The conference was organized by the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, GFD, and brought together participants from different associations of the disabled to sensitize and raised awareness on the theme: “Inclusion of youths and women with disability in the development process.” It was funded by the UNDP.
Speaking at the conference, GFD executive director Ebrima Dibbassy said the objective of the conference was to empower the disabled in the country.
Dibbassy said the federation has registered a lot of success since its inception, and was able to integrate and train disabled persons.
He revealed that the federation had secure a grant from Gamworks of D14 million, adding that the federation are also sponsoring some of its members at the Gambia Technical Training Institute.
He thanked the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the collaboration and support rendered to the GFD.
He also hailed UNDP for sponsoring the conference meant to create awareness.
Special Adviser to GFD, Amadou Touray, challenged the disabled to always upgrade themselves in order to boost their chances for employment.
Sainey Camara, a representative from the Department of Social Welfare, expressed government’s commitment in supporting the disabled in the country.