By Alieu Jallow
A Gambian mother has spoken of the painful discrimination her visually impaired son faced from his own father, as she fought to give him a chance at education and independence.
Fatou Conteh from Kudang in Niamina West told The Fatu Network that her son, Momodou Jallow, lost his sight at a young age and was immediately written off.
“When Momodou lost his sight seven years ago, I never gave up on him. I went everywhere looking for treatment, but when I decided to send him to school, his father told me there was no need and that he wouldn’t buy a uniform for someone who can’t see. I stood my ground because I didn’t want my son to be discriminated against,” she said.
Her determination was rewarded on Friday, 28 November, when Momodou was named a beneficiary of the ActionAid Local Rights Programme 8 Small Ruminant Production Project in Kudang. Funded by the Temperatio Foundation through ActionAid Switzerland, he received a cheque for GMD 75,000 to support his livelihood.
Conteh said the assistance would help her son build confidence and pursue his dreams as a young person living with a disability.
Another beneficiary, Amory Ceesay from Kerr Biran, described the daily struggles faced by persons with disabilities in rural areas, where stigma and begging often overshadow their potential.
“Life has been tough for my family and me as a PWD, but with this support, I’m determined to make the best use of it. By next Tobaski, if you knock on my door, I will put another D75,000 on the table,” Ceesay said.
Deputy governor of the Central River Region, Sainey Mbye, reaffirmed government support under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2021. He pledged to work with the Department of Livestock to ensure regular veterinary follow-ups for the animals purchased by beneficiaries.
“At the governor’s office, we want to see this project succeed and reach more people. We will ask the livestock director and his team to monitor the beneficiaries so the initiative can grow,” he said.
By Alieu Jallow A Gambian mother has spoken of the painful discrimination her visually impaired son faced from his own father, as she fought to give him a chance at education and independence. Fatou Conteh from Kudang in Niamina West told The Fatu Network that her son, Momodou Jallow, lost his sight at a young The Fatu Network
