Lucie and Manon spend time with talibé children during recreational activities in Maison de la Gare’s courtyard.
Teaching English in Senegal: A Heartfelt Journey of Connection, Growth, and Transformation
Manon Very and Lucie Delorme had only a faint clue of what awaited them in Saint-Louis, Senegal, at the Maison de la Gare center. Upon arrival, they were confronted with the harsh realities faced by the talibé children — young boys who have been sent by their village parents (often because of insufficient food to feed their children) to live in religious communities called daaras, where it is hoped they will receive an education.
The reality is far too often that the children receive no traditional education and are often abused by the daara leader (called “maribout”). Because of the mistreatment and awful conditions of many of the daaras, many children run away, ending up alone on the street.
Maison de la Gare’s “night watch” personnel find these children and offer them food and a safe place to sleep. This is often the beginning of a long association with MDG, where they are cared for and taught English and French, as well as many other necessities of life in Senegal.
Lucie with her student during an English lesson.
It quickly became apparent to Manon and Lucie that their efforts would not only involve teaching the children English but also providing much-needed comfort and care. From teaching simple hygiene to putting bandages on scrapes and wounds to playing games after mealtimes, the two found themselves involved in children’s lives in many ways.
Manon provides compassionate care as she
tends to an injury to a young child
It was a place where young boys were given a chance to be what they truly were — children eager to learn, laugh, play, smile, and love and be loved.
Keep reading to learn why teaching English in Senegal is so important for the children at the Maison de la Gare center in Saint-Louis.
Why Teach English in Senegal?
As a volunteer teaching English in Senegal, you will help others achieve confidence and self-empowerment through education. You will have a lasting impact on your students’ lives and your own.
Additional reasons to consider teaching English in Senegal include:
- Cultural exchange and enlightenment.
- Personal growth and fulfillment.
- Contributing to international collaboration.
- Build your communication skills and those of your students.
- Broadening your perspective.
- Supporting economic development and advancement of social opportunities.
- It’s fun!
There are countless reasons why you might want to teach English in Senegal. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people who are eager to share their culture and learn about the world. Let’s talk about why learning English may be important for individuals and communities within Senegal.
Discussion on Teaching English in Senegal Compared to Other Parts of Africa
The most stark difference between teaching English in Senegal is that Senegal lived under the banner of France during colonization and, therefore, adopted French as its official language. This means French is used in most media, certified education, and for administrative purposes.
While Wolof and other native languages are most often spoken in the home, French is the official language of Senegal. This language, a remnant of French colonization, is taught in public schools throughout the country. While necessary for advancement, there is also resentment at still being under French influence.
On the other hand, English is seen as a liberating factor (not to mention just plain “cool”!) and is quickly growing in tourism, trade, business, and international exchange. English is typically taught as a foreign language at a post-basic education level.
Another distinction that makes teaching English in Senegal different from other countries is that it is one of the most language-diverse countries in West Africa. With several different ethnic groups and six officially recognized local languages spoken throughout the country (Pular, Serere, Wolof, Diola, Soninke, and Manding,) Senegal’s cultural and ethnic diversity makes the country a remarkable lingual landscape.
Yet, immersing yourself in the local cultures and languages of Senegal as you volunteer and teach English is immensely rewarding. You might even find yourself learning a bit of one of the local languages!
As an English teacher in Senegal, you’ll discover that teaching a secondary language here is both fun and rewarding. You will find your students hungry to learn and eager to teach you about Senegal and their culture as you play a meaningful part in the advancement of their future.
The Impact of Teaching English in Senegal
Learning English or other Western languages can expand social and financial opportunities for many people living in Africa. A 2011 study commissioned by the British Council revealed that learning English in a developing country may increase an individual’s earning power by up to 25%.
Learning English as a Senegalese native also opens doors for potential career advancement.
Due to its geographical position, Senegal is known as the “Door to West Africa.” Because of this, English is particularly used in business, trade, and international exchange, as well as with Senegal’s neighboring country, Gambia, whose official language is English.
Learning English opens new worlds and opportunities to the people of Senegal, and you will play an important role in teaching English, a language that they are eager to learn.
Sulamyan’s Story
Meet Sulayman.
Sulayman was born in Gambia, West Africa, as the third son in a family of seven children. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he was subjected to forced labor and later became a talibé. Despite the harshness of his life, Sulayman always dreamed of receiving a proper education.
Sulayman was sent to a daara led by a strict marabout. There, he faced beatings and worked long hours in the fields, living in overcrowded conditions with hundreds of other talibés.
Sulayman was later taken to Saint-Louis, Senegal, to continue his Quranic education. There, he continued to struggle in the daara, doing hard labor and being forced to beg on the streets. But in time, he also discovered Maison de la Gare, where he was offered support and safety. In spite of feeling initially overwhelmed, Sulayman began to learn English. After a time, he adjusted to his new home and took up karate, which became a source of strength.
Sulyaman receives a yellow belt in karate
from his sensei, Robbie.
After a failed attempt to escape poverty in Senegal by fleeing to Europe, Sulayman returned to Saint-Louis and fully embraced the education he had dreamed of.
With his grasp of the English language and encouragement from his friends and teachers, Sulayman returned to Gambia to enroll in school. Today, he has completed high school and hopes to pass the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He dreams of continuing his education at a university, determined to create a better future for himself and his family.
Sulayman’s is just one of the many stories of how learning English through Maison de la Gare positively influenced his life. The volunteers may have helped him obtain the education and care he needed to overcome his situation. Still, it was Sulayman’s determination and hope for a better life that allowed him to finally get what he wanted and deserved in the first place — quality education and a better life outside of the Daaras.
Sulyaman with his teacher, Abdou Soumaré.
Requirements for Teaching English in Senegal
If you would like to assist Maison de la Gare with its English education program to help children like Sulayman, Friends of Senegal invites you to apply for a volunteer position. Here are the following requirements for becoming a volunteer English teacher in Senegal:
- Must have excellent written and oral skills in French and English.
- Must have passion and an aptitude for working with children.
- Experience with teaching or tutoring is not required but would be a strong bonus.
Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and innovative with their teaching efforts as long as they do not interfere with regular educational activities.
Volunteers with Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare spend roughly 40 hours a week with and caring for talibé children. Volunteers may stay from two weeks to two months, but a minimum of one month is highly encouraged.
As a volunteer with MDG and FOS, you can choose to stay with a host family or at one of the many auberges in Saint Louis.
Not Sure If Teaching English in Senegal Is Right For You? There Are Other Options To Consider
Maison de la Gare has multiple volunteer options involving:
- Sports
- Art, music, and excursions
- Healthcare and hygiene
- Gardening and site development
To learn more about your options, speak with a representative from Maison de la Gare or Friends of Senegal. Please check out our volunteer handbook for more details.
Embark on a Transformative Journey: Teach English in Senegal with Friends of Senegal and Maison de la Gare
Maison de la Gare is a non-profit, non-denominational, and non-political, non-governmental organization founded in 2007 by ten young Senegalese men and women who were determined to improve the lives of children living on the streets of Saint-Louis.
Maison de la Gare’s team works to help children integrate into Senegalese society through education, professional training, and sports and arts activities.
Friends of Senegal partnered with Maison de la Gare in 2020 to create a microfinance program to help men and women start or expand small businesses, escape poverty caused by widespread unemployment, and engage more Northern Americans and Europeans in its humanitarian efforts.
Every program at MDG and FOS is piloted by volunteers. We need passionate people to step forward and help us continue our mission of improving Senegal’s vulnerable communities. Whether you volunteer or contribute through donations, your efforts can significantly assist our efforts.
We invite you to inquire about our volunteer program or donate today.
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