Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Reaches St. John’s School for the Deaf

By Dawda Baldeh

October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to advocacy, education, and raising awareness about breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide, including women in The Gambia.

To mark the occasion, the Breast Cancer Warrior Organization, in partnership with Njie Charahk World Market, held an outreach at St. John’s School for the Deaf to celebrate the month through an act of generosity. Speaking to Voice Out Digital, Amie Corr, President of the Breast Cancer Warrior Organization, expressed her emotions and pride as she launched her first advocacy campaign.

Miss Corr underscored the need for inclusive advocacy that embraces all segments of society.

“I’ve observed that awareness campaigns typically occur in mainstream schools, while institutions like this one are often overlooked,” she said. “This is the first time such an initiative is being conducted at St. John’s, and it holds great significance. Individuals with disabilities are also at risk of developing breast cancer. The disease does not discriminate based on physical, sensory, or any other limitations. If we can disseminate awareness to everyone, we can mitigate its impact in The Gambia.”

The importance of giving back to society, particularly to vulnerable groups, was also emphasised.

“This donation is simply to assist those in need, and I did it for the sake of Allah,” he said. “I am grateful to God for surrounding me with individuals who motivate me to give back, especially to the underprivileged and children with disabilities. It brings me immense joy to help others.”

Joseph J. Mendy, Principal of St. John’s School for the Deaf, expressed gratitude to the organisers for including his school in the campaign.

“We feel honoured and valued. Frequently, the necessity to support children with disabilities is overlooked. They are marginalised,” he noted. “This visit raises awareness that these students are an integral part of our society, and their challenges are significant, reminding the world that our students should not be confined to the corners of St. John’s alone.”

The donation to the school included 148 pairs of shoes, 336 bottles, and 456 pairs of socks. These essential school supplies are expected to ease the burden on students and families while improving the learning experience for the children.

The initiative by the Breast Cancer Warrior Organization and Njie Charahk World Market highlights the importance of engaging everyone in the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that even children with disabilities are not left behind.

 By Dawda Baldeh October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to advocacy, education, and raising awareness about breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide, including women in The Gambia. To mark the occasion, the Breast Cancer Warrior Organization, in partnership with Njie Charahk World Market, held an outreach at The Fatu Network