Chance For All in an African Magical Classroom

Countries around the world celebrate women during the month of March with the international women’s day. However often in times the focus is too much on women and girls here. Still women’s conditions cannot be improved without an increased consciousness from men. In our centre, for the month of April, we decided to sensitize our young boys on girls and women issues and challenges.

We believe that change will only be possible if boys are taught very early the importance to respect girls and women. So we organized discussions around women’s rights and shared with the kids stories of inspiring Senegalese women. To better raise awareness on critical issues, discussions were also held to tackle issues such as consequences of early marriages or school dropouts for girls.

As boys who are already out of the French academic systems, the boys may not always be sensitive to girls education. In some areas, the place of the girl is still in the kitchen and her future is about taking care of her husband and children. Often, men do not really understand the importance of education for themselves; educating a girl cannot thus be a priority.

Changing behaviors and beliefs seems to be difficult but it is important to start talking with children very early on this issues. This can even avoid abuse between children and may help to reach new milestones in the fight against violence against women. Change is only possible if we involve men in the fight. Involving men in the fight for better conditions is important and critical.

Our second focus was to extend our coverage areas and reach more children. Talibe children do not always receive proper care, they sometimes have wounds that they hide. Such situations may put them in danger as the wounds can evolve into dangerous infections. We visited more areas to meet some of the talibe children we do not usually see. We hoped to gain their trust after discussions and then proceed with the wounds. We hope that after the discussions, the talibes children will be more conscious of the importance of their health and will decide to seek care when needed