The decision by pupils from three lower basic schools to use drama as a tool to promote disability inclusion is a powerful reminder that changing attitudes often begins with education. The performances staged in Bakau under the Disability Inclusive Pathways Project demonstrate that children are not only recipients of knowledge but also important agents of social transformation.
For many years, persons with disabilities have faced stigma, discrimination and barriers that limit their participation in education and community life. While policies and programmes are important, lasting change requires a shift in public attitudes. The involvement of young learners in promoting inclusion is therefore a significant step towards building a more accepting society.
The drama competition went beyond entertainment. It created a space where children could learn about respect, equality and the importance of recognising the abilities of every individual. By encouraging pupils to tell stories about disability, the initiative helped challenge misconceptions that have long contributed to the exclusion of persons with disabilities.
The efforts of organisations such as Catholic Relief Services, Special Olympics The Gambia, the Gambia Federation of the Disabled and the National Organisation for Disabled and Orphans deserve recognition. Their partnership, supported by the European Union, reflects the importance of collaboration in addressing social challenges and ensuring that no one is left behind.
However, inclusion cannot be achieved through projects alone. It must become a shared national responsibility involving families, schools, communities and institutions. Schools, in particular, have a crucial role in creating environments where children with disabilities learn alongside their peers and are encouraged to participate fully.
The message from the project leaders is clear: society must focus on abilities rather than disabilities. This principle should guide national efforts in education, employment, healthcare and public life.
The young performers in Bakau have shown that inclusion is not merely a policy goal—it is a value that can be nurtured from childhood. Their voices remind us that a truly inclusive Gambia begins with respect, understanding and equal opportunities for all.
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