By Fatou Krubally
Students from four schools showcased creativity and teamwork at the final of the Disability-Inclusive Pathways Project’s inter-school drama competition, held Saturday at Masroor Senior Secondary School.
The competition, part of a 30-month initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by CRS in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Organization for Disabled and Orphans (NODO), and Special Olympics The Gambia, initially involved 12 schools from Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region, and North Bank Region. Killy LBS, Kassa Kunda LBS, Immaculate LBS, and Mbapu LBS reached the final round.
Immaculate LBS emerged as the overall winner, impressing judges with a performance combining creativity, strong messaging, and teamwork.
Project Manager Saidina Alieu Jarjou said the competition aimed to promote disability inclusion and awareness in schools and encourage joint participation of children with and without disabilities.
“The competition fosters inclusiveness and provides a platform for students to develop leadership skills and advocate for social change,” Jarjou said.
Performances highlighted challenges faced by children with disabilities and proposed solutions for greater participation in school and community life. Teachers, parents, project staff, and local community members attended the event.
The Disability-Inclusive Pathways Project seeks to empower children with disabilities through education, technology, and play, ensuring equal participation of girls and boys across the country.
At the closing ceremony, all finalist schools received awards. Immaculate LBS won first place, while Killy LBS, Kassa Kunda LBS, and Mbapu LBS placed second, third, and fourth, respectively. Organizers commended each school for creativity, teamwork, and commitment to promoting inclusion.