By Fatou Krubally
More than 1,600 eyeglasses have been distributed to students and school administrators in 12 schools across three regions under European Union-funded project.
The EU initiative aimed at improving vision and promoting inclusive education in The Gambia reached out to schools in the West Coast Region, North Bank Region and the Kanifing Municipality
The initiative was implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and supported by the European Union, in collaboration with relevant government ministries.
Project organisers said more than 3,500 students and school staff were screened during the exercise to identify those with visual impairments requiring corrective lenses.
Dr. Amulai Touray, Country Manager of Catholic Relief Services in The Gambia, said the intervention was carried out under the EU-funded Disability Inclusive Pathways Project, implemented with support from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
“This collaboration is levelling the playing field for students with special needs and demonstrates the impact of stakeholders working together,” he said.
Touray noted that the benefits of the initiative extend beyond students to caregivers and communities, adding that the programme also supports government efforts to implement the country’s disability legislation and promote inclusive development.
“We are proud to support the government’s Disability Act and promote inclusive development,” he said, adding that there are plans to expand the programme nationwide to reach more vulnerable groups.
Mr. Alagie Bara, Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, described the initiative as critical to the ministry’s mandate.
“Inclusive development is about leaving no one behind,” he said. “Children with visual or other impairments should have the same access to education as their peers. This initiative supports the future development of our country by unlocking the potential of all children.”
Mr. Mohamed Lamin Kinteh, Operations Coordinator at OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, emphasised the importance of early intervention in addressing vision problems among children.
“Refractive errors are one of the leading causes of visual impairment globally. By screening children and providing glasses, we are preventing future complications and enabling them to achieve their full potential,” he said.
Marrie Bah of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education highlighted the complementary role played by Catholic Relief Services in supporting government efforts to strengthen inclusive education.
“Through early childhood and inclusive education directives, CRS supports the identification of children with disabilities at an early stage, providing equal opportunities to access quality education,” she said.