Blogs from Kaolack Region, Senegal, Africa

There was a SABAAR dance recently I was able to attend. Pictures included. Tried to do video but I need more training from videographer son to do better on that. It was energizing and exciting. People sit in a circle and drummers get going. There is some challenging between dancers and drummers to see who can outdo and keep up with the other; drummers seem to have an edge on that. At first many kids were dancing but gradually only one or a few at a time got up. It was organized by 10000 Girls and the staff there came DRESSED for the occasion. It was Friday, when many people are in Sunday best (it is a work day, but the Muslim holy day). Those expecting to dance also wore leggins. The biggie now for me ... read more

Happy Mother's Day to all who have mothered anyone, in any way. WRESTLING A couple of teachers told me there was wrestling tournament and I should go. When I hear that I am inclined to follow the suggestion. The football (soccer) field where this was to be held was crowded with a wall of spectators preventing even a glimpse of the action. The PE teacher-trainer from the education office was one of those in charge. He got me up on the grandstand. This was going to be very worthwhile experience. This was traditional wrestling, similar to Olympics and to Sumo wrestlers. There was a semi circle area, with sand as its ground, where competition took place. It was about 60 feet in diameter, surrounded by portable barricades. Gradually, as more people came to sit in front ... read more

NGALLAH Similar to turkey leftovers after Thanksgiving, I've had a good amount of ngallah. This is a millet, peanut, and baobab fruit mixture that Christians make for Easter to give Muslims, to share and express friendship. I'm not sure if it more welcome than Christmas fruit cakes. It is a tasty, rich, heavy food so I could only have small servings at a time. Some make it like a thick soup, others more of pudding consistency. THINKING AGAIN While things were in slow-mo because of Easter break, I've gone into a dangerous area-- thinking.* Part of my reason for going overseas was to go look for myself. Athome I pushed aside some parts and did not pay attention to them. Here, I can't avoid meeting my thoughts, reactions, and feelings. There are new conditions, practices, events, ... read more

DIOHINE Diohine is a village that could not be on a road map, because there is no road. The way there is 10 kilometers of paths through fields. It is a mystery to me that anyone can find it since there are many turns and few landmarks. The place chosen by USAID for an official visit is a model school: well-built, state of the art equipment (with internet access in the technology lab) an enthusiastic administration, very supportive community, kids who are doing well in national exams. This middle school began by in 1 classroom. Until the community shows itself serious about getting a school, things go no further. They wanted the kids to have education without going away from home. The government added resources and USAID helped more. One of its greatest successes is with ... read more

This past week I went to visit several town and villages. Again there are many contrasts. I went with the program 10000 Girls to deliver bags and books for girls. Older girls make bookbags and supplies are put in them. Books are for tutoring sessions for exams students must pass to go from one level of education to another. Comparable to going from elementary school to middle to high school and on. The person I traveled with was Kate, a former Peace Corps volunteer to the area. Since volunteers live in the village, she was adopted where we visited. There is something different about the people in the village compared to urban populations. Perhaps they are more open and welcoming. They know each other well and there is a feeling of solidarity among them. To reach ... read more