By: Fatou Krubally
Key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the disability community gathered on Tuesday at the Gambia Pastoral Institute for a national dialogue focused on enhancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly children.
The day-long forum was part of the 30-month European Union-funded project titled “Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology, and Play.” The initiative is spearheaded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Organization for Disables and Orphans (NODO), and Special Olympics The Gambia.
Welcoming participants, CRS Project Manager Saidina Alieu Jarjou called the project a “cornerstone” in efforts to build a more inclusive society. “This meeting is not just a platform for discussion. It is a call to action. We must dismantle the institutional and attitudinal barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from achieving their goals,” he said.
The project aims to promote inclusive education and social inclusion for children with disabilities both girls and boys through targeted interventions in education, technology, and play-based learning.
Lamin Manneh, chairman and secretary of NODO, stressed the long-term impact of the initiative. “We want to have a dignified life. This project will create an environment for children yet to be born to benefit,” he said.
Representing the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, Saidy Camara reaffirmed GFD’s commitment, calling the project a vital step in operationalizing the country’s 2021 Persons with Disabilities Act and other international conventions on disability rights.
Aida Badjie, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with PWDs. “All efforts will only be effective if the views of PWDs are heard, valued, and included,” she said. Badjie also emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to ensure equal access to quality education for children with disabilities.
Stakeholders at the forum pledged to work collaboratively to ensure that children with disabilities are not left behind and are given every opportunity to reach their full potential.
The meeting concluded with a call for continuous action, policy commitment, and stronger partnerships to promote disability inclusion across all sectors.
