Education for All in Kaolack, Senegal

Sokhna first attended Diapalante’s after school activities when she 9 years old. She is one of those students who, despite the challenges, work hard to achieve their academic goals. Sokhna has always been a cheerful and lively student, but she has faced obstacles in her academic career, particularly in reading and maths. These difficulties affected her self-confidence and made her doubt her abilities, which is why she joined in the after school activities in her school playground, led by Diapalante’s Young Leaders.

Our Young Leaders program is designed encourage and support teenagers in helping younger schoolchildren. The activities allow primary school students to improve their reading, writing and mathematics skills in a different setting from that of school. The children learn through fun activities, in small groups, outdoors, each group led by one or two teenagers they regard as friends. The program strengthens both the children’s and teenagers’ academic skills while cultivating values of solidarity and mutual aid.

As soon as Sokhna joined, she was warmly welcomed by her peers. She found the singing and sports activities a further source of motivation.

After only a few sessions in the Young Leaders program, Sokhna showed good progress in reading. She began to enjoy reading and developed a better understanding of the texts. She soon participated in discussions around books, which not only improved her understanding but also boosted her self-confidence.

In maths, Sokhna worked on practical exercises with her classmates. Through games and fun activities, she was able to understand mathematical concepts in a more interactive way. Her classmates were an invaluable support, creating an environment where it was normal to ask questions and ask for help without fear of judgment.

For the three remaining years of primary school Sokna was a regular participant in the Centre's activities. She passed her Elementary School Leaving Certificate (CFEE) this year, not only a source of pride for her and her parents but also for her school and Diapalante. On hearing her successful result her mother, accompanied by her older sister, came to the Diapalante Centre to formally express their thanks for helping their child.

Sokhna, like many of her classmates, also has a goal that she is eager to achieve. She aspires to continue her education and achieve her dreams. She dreams of becoming a doctor to help others, a goal she now considers achievable thanks to her courage and determination.

Today, the young girl has become a secondary school pupil and joined Diapalante’s Young Leader programme. Sokhna will now give the same support and encouragement she cherished to her “little brothers and sisters” who are having difficulties in primary school.

This is Sokhna's story. Enabled by your support the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Senegal, West Africa,offers free educational opportunities to all, hundreds of children and adults each year, both those in education and those who have missed out on education. Visit our website or read more of our reports on GlobalGiving to learn more.

Links:

• https://diapalante.org