EU Launches 30-Month Project to Empower Children with Disabilities in The Gambia

The European Union (EU), in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), on 14 January 2026 officially launched a 30-month disability-inclusive project aimed at empowering children with disabilities in The Gambia through education, technology and play. The project, titled “Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology, and Play,” will be implemented in 12 selected mainstream schools across the Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region and North Bank Region. It seeks to address persistent barriers faced by children with disabilities, including stigma, inaccessible school infrastructure, limited assistive technologies and inadequate teacher training.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, attended by senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and the media, the Chairperson of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), His Worship Muhammed Krubally, described the initiative as “a significant and indelible moment” for persons with disabilities in The Gambia. “Persons with disabilities deserve full inclusion in all sectors of society,” Krubally said, reaffirming GFD’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and participation of persons with disabilities, particularly children.
Rights-Based and Policy-Aligned Intervention Mr. Krubally noted that the project aligns with key national, regional and international frameworks, including the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which The Gambia ratified in 2015. It also supports the implementation of the country’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021. As the national umbrella body representing persons with disabilities, Chairman Krubally said its partnership with CRS is rooted in its constitutional mandate to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to the core principles of non-discrimination, accessibility, equality of opportunity, full participation and respect for the rights of children with disabilities. Despite progress made, His Worship Krubally highlighted persistent challenges, including policy gaps and outdated disability data, noting that The Gambia’s last National Disability Survey was conducted in 1998. He, however, welcomed the commencement of the Persons with Disabilities Act following its gazetting in October 2023 as a critical step toward effective enforcement. Early Gains and Project Focus The project has already recorded promising early results. According to CRS, 60 teachers have been trained in inclusive development practices, while 30 school administrators have been equipped to better support children with disabilities. A nationwide caravan outreach has reached more than 33 communities, leading to the registration of 117 children with disabilities in one community alone.
Key objectives of the project include: Improving early identification of disabilities Strengthening inclusive education systems Promoting community engagement and awareness The initiative will also support the National Rehabilitation Centre, enhance accessible learning environments, integrate assistive technologies, and build institutional capacity at school and community levels. Government Commitment to Inclusive Education
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education for every child, regardless of ability or background. She described inclusive education as both a moral imperative and a foundation for national cohesion and sustainable development. “An inclusive education system is the bedrock of unity and long-term progress. No child must be left behind,” the Minister stated. Dr. Drammeh highlighted existing legal and policy frameworks, including the National Education Policy 2016–2030, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and The Gambia’s obligations under the CRPD. She also outlined progress made in improving disability-friendly school infrastructure, sanitation facilities and specialised learning materials across the country. While acknowledging these gains, the Minister called for stronger partnerships and deeper collaboration to accelerate progress and ensure inclusive education becomes a lived reality for all Gambian children. EU Reaffirms Support
In her closing remarks, the EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, reaffirmed the EU’s continued commitment to disability-inclusive development. “Education, technology and play should not be luxuries. They are essential tools that allow children to communicate, learn, express themselves and participate fully in society,” she said. The Ambassador stressed that children with disabilities should be defined by their potential, not their limitations, adding that EU support aims to remove barriers and promote accessibility, protection and equal opportunities. The event concluded with a collective pledge by the EU, the Government of The Gambia, CRS, GFD and other partners to work together toward a more inclusive and equitable future for children with disabilities.
Photo sources: CRS, GFD WhatsApp Group

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