About Senegal: In Dakar, cool breezes blow off the ocean, past fishermen hauling in their
brightly painted wooden pirogues. This vibrant francophone nation is located at the westernmost point of
Africa. French colonizers implemented a policy of cultural and political assimilation in Senegal, putting
much of their energy into creating a democratic government. More schools were built in Senegal
than in any other French African colony, and a Senegalese intellectual elite rose to prominence in the
1920s. Since gaining their independence in 1960, the Senegalese have maintained a stable, peaceful
democracy. However, Senegal today is one of the most impoverished nations in the world; unemployment,
illiteracy, and hunger are widespread. Caught
between the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and
the fast approaching Sahara Desert, Senegal is poorly
suited for agriculture and industry. While luxury
hotels dot the coast around the capital city of Dakar,
many Senegalese families crowd into one or two
room houses and live in poverty.
The
Project: After a day in the capital city, the
group heads to its rural host village. In contrast to
the vibrant atmosphere of the coast, inland rural villages are often characterized by unemployment, hunger,
illiteracy, and widespread poverty. The group makes its home in one of these small villages, working
alongside local people on several much needed projects identified by village leaders. While exact projects
will be determined in the spring based on the community’s needs, past projects have included building a
school cafeteria, planting an orchard of cashew and mango trees, implementing an irrigation system for the
community garden, and teaching English to local children. Each student also undertakes an independent
project; possible topics include how the village political structure functions, Senegalese music and dance,
and the Senegalese healthcare system and the fight against HIV/AIDS. The group resides in the village
school building and each day students help local women prepare meals for the group. Living conditions
in Senegal are extremely simple and our accommodations are very basic. Living and working alongside
Senegalese villagers, participants have the opportunity to make lasting connections with their neighbors.
Through impromptu soccer matches, dance and drumming sessions, and discussions over evening tea,
students expand their understanding of
Senegalese life and culture..
Weekends: On weekends the group
makes trips on a traditional pirogue at the
Langue de Barbarie National Park where
giraffes, rhinos, and antelope abound, or
to the Île de Gorée, where colonial architecture
and the Maison des Esclaves evoke
the days when the French relied on Senegal
for gold, military strength, and slave
labor. There are also opportunities to explore
the strikingly beautiful beaches of Île
de Ngor, or the Village des Tortues, a reserve
for giant African spurred tortoises.
Extra!: Community Service
Senegal 2007 participant, Grant Wenzlau, teamed up with a couple
of the men in the group's host village and to
create this movie (click to see on
YouTube). The story is
based on the founding legend of the village and was shot and
directed by Grant using an old film camera during program.
|