By Aminata Kuyateh
Killy Lower Basic School won the second Disability-Inclusive Pathways Project inter-school drama competition on Saturday at the President’s International Award Scheme grounds.
Three schools participated: Killy LBS, Bakau Newtown LBS and Kassa Kunda LBS. Killy took first place, Bakau Newtown finished second, and Kassa Kunda placed third. Pupils used drama to expose the challenges children with disabilities face and to promote inclusion and equal participation in schools and communities.
The competition is part of a 30-month project funded by the European Union and implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Organisation for Disabled and Orphans (NODO), and Special Olympics The Gambia.
Project Manager Saidina Alieu Jarjou said the event goes beyond performance: it gives children with and without disabilities a platform to showcase talent, challenge stigma and promote inclusion. He reaffirmed CRS and the EU’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities so they can learn, grow and reach their full potential.
Catherine Morray, Programme Manager for Special Olympics The Gambia, said the project has increased children’s understanding and acceptance of persons with disabilities through drama and inclusive learning activities. She called drama an effective tool for teaching respectful, inclusive language and for encouraging acceptance in schools and communities.
Morray added that the project has produced measurable improvements since its launch, with participating children now showing greater respect and understanding of persons with disabilities than in year one. Its long-term goal is to remove barriers that prevent full participation in education and community life.
She urged Gambians to focus on abilities rather than disabilities and to work together to build a more inclusive society.
Participant Kumba said they enjoyed the experience and celebrated Killy LBS’ victory as inspiring. Organisers commended all three schools for their creativity, teamwork and commitment to advancing disability inclusion.