Learning a trade and preparing for the future:
Young Senegalese gain skills in plumbing, sewing, and carpentry

Alassane Diop (left), learns how to trim and fit a pipe as part of his vocational training program financed by USAID/Senegal. Photo by Counterpart International

In Senegal, it’s one thing to get an education. But with an unemployment rate of 48%, it’s yet another challenge to get a job.  USAID is working to help young people become educated and skilled members of society – a new generation of citizens who have what it takes to make a living and contribute positively to their community and nation.

For the past three years, Alassane Diop has been a student at a small community-based school located in the village of Doumga Lao in northern Senegal. Originally from the small fishing village of Waande on the banks of the Senegal River which marks that border with Mauritania, Alassane’s family rely on fishing, herding and farming to survive.  In 2006 Alassane’s school was one of eight chosen to participate in the USAID-funded vulnerable school program changing the lives of Alassane and all the students who attend Doumga Lao. In addition to his homework assignments, Alassane is learning valuable plumbing skills that will help him become a plumber.

“With this training we now have the opportunity to learn how to become plumbers.  This will help us later in life as we will have a trade skill we can use to support ourselves and our families,” Alassane says. “We already know how to install faucets and with the help of our instructor one to the primary school and two for houses. Now the people who live here do not have to travel far and search for plumbers.”

USAID’s implementing partner, Counterpart International, began an apprentice program for participating schools and their students that includes training equipment, required materials to support vocational training in sewing, plumbing, and carpentry. More than 50 students have already benefited from this training.
    
Alassane Diop directly feels the benefits of this school program for vulnerable children. “In addition to the food commodities, rehabilitation of school structures, deworming medicines and health classes, we are happy to be part of a training program where we are permitted to improve our lives and opportunities,” he says.

The vulnerable school program works in northern Senegal to improve the living and learning conditions of students.  Primary activities include school feeding, deworming, school, dormitory and latrine rehabilitation, health and hygiene education, as well as literacy, numeracy and vocational training for students.  The program has been extended until December 2008 and will maintain current activities for the 3,800 beneficiaries and expand into the Region of Matam where an additional 300 students will benefit starting in 2008.