Learning for 100 more adults in Senegal.

Ablaye's Inspiring Journey at the Diapalante Community Education Centre

As Coordinator of the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Ndorong, Kaolack, I would like to share Ablaye's story as a powerful example of the impact that the Learning for 100 More Adults project is having on individuals and their communities.

At 24 years old, Ablaye, affectionately known as "Abau" by his friends, is a husband and father to a young daughter. He comes from Ndiebel, a village located around 30 kilometres from Kaolack. The second son in a large family, he grew up with three sisters, two brothers and three half-brothers.

Like many young people in his community, Ablaye never had the opportunity to attend school. His father wanted him to focus on studying the Quran, and during the rainy season he also helped with the family's farming activities.

After completing his Quranic studies in 2018, Ablaye began looking for ways to earn a living. He started selling mobile phone accessories in weekly markets across the region. For several years this enabled him to support himself, but the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made it increasingly difficult to continue his business.

In 2022, he decided to move to Kaolack to join his uncle, who worked as a team leader in a local bakery. This marked the beginning of an exceptionally demanding routine.

Today, Ablaye juggles several jobs to support his family. He works in the bakery in the morning, drives a bicycle taxi during the afternoon, and returns to the bakery in the evening. At weekends, however, he takes on a different role altogether: he becomes a student at the Diapalante Community Education Centre.

Choosing Education to Build a Better Future

Despite his busy schedule, Ablaye recognised that not being able to read and write in French, Senegal's official language, was limiting his opportunities. He wanted to take on more responsibility in the bakery and improve his prospects for the future.

Through a friend, he learned about the Diapalante Community Education Centre and decided to dedicate his weekends to learning to read, write and use basic numeracy skills.

"I work almost all week, but I realised I had to find time to learn. I want to be able to read, write and calculate so that I am no longer limited in my work and can take on greater responsibilities."

Small Steps, Big Progress

Since joining the centre, Ablaye has made encouraging progress. Over four months he has learnt to recognise all the letters of the alphabet and is beginning to read and write simple syllables and words. Using his mobile phone, he practises regularly with examples such as BA, BAL, LABA, MA, MAL and MALI.

He is also learning how to use a calculator, a practical skill that is proving valuable in his daily work.

For Ablaye, these achievements represent far more than learning new skills. They have boosted his confidence and transformed the way he sees himself and his future.

"Before, I thought I would never be able to learn because I had never been to school. Now I recognise letters, I can read simple syllables and write using my phone. It gives me the confidence and motivation to keep going."

His progress is a powerful reminder that learning can begin at any age. It shows that, despite work commitments, family responsibilities and past challenges, it is never too late to gain an education.

A Second Chance That Changes Lives

Today, Ablaye sees the Diapalante Community Education Centre as a life-changing opportunity, not only for himself but for many other adults in the community.

"It is a real opportunity for us to have this centre in our community. It gives us the chance to learn what we missed out on when we were children."

Ablaye's journey perfectly illustrates the impact of the Learning for 100 More Adults project. By providing adults with a second chance to learn, the programme is helping people develop literacy and numeracy skills, build confidence, increase their independence and improve their employment opportunities.

Stories like Ablaye's demonstrate why this work matters. Through the support of our donors, the Diapalante Community Education Centre continues to be a place of learning, inclusion and social transformation, where adults who were denied an education earlier in life can rediscover the joy of learning and look to the future with greater confidence, dignity and hope.

Thank you for making stories like Ablaye's possible. Your support is helping adults across the community gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.