The Gambia Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADHOH), on Monday organised a press conference, where its programme of activities were highlighted to create awareness on their activities and operations at its headquarters in Banjul.

The organisation was set up with the ultimate aim of creating a society in which deaf and hard of hearing people participate fully as citizens of the country and enjoy all benefits of such citizenship on a fair and equal basis,

Speaking at the press conference, Dodou Loum, Director of GADHOH, said the development activities of GADHOH is mainly funded by humanitarian disabled people organisations in Sweden (SHIA and SDR), and a UK based charity organisation.

He said GADHOH members (students) are now accepted in some schools, Gambia College, GTTI and in pre-service training.

Mr. Loum then called for effective training of sign language trainers in order to educate more GADHOH members.  He also called on parents to take care of their children, especially the deaf and hard of hearing.

Loum revealed that GADHOH has established regional branches for its members in Western Region, North Bank Region and other parts of the country.

Amie Cham-Chairperson of GADHOH Female Wing appealed to government to create an opportunity for GADHOH to have an interpretation of sign language on the national television for the benefit of the deaf and hard of hearing.

Karamo Sanyang chairperson Brikama Branch said GADHOH members in Brikama participates in the monthly national cleaning exercise and also create water passage holes around the Brikama market and some other areas to avoid flooding during the rainy season.

Landing Badjie who seconded the Deputy Director of GADHOH called on the government to employ many capable hard of hearing people in its departments, to contribute to national development.

Isatou Sanyang Director of GADHOH Female Wing, said the Female Wing is sponsoring 15 children, through the assistance of their friends from Holland.  She added that they teach children tie and dye, powder making, tailoring and other skills at the female wing.

At the end of the press conference Alvean Jones from Ireland and a volunteer of GADHOH presented two (2) new bicycles for Brikama branch and Barra, by their friends from Ireland.