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by Gail Robson, Communications Officer for Special Olympics Gambia
In The Gambia, mental disability issues do not frequent national headlines as often as other human rights concerns. The awareness of mental disabilities across the nation, however, is steadily increasing, especially because of the work of people like Special Olympics Gambia coach Michael Jabang.
Jabang reflects on a time when families used to see mental disabilities as a curse, and children with intellectual disabilities were hidden away from society. In 1986, Methodist Primary School was the first school in the country to focus on learning disabilities in the classroom, and, in 1987, the school allocated a special unit for students with special needs. It was at this school that Jabang began his teaching career and was later inspired to dedicate his life to helping create awareness and opportunities for people with special needs.
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Michael Jabang has dedicated his life to people with special needs — athletes in the Gambia now have more opportunities to compete. |
The Gambia has made a lot of progress since then; not only is the Methodist School now the Methodist Special School, entirely dedicated to people with mental disabilities, but the government is now earnestly trying to integrate students with mental disabilities into mainstream education. This time though, students will benefit from professionally trained educators who can support students and appropriately address their needs.
Presently the Unit Head of Special Needs at The Gambia College, Deputy Head of Physical Education and one of the few special needs teacher trainers in the country, Jabang certainly has his work cut out for him, but his determination has not waned. Jabang is enthusiastic about the government's efforts, as well as progress within the educational system. Special Olympics also plays a major role in increasing Gambian awareness and acceptance of people with mental disabilities. "People hear the words Special Olympics and they want to offer their support," notes Jabang. Special Olympics Gambia has steadily increased its participation in national, regional and international competition since its creation in 1987.
A new culture in which people with intellectual disabilities will become increasingly active members of society is rapidly emerging in The Gambia. Jabang says that by taking a look at how much the public's attitude toward people with intellectual disabilities has changed over the past 30 years, we can feel confident of inevitable success in decades to come.
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