Hello!
The last week in Senegal has been non-stop. I am still getting used to the basics, particularly transportation which can be intimidating and daunting at times , but settling in nicely! My host is Rene, another YMCA Senegal employee. He has been great and welcomed me to his family with open arms. Senegalese people are very warm and friendly. If you ever visit, one word you will hear a lot is Teranga which basically means "hospitality" in the Wolof Language. It is fitting that the YMCA thrives here, it seems like every block is a tightly knit community. An example is while walking down the streets with Rene on a typical day half the neighborhood will say hi.
I came at a busy time as the Senegal Y prepares for 2 upcoming international conferences. Once settled at my desk here, I started working on the annual report and familiarizing myself with the programs until.... Soccerballs came! Rene and I whisked across town to a local Y branch close to our home where we delivered the much needed cargo for the kids.
The next day was light and full of translating and report preparation from French to English and Spanish. In the evening we visited a literacy program run out of a church near my house which is a fantastic initiative, I will post photos some time.
The day after was dedicated to understanding the program areas, how they functioned and gathering photos and videos to aid in the communications project. The programs in the central Dakar YMCA are primarily dealing with youth education. They have over 4 dedicated class room units and 1 in construction (see below, right building) planned to be finished at the end of the month! The kids were fantastic and excited to get their pictures taken once they saw the flash go off!
Anyways thats it for now. This weekend I will visit Thies. A city outside of Dakar.
Until next time!
Pablo
FULL STORY;
Week 2 - Understanding Perceptions and Demographics
Week 3 & 4 - Ile-de-Goree ancient ocean beds and the little differences/
