The Jango Project: Empowering Youth through Education in Rural Senegal
In the sparse and sunny landscape of Agnam Tonguel, a village in rural northern Senegal, the seeds of the Jango Project took their root. The local people expressed need for a preschool, and due to their vision, the project sprouted towards a mission to create opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Today, the Jango Project continues to thrive in Agnam Tonguel, bringing hope and education to the community and expanding its impact with the construction of a second school.
The schools currently serve as hubs for child-care, a safe play space, education centers for both cultural heritage and primary school preparation. Over 70 students attend these schools today. The Senegalese government has deployed professional educated teachers to the school, while local mothers are also employed to facilitate the educational process. The school is also a safe space for students with developmental disabilities to continue their education because they cannot continue into public schools. Parents pay a small fee to keep the schools locally sponsored, and daily lunches are provided to the students in return. Through our initial projects with modest fundraising, we were able to not only provide the infrastructure of the school, but chalkboards, tables, chairs, and other school essentials.
Looking to the future, the Jango Project envisions a nurturing space for children, incorporating nature-based learning through permaculture experiments and cultural events. Plans to build a protective wall around the school grounds aim to provide safety and cultivate an appreciation for the environment and the wonders of life.
In conclusion, the Jango Project's journey in Agnam Tonguel is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. By providing quality education and support to vulnerable youth, the project continues to transform lives and open doors of opportunity for a brighter future in the community.
The school
There was a pressing need for an ecole maternel (preschool) to provide children with a foundation in the French language and their own culture. Additionally, the school was created to support mothers by offering a system of childcare so they could pursue their education and careers. The vision for the Jango Project was born, focusing on empowering disadvantaged youth through quality education.
Despite initial setbacks, the determination and resilience of the village, supported by generous donors, led to the successful establishment of the first school building. With government support and passionate fundraising efforts, the project expanded, constructing a second school adjacent to the first.
The Jango Project has made a significant impact on the community. With over seventy-five students enrolled, the schools serve as educational hubs providing language training, cultural education, and student lunches. Moreover, the schools offer a safe and nurturing space for children, allowing them to spend their time in a safe and stimulating environment that encourages their growth.
Looking to the future
The Jango Project Agnam envisions a nurturing space for children, incorporating nature-based learning through permaculture experiments and cultural events. Plans to build a protective wall around the school grounds aim to provide safety and cultivate an appreciation for the environment and the wonders of life.
In conclusion, the Jango Project's journey in Agnam Tonguel is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. By providing quality education and support to vulnerable youth, the project continues to transform lives and open doors of opportunity for a brighter future in the community.
Our Local Partner
Dieynaba Sy
Village Development Director
Introducing Dieynaba, our original work partner and US Peace Corps local partner. Born on January 1st, Dieynaba is a divorced mother with an extensive education and development background. She is actively involved in her village as a rural community animator and a local product developer. Her focus is on helping local groups transform products to generate microeconomies. Her skill set includes training in local product transformation and marketing, as well as knowledge in agro-ecology, rice cultivation, rural animation, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Her dedication and expertise make her a significant contributor to our mission.