By: Fatou Krubally
Efforts to make Gambian schools more inclusive for children with disabilities received a major boost on Saturday, as education officials, school leaders, and disability advocates gathered in Brikama under a 30-month EU-funded project aimed at transforming mainstream education systems.
The initiative titled Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology, and Play is being rolled out by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Organization for Disabled and Orphans (NODO), and Special Olympics in The Gambia.
Saidina Alieu Jarjou, Project Manager at CRS, said the programme is designed to build school-level capacity and ensure equitable access for students of all abilities. “This work is about reshaping school environments to support all learners,” he said.
The forum brought together administrators from selected schools in the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region, and forms part of broader national reforms tied to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’s 2016–2030 policy on inclusive and equitable education.
Representing the ministry, Aida Badjie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disability rights and outlined measures already in place, including assistive devices, teacher training, and infrastructure upgrades. “Policies must ensure all children, regardless of ability, can access the same opportunities, resources, and outcomes,” she stated.
Buba Manneh, Principal Education Officer for Region 2 West, also underscored the need for awareness and practical adjustments in school settings. “Disability can affect anyone. That’s why our schools must be equipped to serve all children equally,” he said.
The project targets 7 schools across the two regions and is expected to influence long-term changes in how inclusive education is delivered nationwide. A similar training will be conducted in the NBR next week, targeting 5 schools.
