatou L. Touray, project officer for Governance and Democratic Transition, expressed the EU’s unwavering support for the rights of persons with disabilities. She said the project reflects the EU’s global priorities of reducing inequalities and promoting the full participation of every child.
The inception workshop sets the foundation for effective collaboration and evidence-based implementation of the Disability Inclusive Pathways project. Stakeholders left the session with a renewed commitment to working together to create a more inclusive Gambia, where children with disabilities can reach their full potential.