GADHOH

Every individual has the right to take part in and live in his or her society on equal basis no matter how skilled or handicapped he or she may be. This is explicitly stated in the UN article on human rights and the African charter on human and people’s right which has been ratified also by the Gambian Government. In spite of this, however, we continue to experience denial of most of these rights.

In order to change this trend and bring about a better living condition for all of us deaf and hard of hearing people we got united in GADHOH, to carry out cost effective  rehabilitation services and other activities to equip deaf people for participation in society. We raise the awareness of the Government and society to condition people’s attitude towards us, while striving to develop the capacity of the organisation and strengthen every individual deaf person in the country to participate actively in our own development process. GADHOH is a registered, charitable and national non Governmental organisation set up in the year 1992 by a group of deaf and hard of hearing people assisted by some hearing sympathizers.

The development activities of GADHOH which has been funded mostly by humanitarian disabled peoples organisations in Sweden (SHIA and SDR), and a UK based charity (2001 to 2005) has brought about considerable improvement in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people. Limited numbers of deaf and hard of hearing students are now accepted in some schools and colleges and pre-service training. A number of them are in gainful employments and supporting their own families. Families are accepting their deaf member’s marriage to another deaf person. Deaf groups in the Banjul areas organises social activities to educate or enjoy them selves or raise funds. Most deaf people in this area have acquired the knowledge of HIV/AIDS they need to protect them selves.

They have a better understanding of their rights in society and the need for their collective and individual actions to change their lives. Sign language training has brought great relief. Deaf people in the Gambia are now able to communicate and express themselves better using sign language. The few sign language interpreters trained and employed by the organisation provides interpretation services at law enforcement centres, health centres, education and training centres, conferences, family and community meetings, etc.           

Deaf people, however, are still on the low steps of the development ladder as compared to the rest of the society.

Our Vision

A society that guarantees full participation and equality for its deaf and hard of hearing communities         

Our Mission Statement

Creation of a society in which deaf and hard of hearing people participate fully as citizens of the nation and enjoy all benefits of such citizenship on a fair and equal basis.

GADHOH is succeeding. We are making a difference and this is our story, so far.

Events are in date order the earliest at the bottom of the page.

1992 - '94 - '95 - '97 - '98 - '99 - 2000 - '01 - '02 - '03 - '04 - '05 - '06 - '07

New Headquaters & Female Wing

We are Here - West Coast of Africa - in The Gambia - at Kanifing - near the Independance Stadium

Up until 2007 the sign language teachers were Miss Fatoumata Sissohore, Mr.Gibril Ceesay, Miss Oumie Joof and Mr.Ousman Saidy. These were replaced with the current ones.

GADHOH President Mr Abdoulie Njie

17 students at the Female Wing were awarded certificates after completing their intermediate and elementary courses on tie and dye, sign language, and tailoring. A minibus was donated from Foundation Buganala to transport children and girls students to school.

Gibril Ceesay, a teacher at GADHOH’s Nursery School, attended the Oxfam International Youth Partnership ‘Kaleidoscope’ in Sidney, Australia.

    Event.

Gambian Steering Committee held its first training workshop for African Decade for Persons with Disabilities.

The start of the construction of a nursery school for deaf children and a skills training centre for deaf girls (15 +) by the Dutch Foundation Bugnala and with financial support of the Dutch Foundation NCDO (National Committee for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development). Foundation to Build, from the Netherlands, was the constructor employing a  group of deaf boys, who had finished their education at St. John's School.

      August 2007. 

The Female wing Director, Isatou Sanyang commended SHIA AND THE Swedish association of the Deaf for their continued support. She appealed to parents with deaf children to send their children to Deaf schools so that they could learn skills and acquire knowledge.

 The  Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) was asked to create a special news programme for the deaf and people hard of hearing and asked the Gambia government to consider having  the deaf involved in the proposed skills, in collaboration with the Spanish authorities, as a way of curbing illegal migration.

A press conference was organised with the intention to create a good relationship between GADHOH and the media.  Alvean Jones, VSO Volunteer from Ireland donated two bicycles to the Barra and Brikama branches.

GADHOH Youth Wing is founded.

The first stone of a new Female Wing at Kanifang was laid by Mrs. Marieke IJsendoorn, Chairperson of Foundation Bugnala.

A gesture of appreciation at his office in Fajara was made when David Clamp left as VSO Country Director.

.... nearing completion.....

A permit to build the head office was obtained from the Planning authority at a fee of D1023.00

Mr Amadou Touray, Public Relations Manager of GAMTEL and the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association at the School of the Deaf, was honoured and decorated as the Honorary Father of the GADHOH.  'Hardworking, respectful, dedicated and sympathetic to the community of the disabled in The Gambia' and he had played a great role in developing the welfare of not only GADHOH but also the entire disabled society in The Gambia.

GAMTEL  Mananging Director Katim Tourey donated a computer to managing Director Dodou Loum.

Katim Torey, Dodou Loum , Landmy Loum, Interpreter Algagi Dampha and Gamtel PR officer Amadou Tourey. 

Mrs Fatou Bayo was the first beneficiary of the baby monitoring device, presented to her by Eddev. There are various devices on the market of Western countries help deaf people to protect themselves and facilitate their communication and interaction in the predominantly devices functions by producing light, pictures, text, or vibration which deaf people can feel or see and that technology in Gambia is crawling to the aid of deaf and hard of hearing people.

2005 - 2007 - HQ  Mr Abdoulie Njie - GADHOH President

February - Gamtel Managing Director donating a computer to GADHOH managing Director. Deputy Director Landmy Badjie, sign language interpreter Alagi Dampha, Gamtel mananging Director Katim Tourey, Exec Director Dodou Loum, Gamtel Public relations officer AmadouTourey

March HQ - The GADHOH National Headquaters building is progressing.18^th Barra Branch – Assan Mendy, 9 year old deaf boy, and Abdoulie Willan, Deaf tailor based at the GADHOH Female Wing - Group photo  - Dodou Touray joins Modou Choi, Sheriffo Kanteh,(Sign teacher) Ousman Jallow (Chairman Barra branch), Ndure Mbye, Sheikh Mboob, and Assan Mendy - A good gathering at the deaf club! - Names are registered - Smiles all round - Sheriffo Kanteh with a local deaf friend - Gambian and Irish friends together - Deaf club members walking home after a very successful club meeting, followed by local children

April 3rd - The First Stone laying Ceremony was performed by Marieke IJsendoorn of Buganala who said that she was delighted after months of planning for the occassion. Staff and students as well as local dignatries were gathered and celebrated the occassion.16th - Sign language lesson

May -  David Clamp left as VSO Country Director and a gesture of appreciation was made at his office in Fajara.

July 7th - Banjul Branch Deaf Club Disco Front desk where members have to pay admission fee in order to enjoy the disco and food - Haddy Cham and Nicholas Kujabi (chairman of Banjul Branch committee) -  Members enjoying the disco - Young deaf people dancing in delight – It all got too hectic for two deaf members who preferred playing Gambian draughts. 21st - Youth Group Committee members Abdoulie Njie Jr, Fatou Jeng, Adama Jammeh and Ansumana Beyai and Abdoulie Saidy - holding discussions at a sign language class. July-August - The female wing started to take shape with ongoing work on the site. 

GADHOH had an input in the HIV/AIDS and Deaf Communties book by Constanze Schmalling & Leila Monaghan(EdDevs) with a report on GADHOH's first HIV/AIDS education project for deaf people in the Gambia, encouraging other deaf communities to carry out a similar project.

 22, issue 1 of the International Journal of Deaf Studies (Deaf Worlds)

21 beggars were sentenced by the Court and sparked off deep concern among the disabled people. It was said that that the begging syndrome among disabled people could be eradicated if the authorities give them logistical support to get disabled communities trained on various skills with a view to opening up alternative employment for them and that most disabled people are begging because they have no other way of earning their living. Disabled people’s organisations like GADHOH, were already embarking on rehabilitation and skills training for the disabled.

GDSA adopts its’ Constitution.

Miss Alvean Jones and Mr.Partha Sahoo, VSO volunteers attached to GADHOH, assisted the teachers at another HIV/AIDS training workshop for the new members of the GADHOH at the Banjul and Brikama branches.

Construction of the new GADHOH head office started.

2006 - Promoting volunteering to fight global poverty and disadvantage. Read about VSO volunteer Alvean Jones and her experiences of working with the Gambian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and too find out more about VSO Ireland follow the link here

The Gambia Deaf Sports Association (GDSA) held its inaugural general meeting.  In the same month the GDSA held a friendly international football competition in Senegal but went on to lose to their hosts the Association des Sports des Sourds du Senegal (ASSS) (4 – 2).

Celebrations by female staff and students.

There were a total of 2873 moulded bricks made for the construction of the National office Headquaters.

The works up to now had been funded by EdDev with volutary services provided by GADHOH members making a significant contribution to the construction work.

The funding of the Headquaters construction was later taken over by the Support groups in Ireland.

At the opening ceremony in Marieke IJsendoorn, representative of a Dutch organisation ‘Stichting Een School voor Gunjur Nieuw Vennep’, said GADHOH was among the specialised educational institutions in the country, which benefit from her association’s projects. Marieke IJsendoorn was awarded a certicate for her achievements.

Fencing around the site for the National office Headquarters was completed and then stolen! Foundations for a brick wall was then started with two metal gates fixed to the two entrance ways, and a two roomed house for watchman’s quarters.

HQ Staff and friends at HQ

Female Wing Friends making a donation of chairs toys and teaching materials from the UK. Abdoulie Willam, Andrew Mootoo, Isatou Sanyang and former teacher - Volunteer at Nursery School with her father and BIG smiles for the camera from all including the teacher - Tie & Die Lesson - Tailoring lessons by Abdoulie Willam -Knitting Class -  Students at Female Wing Skill Centre -  Isatou Sanyang making a speech at Brikama College Workshop - Hairdressing salon wirh Awa Kah, Sainabou Bdjie (teacher) Sainabou Mbaye & Kaddy Kinteh - One of the first happy customers - Salon is open for business

January 2006 - HQ Wall construction almost completed - Phase 1 Plot development. By February 2006, 2873 moulded bricks had been used. 20th - Board meeting with Secretary General, president, and female wing addressing.

February 16th - Female Wing  At the opening of the Bakery Unit, Mrs. Marieke IJsendoorn (Chairperson Bugnala) recieved a certificate from Isatou Sanyang - Marielke, representative of a Dutch organisation ‘Stichting Een School voor Gunjur Nieuw Vennep’, said GADHOH was among the specialised educational institutions in the country, which benefit from her association’s projects.Bakery in action and ‘Bugnala’ Cakes for Sale 18th Students and staff of the Female Wing gathering for Independance day celebrations

March  - GDSA Football team in training

April  - GDSA Training for the match 1st team training Team training outside the Sedar Senhore Stadium in Daker -  A break in training - Tactics discussed -  - GDSA V Senegal at the Sedar Senhore Stadium in Daker - GDSA in blue and the Senegalese line up- Exchanging greetings - GDSA football team in Dakar for the international friendly - GDSA football team squad - Opposition bench - The team  - Official photograph - Lamin Ceesay, Sherriffo and Treasurer with the winners trophy won against Senegal at the Sedar Senhore Stadium in Daker 

May 12th - Female Wing The old Female Wing was based at Latrikunda Sabiji in a compound and a building that was formerly a school - with grounds that are farmed for vegatables - The students are taught in tailoring class - how to make Soap Powder - Knitting and crochet lessons are popular amongst the girl students – you will always have a warm welcome - from the staff - the nursery teacher Gibril Ceesay - Isatou Sanyang in her office and the  Pre-nursery school for Deaf children are always eager to learn and greet visitors.

July 17th - Female Wing - Fiona visits the Female Wing. Gibril Ceesay (Superman?)  students and the girls are looking pretty and even a models pose. Meeting time for the staff and Fiona and discussions at Female Wing. Fiona & Isatou and the staff all had a say, good discussions from Kaddy, and Isatou, some listened and some had more to say, but agreement reached. Even the children joined in the discussions or watched intently. Time for a break means time for a laugh. Away from the serious business but you just had to be there to understand. But there was only one winner! Further discussions outside before seeing the Knitting class who were hard at work making garments and proud of their achievements.  There was time for one last pose for the camera. Then the Nursery where some of the children were trying to get in the photo,  and some just smiled for it. Time to sort the toys and share them out. Some watched as Fiona discussed the toys, and was showing the staff, but the best fun was showing the children although the adults didn't miss out! Playtime - for children who were pleased with themselves and with the new toys. Some played in their den and then got very tired before putting the toys away.

September -HQ Eight members GADHOH, visited Uganda on an exchange visit between the Deaf Associations, sponsored by Comic Relief and facilitated by EdDev. The trip included visits to parliament, (there was a deaf MP), to sign language classes and to women’s group activities in Lira. Here with the Chairman of the Ugandan National Association of the deaf Mr Ssenyonga Maurice.  GDSA The football team had a team strip donated for the The Gambian Deaf Scorpions  9th - GDSA - Football Deaf Scorpions v Gambia Army Force at Senegambia Spy bar football ground L - R  Rear:Baboucar Jammeh - Sulayman Bojang - Masanneh Sanneh - Sulayman Jaiteh - Ahmad Cham - Yankuba Bojang - Wally Joof - Ebrima Jallow - Momodou Sanyang  Front:Ebou Kangi - Alhagie B.Bah - Alhagie Darboe - Modou L. Gaye - Abdoulie Njie - Lamin Marong - Lamin Jatta - Mantanba Sanyang -  Start of the match - striker Alhagie Darboe is tackled by GAF - Scorpions’ supporters - Scorpions defend a corner - Scorpions defender Yankuba Bojang tackled - Yankuba Bojang free kick - Lamin Marong defends - Deaf scorpions’ supporters celebrates Masanneh Samureh goal - GAF restart after the goal - Referee gives yellow card to Scorpions captain Abdoulie Njie - Second half - Photo 51 Scorpions putting pressure on GAF - Scorpions captain fouled by GAF defender - Scorpions’ goal keeper Sulayman Bojang saves - Scorpions captain Abdoulie Njie fouled, again -  restart after a rainfall - Scorpions defend a free kick just outside their box  - Scorpions’ officials and supporters watch on - Scorpions reserve bench and Assistant Coach - William Sambou looks on from defence as Scorpions apply pressure - Masanneh Sumureh Scorpions attacks GAFs goal and Alhagie Darboe No10 supports him Final score:Scorpions1 Gambia Army Force0 24th -  Ousman  painting numbers on Shirts. Well worth the effort and didn't they look good.

October 4th - 6th - HIV/AIDS Training, as well as  Sign language, literacy, and organisation, is taught by GADHOH in its adult education programme. For special activities like HIV/AIDS education workshops, the activities begin with training of deaf trainers, commonly known as sign language teachers, who are engaged in all trainings and data collection concerning the general membership. Miss Alvean Jones (here with a member) and Mr Partha Sahoo,VSO volunteers attached to GADHOH, assisted the teachers at an HIV/AIDS  training workshop for the new members of the GADHOH at the Banjul and Brikama branches held at St.Thereses Junior secondary school in Kanifing which is at the centre of the Greater Banjul area and within the reach of most members of the Banjul branch. Mr.Momodou Sanyang, one of the sign language teachers took a turn during training and Sign language interpreter Mr.Alhagi Dampha and Partha Sahoo assisted at the workshop. Exercise was taken by Partha and the participants during the workshop training. During the break Lamin Ceesay, a GADHOH Deputy Director and a sign language teacher flanked by Partha and Alvean and our transport,  Fatou Drammeh with her husband Lamin who are both deaf and other participants at break. The serious point in HIV / AIDS training was taken in by all who attended.

November Cess & Marieke IJsendoorn visited the Female Wing and took various photographs of the students in the tailoring, cooking and bakery, knitting and crochet and the nusery school. They visited the site where Gert Jan van der Marel of Foundation To Build and his team would build new the nursery school for deaf children and the skills centre for deaf little girls, a new female Wing at Kanifing. Plans had been drawn up and staff and sponsors held meetings to finalise plans.

December 3rd - This day is set aside annually by the United Nations as World Disability Day. The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) in collaboration with Department of State for Education and UNICEF and other stakeholders, joined the rest of the world in observing World Disability Day at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) grounds. It is held to remind people that those with disabilities have the same rights as other members of society and therefore, should be empowered to actively participate in decision-making and national development. In recent years, awareness creation and understanding have been made to promote social justice and normalise the situation in which disabled persons all over the world find themselves. Tremendous efforts are still needed for the full attainment of future developments and improvements in the life of disabled people everywhere. The 2003 census shows, 2.8 per every thousand Gambians have some kind of disability - World Disability Day Team and children of St Johns school for the deaf.

GDSA - Certificates were awarded to our Irish friends in appreciation for their contributions to GDSA. L – R Alvean Jones – Elish Bradley – Sheriffo Kanteh – Jack Bradley and Lamin Ceesay and another Irish friend John Paul receiving a gift from the president and treasurer.

Female Wing Various photos taken throughout 2006 Isatou in her office  - Tailoring - Some of the African Gambian bags being shown by the teacher – The fabrics used – A student with her bags – Knitting -  The knitting class – Smiles from the classroom - Tie & Dye – Lessons in the grounds – Gigbril Ceesay instructing – Using the buckets – Heating the water – Inspecting the goods – Wringing them out - Bakery – Grounding the ingredients – was hard work – students in the kitchen – looking out from the kitchen – big smiles – and very big smiles – adding ingredients – Cooking – Finshed meal - Hairdressing – Salon entrance - decorated inside - Ladies gather - And chat as only ladies do - Nursery - Isatou with a child – Two of the children – Jumpers when cold – Uniforms when hot – In class – The children – Sat at their desks – During lessons - Vegetable Garden - One of the ways we raise funds to support our activities is partly by selling some of the produce that has been grown in our gardens. Any gardener will tell you the more effort you put in, the better t