Education for All in Kaolack, Senegal

Mor is an IT support technician who also volunteers at the Diapalante Community Support Centre. He knows the importance of a computer literate workforce to employees, employers and to Senegal. “We live in an increasingly digital world. Computer skills can increase a persons’ employability and accelerate promotion. These skills also help people earn a living wage and often bring the opportunity to work regular and shorter working hours.”

During August and September Mor and two other specialist volunteers trained 80 people in basic computer skills. The team delivered in total 6 hours teaching a day, 6 days a week. This “Digital Vacation” program covered basic word processing, spreadsheet usage and digital presentations with a little about leadership and entrepreneurship. The course aimed to enable participants to become computer proficient within their current role or give them additional skills to help in their search for work.

Teachers and school principals and students were attracted because the course ran during the vacation but health workers, traders, other workers and unemployed people also signed up. A small fee was charged rather than Diapalante’s normal free courses so that people who started the course would feel invested in completing it. Course attendance remained consistently high and the charge was used to provide refreshments during the coffee breaks. The participants were trained in five groups to give each individual access to a computer. Three groups met at the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Kaolack and two groups in a village school 16 miles away.

Your support has enabled this course to go ahead. Though volunteers taught the course there are still expenses to cover – transport costs to the village, meals for the volunteers, premises costs, electricity and internet etc. The course was a great success, particularly in its ambition to help working adults who need computer skills to do their daily work better and they will be able to share their learning with others.

“I am really satisfied with the content of this program. It has been 2 years since I bought a computer but I admit that I only ever used it to watch films. Now I am able to start to use it for educational purposes. What’s more, after each activity, I share the content with my two daughters at home.” Mr. Niang, primary school teacher.

“Hello dear trainers, I really have no words, My daughter always explains to me what is happening and I am very grateful for all your support may the Almighty assist you and bless you” The mother of a participant with physical disabilities.