By: Cecilia E. L. Mendy
ActionAid International, The Gambia, has engaged students of Niamina Dankunku Senior Secondary School on the rights of persons with disabilities as part of efforts to promote awareness and advocacy in rural communities.
The session focused on the Disability Act 2021 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting national and international protections available to persons with disabilities.
Mustapha Jeng, an advocate for children with disabilities, told students that all learners, regardless of disability, should be allowed to participate fully in school life, including taking up leadership roles such as class prefect or council representative.
Jeng also cautioned students against inserting hard objects like pens into their ears, noting that such actions can cause serious damage and lead to hearing loss. He added that while some still attribute disabilities to supernatural causes, many disabilities result from accidents or are naturally occurring.
He urged students to show respect and support to persons with disabilities, reminding them that policies exist to protect their rights and prohibit discrimination.
Amadou S. Jammeh, a physically disabled teacher, encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the Disability Act 2021. He reminded them that the law imposes penalties on parents who refuse to enroll their children with disabilities in school, including a fine of D50,000 or up to five years imprisonment.
Musa Jallow, head prefect of the school, stressed that the rights of able-bodied individuals are equal to those of persons with disabilities. He condemned bullying and isolation and pledged to raise greater awareness among students and in his wider community.
Meanwhile, Ndey Secka, a sign language teacher and member of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, shared her personal experience, explaining that she became hard of hearing at the age of four after a prolonged illness. She said the Federation must ensure that persons with disabilities are represented in Parliament.
Secka also called for more schools and facilities dedicated to students with disabilities, especially outside the Greater Banjul Area, noting that the lack of such institutions in regions like the Central River Region makes access to quality education extremely difficult.
“Persons with disabilities are smart and capable,” she said, citing examples of visually impaired individuals at the GOVI Resource Centre who produce door mats, bags, and repair wheelchairs.
Speakers collectively urged the public to offer greater support and to recognize that persons with disabilities have the same rights and abilities as any other members of society.
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By: Cecilia E. L. Mendy ActionAid International, The Gambia, has engaged students of Niamina Dankunku Senior Secondary School on…
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