Partnership Handprints

Another day at the YMCA, well...with a slightly different perspective. This afternoon we took a short van ride over to the Parcelles Assainies YMCA which is a branch of the Y here in Senegal. The focus of this branch is primarily the arts. They teach classes for painting, dance and choir. It had an amazing sense of community and desire to foster responsibility in the younger generation. Many of the volunteers that keep this branch going grew up participating in programs here as a child. The branch has been in existence since 1998 and they do projects to raise funds for supplies for the programs. They are run entirely by volunteer staff. This is one of the main things that I have noticed here in the Senegal YMCA is the volunteer support that they receive. When we arrived one of the first things that we saw was the mural that they were working on which is pictured below. The sight of this brought many of us to tears. They had been working on this to get it prepared for our arrival. It really shows the main focus of this trip, I believe, which is community,  relationships and our shared values as the YMCA. The handprints on the wall are those of the YMCA Charlotte staff as well as the Parcelles Assainies staff showing that we are all one and that our mission as the YMCA is the same no matter which side of the world we are on.

After we left Parcelles we visited the location where the adult literacy classes are held. There are 5 classes ranging from basic beginner level French classes to advanced classes. The purpose of these classes is to teach the participants to read and write French so that they can get better jobs. I think they were a little surprised to hear that we have similar literacy issues in the United States and that we were there to learn more about there program. One particular woman showed her vulnerability by saying that it was not easy to learn the language but that she was committed to it for the purpose of a better life. The teachers and director that oversee this program are all volunteers as well and give so much of their talents and time for the growth and development of the community here in Senegal. I am beyond blessed to have  this opportunity and I know that a piece of my heart will always remain here in Africa.

May God bless each of you and may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here in Senegal!

Written by Sharon Hinson