At the Diapalante Community Education Centre, people gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to shape their own futures.
For over fifteen years, we have worked alongside the community in Kaolack, providing free, flexible learning for those who are often excluded from formal education. The impact of this work is practical, immediate and long term – supporting people in education, work and daily life.
Impact at a glance
Each year:
500+
Over 500 people make regular use of the Centre. Most attending two or three evenings a week.
150
150 adults gained skills needed for current or planned work, including IT, literacy and language skills
250
250 teenagers improve their modern language skills, computer skills, self confidence and study skills.
100
100 primary school children improved their French and so their understanding of all school lessons.
100
100 adults and youngsters, with little or no formal education, benefit from our literacy programme .
+14%
Our French program boosts participants primary school exam results by an average of 14% across all subjects.
6/7 days
The Centre is open 6 days a week. To facilitate attendance it opens over lunchtime and late into the evening.
15+ yrs
Since opening in 2010, the years of close collaboration and shared purpose have built a strong, committed team.
Many learners attend over several years, progressing from basic skills to supporting others as volunteers and Young Leaders.
The Context
Education in Senegal remains challenging:
Even for those in school, large class sizes, limited resources and language barriers mean that many children struggle to learn effectively.
The Difference It Makes
The Centre provides more than access to learning—it creates practical, lasting change.
For those who have never attended school, learning to read and write can be transformative – opening up opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Learners develop skills that enable them to:
Stories of Change
From struggling student to university
Abdou first came to the Centre lacking confidence and struggling with French, the language of schooling. With sustained support, he developed strong language skills, passed his final exams, and is now studying English at university.
Now I can write my name!
Marie is an 18-year-old tailoring apprentice but having never been to school, she could not read her tape measure. After eight months at the Diapalante Centre, Marie has progressed rapidly. She now records measurements, learns basic maths, and, best of all, can proudly write her own name.
Bridging digital skills gaps
Nurse Alioune travelled 100km to join Diapalante’s free, flexible computer training and gain computer skills he needed for his work. Alioune then trained his fellow staff and brought previously idle medical station equipment into use improving local healthcare delivery.
Wider Impact
The benefits of learning extend beyond the individual.
Adults who gain literacy and practical skills are often able to:
Young people develop confidence and leadership skills, often returning as volunteers to support others.
Over time, this creates a strong, self-sustaining learning community.
Extending Our Impact
Alongside the work of the Centre, we support education more widely in Kaolack.
These contributions extend the reach of the Centre and support learning beyond our immediate community.
Evidence and Learning
We are committed to understanding and strengthening our impact.
Together, these show consistent, long-term impact.
Demand and Need
Demand for the Centre continues to grow.
Our current building limits:
Sessions are often full, with learners sharing limited space. In recent years, we have had to reduce some programmes because of these constraints.
The need for accessible, flexible education in Kaolack remains high, and we are not currently able to meet that need in full.
Be part of the impact
Every improvement described here is made possible by the support of individuals, trusts and organisations who believe in long-term, community-led work.
Your support helps to: