Group Service in Ndioukhane

Working with the youth of Ndioukhane has been a marvelous learning experience. We were challenged first with forming our plan of action. We had no idea what the week was supposed to be like for the students or for us. The village was extremely accepting of our presence, but it wasn’t clear exactly what we were supposed to do.

Our goal for the students was for them to have a fun and educational week. The first day of activities provided a fantastic starting block for the adapting program. The lessons we learned from the first day were a wonderful source of new ideas and methods, which we were able to implement in subsequent days. Once the students were divided by age, our lesson plans became far more effective. From singing and dancing to lively songs, to learning and writing new vocabulary, our days were filled with laughing, smiles and fun. 

The community displayed their benevolent hospitality throughout the duration of our stay. Everyone was excited to greet us and test our Wolof vocabulary. As if learning both French and Wolof and the same time wasn’t hard enough, the natives of Ndioukhane are a mix of both Serer and Pular speaking families. My hurried morning walks to the wanag, (toilet) provided a time for me to meet all sorts of exciting locals. I did, of course, prefer the return journey as a time to converse and engage in more lengthy conversations. 

     

I experienced the culmination of Ndioukhane hospitality during my brief home stay with a local family. I was fed three full means in the time it takes to properly digest half of one. Never the less, I arose to the challenge in full appreciation of their generosity. I wasn't too surprised by the second lunch I was fed, but on my return from the wanag, a group of boys beckoned for me to join them for their meal. I was immediately offered a spoon and a place to sit, so as to best attack their platter of food. I ate my fill, again... then left the boys with smiles on their faces and food in their bellies. 

Spending our last night with home stays was a fantastic way to finish off the week. Many of the nearby children recognized me from school, some were even my students! I was given the Senegalese name of Makura, which spread through the village like wildfire. 

This week has been a marvelous introduction to community service in Senegal. We caught a glimpse into the education system by working directly with the village youth. I certainly learned a great dal about my own strengths and weaknesses. I saw how others managed a classroom, and was able to compare that to my own relative successes and shortfalls. Seeing the excitement of the children each day was by far the most rewarding aspect of our week in Ndioukhane. Also the fact that many of our lessons and activities were retained by the students, gives us hope that we truly did make a positive impact on this village.