April 16, 2019
Today was full and beautiful. It started with a presentation by Mouhamadou Diouf , the in-country consultant for TGC. The presentation had two key components. First, he discussed the history of education in Senegal. We learned that the current educational system in the country began in the nineteenth century when it was colonized by France. Education in Senegal is now administered through the National Minister of Education. We learned that certain ethnic groups had their own educational system before French colonization. For example, the Jollah people implemented a system in which children were taken to the forest and taught morality and cultural traditions. In the second portion of the presentation. Mr. Diouf discussed the structure of Senegalese education. Senegal has an academic inspector in each of its 14 regions. The inspectors approve lesson plans, administer curriculum, and assist with educational planning for the region. Despite many efforts to improve education around the country, students are performing worse than previous years. Throughout the presentation, it was clear that Senegalese students face some of the same challenges as students in America. After the workshop, we had the pleasure of visiting Centre Regional de Formation des Personnels de Education. The center is known for providing teachers with exceptional preparation. The administration chooses a cohort of apprentice teachers each year. The process is very selective which means that only the best prospects are offered admission. According to the program’s head administrator, prospective teachers should be competent, professional, and punctual. Our last excursion of the day was to the Monument de la Renaissance. The monument was built between 2008-2010. It stands at an astounding 49 meters tall. My 204 step journey to the monument’s museum was challenging, yet well worth it. We had the opportunity to explore the exhibits and discuss African history and culture.
April 17, 2019
Today was all about secondary schools. Both schools are considered to be among the best in Dakar . I noticed how nurtured the students seemed. Senegal is a place where the whole child is educated. We visited Lycee Technique D’industrie Maurice Delafosse Vocational School that morning. Students were happily working on various projects around the school. There was time in the schedule for them to have lunch and socialize with friends. At Lycee Galandou Diouf High School, students discussed the importance of participating in English clubs. During club meetings, student practice speaking English. The clubs are headed by student- elected presidents. Perhaps the students will build learning exchange communities with U.S. students. This would give both groups an opportunity to learn from one another. We ended our evening with an amazing dinner at the home of our in-country consultant, Aissatou Ba. It was a culinary and cultural experience I will never forget! Couscous, fish, and rice were a few of the delicious dishes we ate.
April 18, 2019
The West African Research Center is an interesting place. It serves as the logistical hub for West African research in Sub-Saharan Africa. We had the pleasure of engaging in a very vibrant conversation with Ousmane Sene, the center’s director. He discussed the purpose of the center and how we could solicit support if necessary. Mr. Sene reflected on the importance of visiting places and connecting with people as opposed to simply relying on second-hand information. I completely agree with his sentiments. Connections rule out the single story notion. Later, we visited Ecole Les Hirondelles Elementary School. The children were beautiful and amazing as they performed a skit to highlight the importance of peace and harmony in Senegal. We visited various classrooms in the school. The children recited different songs and speeches they had learned in class. I was blown away by the architecture of the school. The open air model allows sunlight to permeate throughout the building. This gives the school a feeling of joy and tranquility.
April 19, 2019
Today marks the end of our first week in Dakar. How amazing it has been! I have grown so much. It completely blows my mind that I am actually here. I wish I could somehow take this entire experience and put it in a bottle safe keeping. For now, journaling, pictures, and videos will have to do. Tomorrow I am on my way to Saint Louis. I know that it is a town on the Senegal River. There are a total of six fellows placed in this city. I’m sure there will be many adventures.
April 20, 2019
The Saint Louis and Louga groups were allowed to visit Bandia Park. How amazing it was! We went on safari and encountered a family of giraffes moving through the park. Very few words can describe the majesty of this experience. Absolutely amazing! Our last stop was Saint Louis. I met my host teacher, Fatoumata Diop. How wonderful it is to finally meet her in person. She has a sincere spirit, and I look forward to working alongside her this week. We are at staying at Hotel de la Poste. This place is pretty classic. It has that turn of the century charm. I look forward to all the surprises that the next few days will bring.
April 21, 2019
Fatoumata invited us to an annual family meeting at her late grandmother’s home. I met aunties, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc. They were warm and welcoming. I was able to observe aspects of Senegalese culture. For example, a child must shake the hand of every adult in the room he/she enters. We also ate the traditional Senegalese dish of ceebu jen. It was delicious, and we ate in the traditional Senegalese manner. Everyone ate from a single round dish. The whole experience reminded me of reunions in my own family when we gather and celebrate as one. We also rode through the city of Saint Louis in a horse drawn carriage. Saint Louis is a bustling city filled with many sights and sounds. Children cheerfully play while mothers and fathers shop for food, clothing, and other items. Saint Louis is a very compact city. It move very fast.
April 22, 2019
The Dioudj Bird Park took us to the country side. The winding path leading to the park was an adventure. The park was amazing. We sailed down a tributary of the Senegal River in a canoe. I was able to get an up close view of pelicans, warthogs, and fisherman eagles. In addition to our visit to the park, we visited one of the fabric shops in town. Vibrant colors were everywhere and the options were endless. I had difficult time selecting. Our time in St Louis is limited therefore I don’t have the luxury of being indecisive. It takes me a while to process things, and I only have this week to take it all in. I hope I don’t miss anything.
April 23, 2019
Today we met one section of my host teacher’s seventh grades classes. Very interesting group I must say. I see the children in my community when I look into their faces. The mannerisms, the shyness, and the angst are all the same. Even though I know very little French or Wolof, I was able to communicate quite well with the students. They are very much like American students. They love to interact with their friends and engage in group activities. I had a wonderful time working with them. This evening we had a chance to visit a famous Senegalese artist. We went to his home, and he created a work of art using a silk sheet. It was truly amazing. He allowed us to make our own copies if the St. Louis Bridge. What I treat!
April 24, 2019
Today was extremely full. We were guests at a program that brought attention to a deadly disease plaguing rural communities in St. Louis. Bilzaria is spread through contaminated freshwater. The children performed skits in an effort to bring awareness to the disease. Many prominent community members attended the event. It was an honor and a privilege to attend the program. Later that evening,we went to a sabar. A sabar involves drums and traditional Senegalese dance. My cohort members and I were asked to dance. I think I did a great job!
April 25, 2019
Today was co-teach day. I think it went really well. I particularly enjoyed teaching the lesson on clothes and colors. The students enjoyed the lesson, and they understood the content. I regret not having more visuals. It was impossible to get all my materials on the plane. Even so, the lessons went very well I think.
April 26, 2019
Today was the last day at Fatoumata’s school. What a wonderful place. Their warm faces will stay with me forever. Mr. Faye’s English class was great. He is such an amazing teacher. His style of teaching is similar to mine. It’s all about strategy, not flash and fancy gadgets. A great teacher does not need bells and whistles to get the job done. Fatoumata hosted an amazing dinner for us at her home. We dressed in our tailor-made attire, ate a delicious meal, and listened to a live performance from a local artist. He was very talented. I felt so grateful today. It has been such a privilege. I can’t believe we’re heading back to Dakar tomorrow.
April 27, 2019
We got off to an early start, and I secretly cried on our way back to Dakar. I have truly lived during my time in Saint Louis. Because of this experience, I have grown both personally and professionally. Relationships have been very important for me this week. My connections with both Senegalese and American teachers have ushered me along the way. Saint Louis will truly be missed. Upon arrival in Dakar, we visited the Place du Souvenir. It was amazing. The monument of the Continent was beautiful as it glistened under the Senegalese sun. We also visited a museum that celebrated the accomplishments of African women. Our day was topped off with dinner at La Calebasse Restaurant. The restaurant was beautifully designed. Unfortunately, my phone was full, and I was unable to get any cool pictures.
April 29, 2019
Today we visited Goree Island. It was the place of departure for many enslaved Africans before their horrific voyage to the Americas.This experience was very personal and deeply moving. It was about understanding my ancestry. I wondered how I would discuss this experience with my family. I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to “return” and make peace on behalf of all my people who fought, bleed, and died during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. After Goree Island, we dressed in our African attire for the farewell dinner at Terrou Bi Restaurant. I enjoyed engaging with members in our cohort. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow we will leave Senegal.
April 30, 2019
This morning I woke up knowing that my experience in Senegal as a TGC fellow had come to an end. I began to grieve the finality of my IFE. Our journey back to the United States would begin promptly at 9:30 p.m.With this in mind, I savored every moment of the day. My mission was to pay special attention to the faces of people I will likely never see again, spaces in which I will no longer occupy, sights and sounds that I will no longer see or hear. I was very alert and attentive during my visit to The Museum of African Civilization. The museum allows visitors to travel through African history. The artifacts were amazing. In addition to visiting the museum, we also shopped and explored downtown Dakar. Oh, how I long for two more weeks here!
June 2, 2019
A few cohort members had a Whatapp chat yesterday. We all miss Senegal terribly! I think it’s the warmth of the Senegalese people that we miss the most. My goal is to one day go back with my husband and son. I want them to experience the teranga of Senegal!
Tanisha Travels 