Diapalante, Kaolack Region

You will be teaching English and I.T skills at the Diapalante centre in Kaolack, Central Senegal.

Your Project

Diapalante is located in Kaolack in Central Senegal. A long way off the tourist-track, it is situated on the Saloum River. The city is busy with lively markets, beautiful mosques and well-built roads. Kaolack has large, sandy streets and although taxis are a common means of transport, so are horses and carts! Many people in Kaolack have a strong Muslim faith so you will have a chance to learn more about Islam while becoming fully integrated into Senegalese culture. Whilst French is spoken by some, the primary language here is Wolof so you will quickly develop a basic ability to communicate which will progress throughout your year. 

Run by a British Charity, the centre’s name ‘Diapalante’ is Wolof and means mutual assistance, partnership or solidarity. It is a well-established organisation and has been working with Project Trust for over 10 years. The centre’s focus is on teaching English, and IT skills, but how this is done depends a lot on you. 

You will be teaching English classes to all ages and abilities. The centre has various projects so you may also get involved in teaching IT and writing online blogs and looking after the computers and the library. In recent years, volunteers have been involved in a project creating sanitary products for girls in the local community. The centre is consistently bustling, and the work can be demanding and tough, but you’ll witness a significant impact from your efforts and forge strong friendships with the members. Most members have some level of French (and a lot speak it very well) so your teaching can take place in French, English, and, as your Wolof improves, also in Wolof. The centre’s website and blog can be found online at www.diapalante.org and this will give you a fuller insight into both the charity itself and the work you may be involved in. 

Accommodation

You will live in an apartment 5 minutes walk from the centre where you and your partner will have a shared bedroom. There is also a bathroom with a toilet and shower and spacious shared space. You will eat meals with the Manager of the centre (Mamadou Kane) and his family at their home which is just a two-minute walk up the street and you will find yourself quickly becoming part of the family – spending time drinking ‘Attaya’ (Senegalese tea), meeting friends and practicing your Wolof/French. You’ll find plenty of nearby shops where you can purchase essential items, though the market is always close by and offers everything you need if you know where to find it! 

Your living allowance provided by Project Trust will cover your daily living costs.