A country in western Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It became independent of France on April 4, 1960. It is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. Nevertheless, it remains among the countries with the lowest level of social development. Almost half of the country’s area is farmland, but agriculture is becoming increasingly difficult due to frequent climate shocks. The highest temperature of 48.8 °C has been recorded in Matam.
27.01.2022
Christine grew up in a small village more than 100 km south of Dakar. Her parents struggled to make ends meet by cultivating their home garden. The small piece of land was not enough to generate a profit or even to feed the large family. From an early age, Christine’s dream was to join her parents in a job that would improve their everyday life. She wanted to become a seamstress. To make this dream come true, she decided to attend a vocational school run by the Franciscan Sisters in Dakar.
“I knew it was the place for me. I was sure that after finishing school I would be able to help support our family.” Christine says. ” What I didn’t expect was that help for my loved ones would come much sooner.”
Sister Eva, the school principal, visited Christine’s village. Seeing how difficult the situation was for the pupil’s loved ones, she offered to help. The foyer has since been buying hibiscus flowers, vegetables and flour for couscous, which the girl’s parents grow. The hibiscus produces delicious jams for sale in the school kitchen. The rest of the harvest will supply the school canteen.
After completing two years of training, Christine began working at the sewing cooperative we created. Thanks to her determination and consistency, Christine is not only fully independent, but she is also able to help her parents and support her younger sisters in their education. At the Dakar school we witness many happy endings. They all happen only because of you! By paying for a day of training at our school, you are changing the lives and destinies of not only more young women, but also their families.
21.08.2025
“Mademoiselle, vous êtes capable de tout”—these words sound like a foreign melody in the ears of many girls from Senegal. No one had ever told them before that they were capable of everything. They are 17–23 years old. Some come from small villages near Joal, others from poor neighborhoods of Dakar. When they finished primary […]
12.03.2024
[…] Dakar is, of course, famous for its Car Rapide. They are colorful buses, lacking windows and comforts, looking as if they’ve just fallen from the sky. Their presence on the streets of Dakar is a tale of how they survived that fall. They are an important symbol, coughing black fumes into the soul of […]
10.03.2024
Marie-Odile has a charming smile. It’s delicate, subtle, and very feminine. She usually sits on a bench in the park in front of the Franciscan Sisters’ school in Dakar. Marie-Odile’s shyness and her smile show her gentleness. Among her friends, she feels at ease. She treats new people with a slight hint of mistrust. With […]
