By Ramatoulie Jawo
The female wing of the Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADHOH) was the recipient of six computers donated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024. The presentation ceremony took place at the female wing complex in Kanifing.
The occasion was attended by representatives from UNDP, staff members of the GADHOH female wing, students, and parents.
During her address at the ceremony, Adama Jammeh, the Head of the Female Wing, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to UNDP for their steadfast support of their association. She emphasized the significance of receiving six brand new desktop computers, highlighting their potential to significantly contribute to the development of the Deaf community. Jammeh stressed the importance of keeping pace with the evolving world, noting that these computers would facilitate this endeavor.
“Deaf people often face discrimination in their homes and communities, which results in a lack of access to education. To address this issue, we are supporting a female group that teaches handicrafts and skills to those who do not have the opportunity to go to school. We are also introducing sign language to them, which is crucial for effective communication with other Deaf individuals,” he said.
Isatou Sanyang, Director of GADHOH Women’s Wing, underscored the multiple challenges faced by women with disabilities, including limited opportunities compared to others. She emphasized the role of common resources such as computers in bridging this gap, especially considering the communication difficulties often experienced by Deaf individuals.
“It is important for the general public to include deaf children in school rather than marginalizing them. Investing in their education now can benefit both the children and their families in the future. Some individuals from other countries have been seen making and selling items on the streets as a way to make a living. It’s important to be resourceful when necessary to make ends meet,” she said.
Lamin M. Ceesay, the Development Officer at GADHOH, highlighted the indispensable role of technology in modern society. He emphasized the necessity of adapting to technological advancements to stay abreast of changing times.
“In some countries, it can be difficult to come across a pen in certain offices, and computers are being used more and more to get work done. As the world continues to evolve and technology advances, it’s important to keep up with the changing times. You might come across stunning artwork on billboards, and videos can be edited on computers and shared on various platforms. The possibilities are endless with technology, and it’s up to us to decide how we want to utilize it,” he highlighted.
Fana Secka, a sign language teacher, encouraged students to seize the opportunity to learn technology, recognizing its potential benefits for their future endeavors.
Established in 1992, GADHOH is an NGO dedicated to ensuring equal participation of persons with hearing impairments in national affairs, enabling them to enjoy their human rights on par with other citizens.