Hi there, this is Miriam and I’m one of the British volunteers at the Diapalante centre. Unfortunately, after recieving my offers for university in September I have to return to England in March to complete resits. I am deeply saddened to be leaving so soon but my time here in Senegal has been truly amazing and the centre has been even better than I could have imagined.
The centre has been exciting, challenging and the wide range of things we do here will not be something I will forget. From teaching pre-school children the alphabet and number to talks about internet safety with teenage members and complex discussions in English with advanced members about the education system, gender roles and future development opportunities in Senegal. The members also love the opportunity to get involved in sports and competition such as a recent football and bucketball tournament and mini sports day. Ultimately the work I have done here has also been incredibly rewarding seeing the difference we are able to make even in a short time. Whilst teaching I have learnt so much, the community has been so welcoming and the members are just incredible, helpful and eager to learn in every moment.
Diapalante has become my family and I will undoubtedly return to the centre and family here in the not too distant future. This is not the end of my relationhip with Diapalante but just the beginning as its work here is helping the students here more than you can imagine and the people I have met here have really changed my ideas and my outlook on life. I want to take this as an opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to Diapalante, Liz, Master P and my volunteer partner, Pippa.