Press release

USAID, Counterpart International deliver $150,000 in donated school supplies, clothing to needy Senegalese students

DOUMGALAW, March 21, 2007 -- The people of the United States have donated $150,000 (75 million FCFA) in school and personal hygiene supplies, clothing and shoes to assist needy young Muslim students in northern Senegal as part of a USAID-financed project supporting Koranic schools in the Podor area.

At a ceremony in Doumgalaw today, religious leaders representing their communities received the supplies donated by school and community groups in virtually all regions of the United States. The goods filled a 40-foot container. USAID/Senegal contributed $10,000 towards the donation activity, and USAID’s implementing partner, Counterpart International, made all logistical arrangements to collect and transport the materials.

Packed carefully by American volunteers, the shipment includes 100 boxes of shoes, 100 boxes of clothing for children and young adults, 900 packages of personal care item – bandages, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, tissues – and 100 packs of school supplies, each including notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, pens, erasers, rulers, and scissors.

The donation brings additional impact to the 18-month USAID project, which helps improve students’ living and learning conditions through better health and nutrition and strengthen community participation in the schools to ensure that children receive proper care.

Since August 2006, nearly 4,000 students at nine Koranic schools have enjoyed a warm meal every day made from American wheat and rice.

In recent months, the U.S. Government through USAID has also provided first aid kits, water filters, and hundreds of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to fight malaria and funds to build or repair classrooms and latrines. Students also benefit from deworming treatment twice a year.

Program staff members are also helping develop a modern curriculum covering mathematics, life skills subjects, vocational training, health and HIV/AIDS prevention techniques, and income generating activities.

Read more about the project.

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