Nine Kilometres Too Far: Disability and Poverty Force Gambian Girl Out of School

By Alieu Jallow

A 23‑year‑old Gambian student has been forced to abandon her education despite excelling in national exams, after poverty and disability made daily travel to school impossible.

Jarra A. Bah, from Sibito village in Kiang Central, passed her Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination but has been unable to continue her studies. A wheelchair user, she says the nearest school is nine kilometres away — a distance she cannot manage without reliable transport.

“Moving long distances in a wheelchair is physically exhausting. There are days I arrive late or miss classes entirely because I simply cannot get there on time,” she told The Fatu Network.

Her family supported her through primary and junior secondary school, but the burden of transporting her daily has become overwhelming. Costs of books, uniforms and transport have further compounded the challenge, leaving her excluded from education.

“I find it difficult to stay in school and access the support I need,” she said.

Across rural Gambia, children with disabilities face systemic barriers, from inaccessible infrastructure to limited inclusive policies. Poor roads and lack of mobility aids often prevent them from attending school.

Despite the setbacks, Jarra remains determined. She says access to wheelchair‑friendly transport, learning materials and inclusive boarding facilities would allow her to return to school.

“Receiving a scholarship will be life‑changing for me. It will reduce the burden on my family and allow me to focus fully on my studies,” she explained.

She believes disability should not mean inability. “With the right support, I can achieve my dreams and inspire others facing similar challenges,” she added.

Her story highlights the urgent need for inclusive education in The Gambia, particularly in rural communities where vulnerable children remain at risk of being left behind. For Jarra, the journey to education is not just about distance — it is about breaking barriers, challenging inequality and holding onto hope.