By Hugh Halfhide | British volunteer with Maison de la Gare
Hugh enlists friends from around the world to make a permanent contribution to the talibé children
When I arrived in Saint-Louis, I expected a meaningful few months as part of my year abroad studying modern languages. What I didn’t expect was to leave three months later having built a library, run a half marathon in traditional Senegalese attire, and developed a deep affection for the talibé children and the work of Maison de la Gare.
Building the library
The idea for the library emerged during my first weeks at the centre. I noticed that the children had very limited indoor space where they could relax, read, or learn outside their scheduled classes. There was an unused room with potential, and I felt compelled to transform it into something meaningful—a safe, welcoming space where the children could discover books, broaden their minds, and simply be kids.
The project was not without challenges. We uncovered significant water damage in the walls that required extensive repairs. Painters sometimes didn’t show up, and I quickly learned that Senegalese timelines operate very differently from what I was used to. But with persistence, local craftsmanship, and the unwavering support of the Maison de la Gare team, we kept moving forward.
We designed the library to be both functional and culturally resonant. Comfortable sofas and bean bags, custom-built bookshelves filled with French and English books, warm lighting, colourful rugs, and a mural celebrating Saint-Louis and Senegalese culture all came together to create a vibrant, inviting space. We added a television for educational materials and displayed local artwork—every element chosen to inspire curiosity and make the children feel valued.
Fundraising from afar
To fund the project, I launched a GlobalGiving campaign and reached out to friends and family around the world. I also created an Instagram page to document my three-month journey in Senegal and used it to promote the fundraiser. I wanted the account to be personal, engaging, and entertaining, so I set myself a series of fundraising challenges.
The first was the “market food challenge,” where a local guide took me through the Saint-Louis market to sample some of the most unusual foods Senegal has to offer. I ate raw dried fish, fish eyes, and even the hottest chilli pepper available—an experience I won’t soon forget.
Next, I learned to cook thieboudienne, Senegal’s national dish, under the patient guidance of Yama, the housekeeper in my host family’s home. I genuinely enjoyed the process, though I suspect the dish is best left to the experts.
The final challenge was a half marathon across Saint-Louis—run in traditional Senegalese attire, complete with a prayer gown about five sizes too big and held up with string. It wasn’t my most dignified moment, but the support was incredible. Kalidou ran the entire distance with me without breaking a sweat, while Lalla and El Hadj followed on a motorcycle filming the journey. The children were waiting at the finish line to cheer me on, making every painful step worthwhile (click here to watch the video of Hugh’s run).
Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we raised the funds needed to complete the library—a space the children now actively choose to spend time in.
Life at Maison de la Gare
Beyond the library, my time at Maison de la Gare was filled with meaningful work and unforgettable moments. I taught English to talibé boys who were eager to learn despite the hardships they endure. I supported the microfinance programme by helping track loans and encourage local entrepreneurship. I refereed countless soccer matches, although my performance in the staff match against the local police left much to be desired—the police won decisively, and I quickly realised I was out of my depth in football-loving Senegal. But the children were all there to watch and cheer, and the energy and joy in the air were unforgettable.
I was also fortunate to be hosted by the Diop family—Jules, Astelle, and their children Soraya, Samba, and Astou. Their warmth, kindness, and hospitality made my time in Senegal feel like a true home away from home.
A lasting impact
The library is now complete and ready to serve the children of Maison de la Gare for years to come. It is a space where they can read, learn, rest, and imagine futures beyond the streets. Inspired by the story of Kalidou—a former talibé who taught himself to read using the centre’s original library and now works as a teacher at Maison de la Gare—I hope this new library will spark many more stories of transformation and hope.
This project would not have been possible without the dedication of Maison de la Gare's team, the generosity of donors around the world, and the resilience and spirit of the talibé children themselves.
I arrived in Senegal as a volunteer. I leave as someone profoundly changed by this experience, deeply grateful to have played a small part in the vital work that Maison de la Gare does every day.
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