Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with GFD and with funding from the European Union has commenced the implementation of a 30-month disability-inclusive education project.
The project aims at improving access, protection and participation of children with disabilities into mainstream schools in The Gambia.
Dubbed, “Disability Inclusive Pathways,” it officially began on 1 March 2025 and will run until 30 September 2027.
An important activity—a two-day “Parenting Without Violence” training—was held from 15–16 December 2025 at the Ocean Bay Hotel, bringing together leaders of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and affiliated Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the opening session, Ms. Safiatou Touray, CRS Senior Project Officer, said the initiative is being implemented in close partnership with GFD, whose input was critical at the design stage.
“Children with disabilities in The Gambia continue to face stigma, limited access to schools, lack of assistive devices and limited teacher capacity with regards to teaching children with disabilities ,” Mrs. Touray said.
“Girls with disabilities are even more marginalised due to the intersection of gender and disability.”
As part of the project, CRS recently conducted a Gender, Disability and Accessibility Audit in 12 schools, assessing teaching practices and the physical accessibility of classrooms, toilets, doorways and ramps.
“Accessibility is not just about ramps,” facilitators noted. “It also requires assistive devices and supportive systems that enable full participation.”
A key component of the project is the introduction of weekly Tea and Coffee Sessions—safe spaces for parents of children with disabilities to share experiences, manage stress and learn positive parenting practices.
The sessions will use a disability-inclusive manual titled Parenting Without Violence. Based on findings from a 2024 gender analysis conducted by CRS there was evidence of widespread parental stress linked to stigma and communication barriers.
The project will also support parents economically through SILC (Savings and Internal Lending Communities), allowing members to save according to their means and invest in small businesses.
Mr. Sainey Camara, Acting Executive Director of GFD and co-facilitator, said the project will also promote inclusion in schools by engaging drama and environmental clubs, where children with disabilities are often excluded.
He also called for a review of the Special Needs Education Policy, citing persistent challenges faced by visually impaired, deaf and hard-of-hearing learners due to lack of assistive devices. Participants further urged curriculum reforms at The Gambia College, increased media sensitisation on disability rights, and stronger collaboration with national institutions.
The CRS EU funded initiative is expected to significantly advance inclusive education, positive parenting and social protection for children with disabilities across the country.
