If you never read any of my other blog entries, I’d ask you to read this one.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me about a special little school that is making a big difference in lives of people living on La Petite Côte.
“This school is changing the way we look at education in Senegal” she explained. “You really have to come and see for yourself in order to understand what is going on.”
Although this country hosts many worthy NGO and grassroots projects, the mention of a new kind of school immediately piqued my interest. After serving as an observer during Senegal’s presidential elections, I retain haunting images of village schoolhouses- many of which I occupied because they served as bureaux de vote on election day. As I watched citizens cast their votes for the next president, I couldn’t help but feel heartsick over the crumbling and overcrowded conditions that are endemic here in the developing world’s classrooms (Click here to see some of the photos that I took of schools). It’s frustrating because in Senegal there is such a thirst to learn, but at the same time there are so many needs that require attention.
Where does one begin to tackle this problem?
Well, after following the advice of my friend, I have learned that the Kémi-Malaïka Foundation is already hard at work in finding a long-term solution to this question and the fruit of their labor is called L’Ecole Kalan, or The Kalan School. Here’s a bit of my day in learning about this project:
Located about two hours outside of Dakar, it’s a trip through the friendly countryside before you arrive in the village of Somone. As we moved past countless half-built concrete structures and twisting sand roads, it didn’t seem like there would be anything terribly remarkable out here. And then we arrived at this gate. The splash of color and big white school bus made you think that you’ve just stumbled across a hidden treasure. And you have.
Although the school was closed for Easter Week vacation, we were given a tour by several members of the Kémi-Malaïka Foundation. From the moment we stepped through the gate, we were greeted warmly by the security guard and several school administrators who were tying up loose ends on this quiet day.
“A school for all- without discrimination.” The objective of the Kalan School is to admit children from all walks of life and social classes and then provide a Franco-Senegalese education that is set in a positive learning environment. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?
The school was inaugurated three years ago, and the grounds comprise three buildings and twelve classrooms- all of it is the result of volunteers and donations from people who believe in the obtainable vision of the Kémi-Malaïka’s Foundation.
And just what is the Kémi-Malaïka Foundation? Well, you can check out their website by clicking here, or I will do my best to translate some of their tenets for you. It’s a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that aims to devise a secular education system that combines an international educational model with the realities of African life. Here at their school in Somone they employ Senegalese teachers and work to find sustainable solutions that not only provides equal access to children of all backgrounds, but the school involve parents (especially mothers) in the education of their children.
Kémi-Malaïka wants their school to serve an example of multicultural and racial scholastic integration, one that is on par with any international school but still fits within the construct that is the Senegalese school system. I saw classrooms that were made up of children who were former talibés (street children) who sat side by side French or toubab children. Parents must pay a tuition to have their children attend school here, but there are also scholarships that aid families with little money. This helps to ensure that this high quality of education is in reach for all.
In one classroom you see letters received from pen-pals in France. El Hadj, the foundation member showing us around said that there is also internet in the school. The kids participate in video calls with their counterparts so that they can see each other and ask questions.
Each classroom holds a maximum of 25 students- a striking difference to what a typical school must contend with this country. As I walk through room after room of donated materials, I can’t help but feel that this is a secure and positive environment that really make the kids love want to learn.
Enrollment starts with the “Maternelle” grade- where kids between the ages of three and four get a running start in life.
I took this shot because I think it perfectly captures Kémi-Malaïka’s understanding of Senegal’s multilayered and multicultural society. Here kids colored pictures of sheep (very reminiscent of Tabaski, a Muslim holiday) and colorful eggs (for Easter, a Christian holiday). Senegal is all about tolerance, and the Kalan School weaves this aspect of life into its curriculum without a second thought.
A look at the library. Again, all of this is comes from donations.
If you checked out my previous blog entry that chronicled the state of bathrooms in Senegal, then you will be impressed by this photo. The brightly colored row of toilet stalls was constructed for the older kids- and an equally clean row was set up for the smaller children- complete with little doors and handles for them to reach. This school really considered the final details when it was laid out.
The importance of hygiene is stressed at school- and children are taught to wash their hands before and after certain activities. You might take small concepts like this for granted, but they count for a whole lot in terms of fostering a healthy life.
The nurse’s office. Again, a small thing that you probably suspect is commonplace all over the world…but really it isn’t. Remember, resources can be very hard to come by when you’re out in a village.
I wanted to take some photos of the posters placed upon the classroom walls. This one says: The Rules of Politeness: 1. Pay attention to others 2. Say hello when you come into a room- be it at home or in class 3. Say thank you when you receive or are given something 4. Say goodbye when you go out or leave friends, the teacher or your parents 5. Say goodnight to your parents and your family 6. Say, “Excuse me/I’m sorry” when you do something wrong 7. Say “Please” 8. Shake a person’s hand when you great a friend or parent
Fire extinguisher were seen throughout the school. I don’t know where else I have seen fire extinguishers in Senegal- even though fire are a real threat out here. The school really works hard to ensure a safe learning environment for their students.
And of course no self-respecting Senegalese school is designed without a soccer pitch…
The students are given bottled water to drink, but they also have a well that holds fresh water. Things like these form the building blocks of life, and you wouldn’t believe how hard many people here have to work just to access to clean water each day. A precious resource, indeed.
I know that I’m posting a lot of photos of the school, but I can’t tell you how uplifting this experience was after seeing so many dilapidated structures while out observing elections. Do you remember the school that had the gaping hole in the roof? Or the school that used empty rice sacks to cover its windows? Here it looks like we have transported to a completely different planet.
I mentioned before that the Kalan School seeks to involve the parents as much as possible in the education of their children. Here they have constructed a “waiting room” for mothers and fathers to sit during parent-teacher conferences.
My friend Safi and I had a rest in the waiting area, and I took the chance to pan across the courtyard that doubles as an eating area and playground for the children during recess.
Rules of Class: 1. I wash my hands before coming into class 2. I raise my hand and wait for permission to speak 3. I respect my classmates, the adults of the school and the coursework 4. I stand up and move only when given permission by the teacher 5. I always bring the necessary material to school in order to do my work properly 6. I have the right to make mistakes, to ask for help and to help others 7. I have the right to work without being disturbed 8. I have the right to express myself freely when I have permission to speak 9. I have the right to play and to have a snack only during recess 10. My pencil case always stays in class
A computer room with internet.
The birthdays of the children in this class.
Fostering a sense of inclusion does not end in the classroom. At lunch the teachers and administrators all cook, eat, and clean up together as one team. This kind of relationship-building really helps to forge strong bonds and creates sense of ownership between the faculty.
…and their work is still not done! Here, another classroom is in the process of being built…and they have plans to expand their efforts. I will tell you that as an NGO, they continue to seek the help of people (ahem, that’s YOU and ME) who believe in their cause.
Goofing around with Costa, the Foundation’s creator.
After seeing all of this good work, I will tell you that I was both awe-struck and humbled at the countless stories and sights at this modest little school. I’ll admit that on more than several occasions I thought to myself, “What the heck am I doing with my life?” as I listened to the committed members of the Kémi-Malaïka team. I’m still working on figuring out how I can best tie myself into this cause- because I can tell you that after only a short amount of time spent with these folks, I want to get involved. This is a lasting solution that is not only doable, but it is being done right now.
Every child deserves to have this opportunity, and it is only through our actions that we’ll be able to shape the future.
Do you want to help? Click here or here to learn more. It’s in French- but I’d be more than happy to help you with the translation. It will be one small but worthwhile step in joining this great cause.
