From June 20th to June 22nd, the communities of
Djinack Bara and Dassalami Soce had the pleasure of hosting the students of Estelle's All of Me Foundation in the organization Foundation
for Second Chances prior to the inauguration of the library in my community. Foundation for Second Chances (FFSC) is a
community based organization in Los Angeles that utilizes hands-on education,
mentoring, health awareness and community service to maximize the potential of
youth. Second Chances' goal is to make sure that children are given all that
they need to thrive. This includes a quality education, nutritious food and
exercise, a safe and nurturing environment and the chance to give back to their
community. They strive to create an
environment of love, compassion, safety and respect.
This was a three-day event which
included a cross-cultural orientation on the customs of Senegal, tour visits on
an island and my community and experiencing this culture through food, dance
and singing. The sessions covered topics such as Islam, food etiquette, safety
and security, the consumption of Attaya and Greetings in Wolof and Mandinka. In
the last two days, we visited the island of Djinack Bara and Dassalami Soce to learn
of the history of these communities in order to understand the role and contribution
of development work to the growth of these villages.
The communities ensured that a
dance troupe performed for our guests helped them eat around the bowl like the
Senegalese. The communities of Dassalami Soce, Djinack, Saroudia and
Boutilimite fundraised the event with the support of the PCR of Toubacouta. The
authorities in the region gave speeches such as the Director of Directors in
the region of Fatick, the Sous-Prefet, the President of the Communaute Rural (PCR),
the CADL Chef, and the representative of the Departmental Inspector of
Education of Foundiougne. The Peace Corps director, Chris Hedrick gave a speech
along with the director of the French school of Dassalami Soce with one of his
best students in the classroom. Finally, the care group volunteers made an
amazing effort in the implementation and organization of the event.
Inauguration of Library in Dassalami Soce
FFSC was introduced to by the Director
of Programming and Training in Peace Corps. Through this event, the communities
and I have accomplished the third goal of Peace Corps which is to help
Americans understand the people and cultures of other countries. It is one of the
three goals that support the mission of the Peace Corps to promote world peace
and friendship. As a result, When Volunteers and friends of the Peace
Corps support and engage in Third Goal activities, they help Americans gain a
greater understanding of the world. They foster the spirit of world peace and
friendship. They may also inspire Americans to be civic minded by example.
We received books and supplies from
FFSC to further strengthen the education of the children in these communities. To
learn more about the wonderful work and impact this organization is having on
millions of youths nationwide, check out their website at http://ffscinc.org/. We rest assured they will continue to inspire
and help our youths become the leaders of tomorrow. This cause would have not
been possible without the help of Peace Corps staff and volunteers, the
communities of Dassalami Soce, Djinack, Saroudia, Boutilimite and Foundation
for Second Chances for their donation of books.
In the next two weeks, I am
going to hold a meeting with the director of the school and the teachers about
the management of the books and creating a library committee. Ideally, I want
the students to be involved in the process which is a point I will discuss with
the director for the long term management. Although we have had this
conversation before, we will start the process at the beginning of the school
year in September or October. Other updates are that someone will draw pictures
inside the library and that we will receive shelves for the books in the next
coming months.
FSSC at Djinack Bara
Well said. I've very proud of you. You're making a major impact :)
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