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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27743, member: 2262"] Children from the National Assembly of The Gambia teamed up with NYC leaders and ran a Town Hall meeting about including disabled kids in society. They invited new CNAG members and 50 community folks to join them. UNICEF paid for this event, "Inclusive Communities: Empowering Every Child," which happened in Kerewan town. Alieu Jaiteh spoke at the gathering as a representative from the Gambia Federation of Disabled Associations. He talked about how important it stands to help people with disabilities according to the Disability Act passed in 2021. His organization serves as the main group for disabled citizens, working alongside government officials to create and enforce policies written in the national constitution that keep their members safe. Mr. Jaiteh praised government leaders for creating the Disability Act, showing they care about protecting rights to education, healthcare, and freedom from mistreatment. The program aimed to build awareness and encourage disabled persons to believe in themselves as they pursue education and develop skills. He asked parents and community members to think positively about disabilities and make room for everyone to participate in decisions, learning, and skill-building. Jaiteh pointed out many problems that make life harder for disabled people - schools, bathrooms, health centers, buses, and sign language services remain difficult to access. He encouraged everyone involved to actively push for changes that protect basic rights for people with disabilities. Mariama Sima from the National Youth Council mentioned her organization welcomes partnerships with both the Disability Federation and CNAG to spread awareness about inclusion. The program wanted to spark community action and encourage local authorities, schools, businesses, and families to practice inclusion. It also focused on building partnerships between local government, non-profits, and advocacy groups to better enforce disability rights. Two speakers—Hon. Njieyo Gaye from CNAG and Hon. Saihou Jallow, who teaches at Kerewan Lower Basic School—stressed that parents must provide more support to family members with disabilities. [/QUOTE]

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