Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled and with funding from the European Union, is implementing a 30-month disability-inclusive education project aimed at improving access and participation of children with disabilities in mainstream schools across The Gambia.

The project, titled Disability Inclusive Pathways, began on 1 March 2025 and will run until 30 September 2027.

As part of its activities, a two-day Parenting Without Violence training was held from 15–16 December at the Ocean Bay Hotel, bringing together leaders of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking at the opening, CRS Senior Project Officer Safiatou Touray said children with disabilities continue to face stigma, limited access to education, a lack of assistive devices and insufficient teacher capacity.

She added that girls with disabilities face deeper marginalisation due to the combined effects of gender and disability.

The project has already carried out a Gender, Disability and Accessibility Audit in 12 schools, assessing classroom practices and physical access, including toilets, doorways and ramps.

CRS also plans weekly Tea and Coffee Sessions to provide safe spaces for parents to share experiences, manage stress and learn positive parenting practices using a disability-inclusive Parenting Without Violence manual.

Parents will further benefit from economic empowerment through Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC), enabling members to save and invest in small businesses.

GFD Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara said the project will also promote inclusion through school clubs and called for a review of the Special Needs Education Policy, citing ongoing challenges faced by visually impaired, deaf and hard-of-hearing learners due to limited assistive devices.

Participants also urged curriculum reforms at The Gambia College, stronger media sensitisation on disability rights and closer collaboration with national institutions.

The EU-funded initiative is expected to strengthen inclusive education, positive parenting and social protection for children with disabilities nationwide.

By Madi S. Njie