By Chris Nithiananthan | Corporate Account Executive
Progress report
Education and economic development in Senegal
October 2011
Plan to change the world
Plan recognizes that with quality education and economic security, children and their parents can break the cycle of poverty. This is particularly true for girls and women, who are known to use their education and income to improve the lives of those around them and become agents for positive change. Plan has therefore launched an extensive project in Senegal that will increase children’s access to basic education, as well as help youth and women develop the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their livelihoods.
As you know, your very generous contribution to this project was matched by the Government of Canada 3:1, increasing the value and impact of your philanthropic investment. We are pleased to provide you with a progress report on the results your gift has helped achieve to date.
Review of the need and project goal
In 2008, more than 40% of children in Senegal did not complete primary school. With a lack of qualified teachers, learning materials, and even basic amenities like running water, the country’s school system is not capable of maintaining high attendance rates.
Without a primary or secondary education, young people out of school are less capable of developing marketable skills and finding jobs. Those who can earn money often lack access to financial services to help start businesses and save money. This is especially true for women in rural areas, who have limited resources and support for income-generating activities.
To address these challenges, this multifacted project is refurbishing schools with new classrooms, latrines, water points, playgrounds, gardens and libraries in three regions of Senegal: Thies, Saint Louis, and Kaolak. In order to promote economic security in these areas, the project will construct and equip credit unions, as well as provide agricultural training, tools and support for women to cultivate food and increase their income.
Impact – results made possible by your gift
In this project’s first year of implementation, much attention was paid to establishing work plans and conducting community outreach to ensure future success. Plan’s goals for children participation, gender equity, environmental preservation, and local capacity building featured strongly in this foundational year.
Before construction could begin in the three regions, environmental impact assessments were conducted on the school grounds. Building is now underway for 40 classrooms – 10 in St. Louis, 13 in Thies, 17 in Kaolack – and is expected to be complete in time for the next school year in November 2011. The school environments are being enhanced with water points, new school textbooks, and planted trees. In addition, teachers and school directors have been trained on child rights and gender equality, and 8,000 students received medical examinations.
Moving Forward
This project spans five years and is now entering its second year of implementation. This year, school construction and teacher training will continue, and activities to improve the vocational and entrepreneurial skills of women and youth will begin. These activities include microcredit programs, which will help participants get low-interest loans for farming supplies, vocational training, or start-up capital for small businesses.
Thank you
Once again, thank you for being part of this important project that is bringing quality education and economic opportunity to children, youth and women in Senegal. Your gift is helping to ensure that girls and boys can stay in school, and families can earn more money to build brighter futures.
Above: School children in Senegal happy to receive new books and supplies
from Plan International.
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