By Aminata Kuyateh
A nationwide effort to tackle vision challenges in schools has resulted in the distribution of more than 1,600 eyeglasses to students and school administrators across the country.
The initiative, led by Catholic Relief Services in collaboration with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and key government ministries, was carried out under funding from the European Union. The screening exercise culminated at Bakau Newtown School in Bakau.
According to organisers, over 3,500 students and school administrators were screened across 12 schools in the West Coast Region, North Bank Regio, and Kanifing Municipality, with more than 1,600 receiving corrective glasses.
Dr Amulai Touray, Country Manager of CRS, said the intervention is part of the EU-funded Disability Inclusive Pathways Project, which aims to improve access to education for children with special needs.
“We have screened more than 3,600 children and distributed over 1,600 glasses. This is about levelling the playing field and demonstrating what is possible when partners work together,” he said.
Dr Touray added that the programme’s reach extends beyond students, noting that school administrators, caregivers, and communities are also benefiting from the intervention. He reaffirmed CRS’ commitment to supporting government efforts in implementing the Disability Act and promoting inclusive development while indicating that plans are underway to expand the initiative nationwide.
Alagie Barra, Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, said the programme aligns with the ministry’s mandate to ensure inclusive development.
He noted that children with visual impairments are now better positioned to participate fully in the learning process. “Children are the future, and initiatives like this help unlock the potential that exists in this country,” he said, calling for the programme to be institutionalised.
Muhammed Lamin Kinteh, Operations Coordinator of OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation in The Gambia, said the organisation has been working in the country since 2013 in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the National Eye Health Programme.
He explained that while the foundation initially focused on adults, it has now expanded to include school screenings. “Refractive error is the second-leading cause of blindness globally. If children can see clearly, they can achieve more,” he said.
Marrie Bah of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education said CRS continues to support government efforts by identifying children with disabilities early and linking them to services that enable access to quality education.
According to the organisers, the intervention is expected to contribute to improved learning outcomes and increased school attendance and retention, particularly among vulnerable children.
