Learning for 100 more adults in Senegal.

Today, we want to share with you the everyday but inspiring story of Mariama, a 24-year-old woman, and a member of the Diapalante Centre. Mariama lives with her mother and her younger brother sister. They live in a modest but loving home, supported mainly by the tireless efforts of this determined young woman.

 Like many girls, Mariama left school very early because her late father believed a girl's place was not in school but at home next to her mother.

Mariama explains "Currently, I work at the S M D bakery as a cleaning lady. And in the evenings I sell bottles of local juice (Bouy, Bissap and Ginger) that I prepare with the help of my little sister and my mother.  With the money I earn from the juice, I pay for my brother and sister's school transport and I have a little to manage my simple needs. Their achievements are a source of great pride to me, and every good academic result is a reward for the sacrifices we make every day."

Every morning, Mariama goes to the bakery to do her various chores before returning home to prepare her local juices, which she sells in the neighbourhood. This seemingly modest work is in fact one of the main financial pillars of the family.

"In the bakery where I work, my boss, who is something of a father figure to me, asked me to improve my level of writing and maths so that I could take on more responsibility within the bakery."

Encouraged by this Mariama began to seriously consider resuming her studies, although this was yet another challenge to fit in her busy day. She knew that this could open new doors, not only for herself but also for her family.

“Obtaining a position of responsibility within the bakery as a stock manager will allow me to earn 3 or even 4 times my current income.

Last April, in parallel with my activities, I started to attend the Diapalante Community Education Centre. Since my brother and sister are already members, they invited me to come with them and benefit from the Centre’s activities. Its a place where people like me come to improve their reading and maths skills.

Diapalante is a valuable opportunity for me, providing me with a learning environment with experienced staff who are dedicated to the well-being of the members.  Without the Centre, I would have had to pay for private lessons, which was going to be very difficult.

I have also found other learners here who share the same aspirations, which makes me feel supported in my journey. At first, I thought I would find it hard because I hadn't been in school for a long time.

Since I started attending the Centre I have significantly improved in my level in reading, writing and maths. Joining the Centre has also given me more confidence and allowed me to develop my leadership skills. In short, I will never stop being thankful and praying for Diapalante and its supporters, because the Centre makes a gigantic contribution to our community.”

Links:

• Diapalante website