Learning for 100 more adults in Senegal.

This report highlights Oumy's journey. At 33, she is a powerful example of perseverance in overcoming barriers to education and personal independence.

Profile

• Name: Oumy
• Age: 33
• Marital status: Single, with no children
• Education: No formal schooling
• Occupation: Street cleaner

Oumy has a profound desire to learn to read and write. As she explains: “I dream of being able to read and write. One day, I decided it was time to change my life.” This moment of resolve led her to join the Diapalante Centre, which she describes as “a welcoming place where people come together to learn.”

A defining feature of the Centre is that all activities are provided entirely free of charge, enabling Oumy and others to access education without financial constraint.

Having been a member for just over six weeks, Oumy attends the centre three times a week, always arriving with a smile and a clear sense of purpose. She is especially drawn to reading activities, motivated by the hope that one day she will be able to read stories to her future children. Her determination is evident in her words: “I am determined to succeed and turn my dream into reality.”

Her progress to date has been impressive. Oumy can now recite, recognise and write all the letters of the alphabet, in both upper and lower case, using her phone. She is also able to distinguish between vowels and consonants. In regular practice between lessons, Oumy successfully completes syllable dictation exercises set by her main teacher, Tata Nafy.

Oumy relies on her phone for communication. She still finds reading and writing messages challenging, and occasionally seeks help to understand them. Her commitment to attending the Diapalante Centre is driven by a clear determination to overcome these difficulties.

During her time at the Centre, Oumy has embraced the saying “Jàng du wees” — “it is never too late to learn.” She feels encouraged by her fellow learners and actively shares her experiences, strengthening both her confidence and her sense of belonging.

Conclusion
Oumy’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Her experience at the Diapalante Centre illustrates the transformative power of education, particularly when supported by a strong sense of community. By accompanying her in her learning, we are helping to turn her aspirations into reality. The centre also fosters meaningful connections between members, reinforcing mutual support—an essential element in Oumy’s progress and in the development of all who attend.