After our due diligence in research on environment and sustainability in Senegal, we set our goal to implement a tree planter in the community to demonstrate that this is one of various ways to repurpose litter. The objective of the tree planter was to repurpose the water bottles that are littered in the village streets and construct a planter. We started with collecting the water bottles and filled them with any trash and debris littered in the village. Eventually, the project involved the entire community, which orchestrated a beautiful initiative. Students from the school we visited participated, along with the teachers and the headmaster at the school. The children had a lot of fun collecting the water bottles and we also picked the water bottles alongside them. There were many activities during our trip in Senegal that exposed us to the lives of Senegalese people, and it was eye-opening for me to see the lives of Muslims in a different cultural context.
When we arrived in Senegal, the locals were extremely friendly. We had a packed 10 days planned in our itinerary. We stayed at a villa house near the ocean and had crepes and breads every day in the morning with an assortment of jams. Before reaching Mbour, we had the opportunity to learn about the history of Senegal in Dakar on the small island of Gorée. There, the history of the African slave trade was highlighted, and there were prison cells and quarters from that era that were still present. The “Door of No Return” was where the enslaved people would jump out to their deaths. Although they could escape their enslavement, they would not be able to unfortunately escape their deaths oftentimes as it was a jump into the ocean.
After visiting Dakar, we went to our primary destination in Mbour, where we immersed ourselves with the local community. As we toured the Natangué schools, we visited the village of Warang, glimpsed at abandoned houses and school buildings from the side of the road, toured the bazaars, learned about the economic state through small businesses and entrepreneurs, and a daraa (Islamic orphanage). The daraa had students reciting the Qur’an and many of them were there to become hafiz, those who memorize the Qur’an. Often hailing from underprivileged families who are unable to fund their education, many of the children are sent to the daraas for Islamic education and support. At the daraa, our group met the founder, a man of wisdom. Although he had inherited several acres of land from his family when his father had passed away, he chose to prioritize those closest to him. He mentioned that he could have lived like a king in luxury, but he cared more about his community. Therefore, he established an orphanage and school that not only educates but also nurtures and sustains hundreds of children, exemplifying his deep commitment to the welfare of his community.
During our time in Senegal, we encountered countless examples of community leaders and philanthropists who had dedicated their lives to the service of others. It was admirable to meet selfless leaders who invested their time and efforts for the betterment of the community. We met Elena Malagodi, initially from France and the President of Natangué Senegal had dedicated the last two decades of her life to build classrooms in public schools in the community. She resided in a house with her husband in Senegal and they devoted their lives to the community. Another person was a local I met and continue to keep in touch with is Souleye Diouf. He is not only a pious individual, but he dedicates his work to his family and the community as well. He has cultivated various crops in the agricultural fields and showed us the various crops grown such as peanuts, and the methods of growing crops. Additionally, on the day of Jummah, Friday congregation, I went with him to the masjid. I was able to meet women who attended the congregational prayer, and he introduced me to the imam. He continues to contribute to the community and has been supporting new initiatives such as a women’s prayer area.
I was stunned by the expansive fish market with pirogues full of piles of fish. There were various species of fish that I had never seen before sold at individual stalls. I saw a lot of women in the market who were working in the stalls as well, and customers who were looking at which fish to buy. I was impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit of hairdressers we met, as they showed us various hairstyles that they had accomplished. We also met a woman who started her own business selling handmade clothes.
The monumental experience in Senegal allowed me to witness the religion, culture, and the economics and business ventures of the locals who lived there. I was able to meet leaders of the community who devoted and sacrificed their lives to improve the community and revealed the profound commitment to bettering their society. The vibrant fish markets, enterprising artisans, and enthusiastic schoolchildren partaking in our environmental project painted a vibrant representation of Senegal’s resilience and community spirit. This transformative experience deepened my appreciation for cultural richness and the unwavering dedication of those who selflessly serve their communities, leaving an enduring impact on my understanding of collective unity.
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Mayesha Awal received her B.A. in both Psychology and Government from Georgetown University, and her M.S. in Healthcare Management from Indiana University-Bloomington. Prior to working as an Analyst, Mayesha has contributed extensively to international and domestic experiential-learning trips related to public health. She has also worked in a large hospital system, in its continuous improvement department. Overall, Mayesha has developed skills in research, data analysis, project management, and field experience, in her experiences as an intern.
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