Day 1: "We are One family, One YMCA"

Sunday November 24th

Blog entry by: Michael DeVaul (Sr. VP Organizational Advancement)

Lynn, Kathryn & Raven getting to know the local kids during today's city tour.

The team had a great first day.  We had a chance to tour the City of Dakar and see a few key monuments and historical places.  The team especially enjoyed walking into one of the neighborhoods and having a chance to interact with families. 


The team stopped for a visit in one of Dakar's local neighborhoods.

In the evening, we were officially welcomed by Joseph Coley and the Parcelles (teen/young adult) branch. In the words of Joseph "We are one family, One YMCA and we are blessed to share this partnership/collaboration with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

The team was grateful to have a welcome party hosted in its honor, where 100- 120 teens and young adults shared dance and singing from the Y Arts program. Every team member, jumped right in with no hesitation and fully embraced the dancing and singing extravaganza.

You could see each team member's personality coming to life. As you might remember, two years ago upon our visit, this was a dream of the Senegal YMCA to develop this program. Our challenge grant that we donated funds for in 2012 helped to purchase instruments and get this program started.

Y Arts Program focusing on young adults and their talent for singing/music at the Parcelles Y branch.

Our theme for the day was "what are we grateful for and what inspiration did we get from our arrival, first day". Lots to journal about last night!

- Michael DeVaul (trip leader)

YMCA of Greater Charlotte

VP Organizational Advancement