The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD)
The empowerment, equity and integration of Persons with Disabilities in society. We look after our funds: Since 2010, GFD has an annual audit report to verify its financial activities. We report on time to our donors and keep them informed of progress. We are organized: through the election of 13 Board members at the Annual General Meeting, and each DPO is represented on the Board. We have a small Secretariat with committed staff and volunteers who oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation. We communicate with our members: and key stakeholders through a monthly e-newsletter and we coordinate a weekly radio programme on West Coast Radio and Radio Gambia. We engage with Government: In 2011, not only did GFD receive an annual subvention from the Department of Social Welfare, we also received money to support World Disability Day celebrations on 3rd December. We work together with the National Assembly Members Disability Taskforce to promote the rights of persons with disability. In 2011, we successfully advocated for the inclusion of disability issues in the PAGE (Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment) document. Our work is supported by (past and present donors/activities): The President, VSO the Gambia, Big Lottery Fund, EU NSASP, Standard Chartered Bank, Gamcel, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, annual Government subventions, membership fees, fundraising events including an Annual Gala Dinner, sports events and concerts. |
GFD’s main role is advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. Our key areas for campaigning are for the Gambia to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to adopt the draft National Disability Policy. We speak for people with disabilities across the country. We network well with key stakeholders and have a good working relationship with the Department of Social Welfare, the line department for Disability. We support the Disabled People’s Organizations to develop their own advocacy skills and we deliver disability equality training to external organizations, including the Catholic Education Secretariat, IEC, the Supreme Islamic Council, National Assembly Members, schools, health centres, alkalos and community leaders. ‘The Day of the African Child is commemorated every 16th June and has a different theme each year. In 2012, the theme is ‘“The Rights of Children with Disabilities: The Duty to Protect, Respect, Promote and Fulfil”. GFD wants to take advantage of this day to highlight many of the challenges facing children with disabilities today. In February 2012, we organized a big advocacy event, launching the Day of the African Child at TANGO during the NGO Week Forum. Over one hundred people attended a programme of speeches, music, solidarity messages and dramas. The event featured repeatedly in the media, on GRTS TV and radio, in newspapers and online. The event was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of children with disabilities, as well as to acknowledge some of the problems which they face daily. Through the event, we called for the signature and ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and for children with disabilities to be brought out of their compounds and sent to school. In the time between the Launch and the actual Day in June, we will continue our advocacy efforts with other key partners, encouraging Government to recognize the importance of the rights of children with disabilities. |
CONTACT US
Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD)
Location: GOVI Compound, MDI Road,
Kanifing, The Gambia
Postal address: PO Box 2053, Serrekunda, The Gambia
Tel: (+220) 890 5368
landline: (+220) 992 1695
Ms. Fatou Faye, Administrative Secretary: (+220) 994 9491
Mr. Korah, Chairman [email protected]