Gorée Island

The Door of No Return on Gorée Island

It was astonishing to behold the juxtaposition of how such an alluring Island can bear an equally  loathsome history. The group was led today by Mohamed in touring the lore of Gorée Island. There we visited the Portuguese slave trading quarters where Mohamed described how small rooms were packed with at least 100 men in shackles. These men were being prepared for slave labor while the women were used for breeding naturalized slaves. It was hard to even imagine the barbarous  conditions these humans survived through. We then collectively gravitated our attention to The Door of No Return. This was the last doorway the slaves would go through in Africa before reaching the new world. Mohamed portrayed how some of the slaves would try to jump out of the boat, but would drown due to the weight of the shackles around them. The remains of their bodies were consumed by the sharks that lurked in the waters. 

These men and women fought for freedom the moment they were held captive, a fight that would persist for many generations. Gorée Island holds an important but dark history, each building or landmark tells the stories of the arduous life these people lived.It is imperative that we as humans reflect on the darker parts of history to ensure that we will not encounter them again in our future. Gorée Island was a beneficial experience that should be known by all, as it is an integral part of the world's history.

View from the hilltop on Goree island

View from the Ferry approaching Goree island

Today's blog written by: Andre Jordan

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 

"Simon Says...Daba Says"

Waking up this morning I found myself getting excited, because today was the first day we were actually going to do activities with the children at the school of the Senegal YMCA. We of course made our introductions this past Monday when we walked room to room and told the children, in French our American name and in English our Senegalese name, seems a little backwards perhaps, nonetheless they were thrilled. 

It's such an amazing feeling to know that I get to wake up every morning and work with kids within our branch, when at home, however this feeling of being able to actually spend time and energy with kids that don't speak the same language but has just as much curiosity and happiness as any other child, gives me chills. There are multiple thoughts racing through my head, what will they think of us, how will they react, will we be able to communicate, will they think we're boring, can we make them as happy as they make us, and most importantly, will they have fun?  

When arriving we organized the string bags and placed school supply donations in them, for every class room that the school has. We got in pairs and picked a class room to give a bag to the teacher, for the class, and to show them how to make a necklace. Andre and I were the first ones done with the necklace, the kids in our class were great and caught on quickly just by non-verbal communication. When Andre and I were done, I realized that none of the other classrooms were done, especially since we were the third duo to go in a classroom. I felt bad at first, I over analyzed it and thought we should have spent more time with them, but then I turn around and the teacher went right back to teaching, he picked up where he left off. I appreciated this more than anything, the teacher allowed us to interrupt the educational influence he was providing, to make necklaces, I couldn't be more appreciative.  

Andre and I start throwing the football, then the siren goes off, it's break/fun time! The kids start running towards us, it's like they were waiting for this day just as I had. I made a lot of hand gestures to have some sort of communication and it worked, we understood each other, we didn't have to talk. We all ran to the recess area, all dirt, which means my calfs are burning from the running around. This is where I started to throw the football with the kids, then jump rope, then the colorful parachute came out and every kid wanted their hands on it, then we got into smaller groups and each one of us played games. I turned "Simon says" into "Daba says" (my Senegalese name), the kids loved it, we danced, laughed, learned, exercised, jumped, ran, anything I could think of we did it, I even pretended I needed a nap and they laid on the dirt with me.

 

It was time for us to go, I have to admit an hour of playing with kids and running around with them is exhausting, I was so tired, but I was equally if not more sad that is was over, for now. I made hand shakes with kids when leaving, they all wanted something specific from me, either a hug, hand shake, high five, or a fist pump they felt like they were the only ones that had that special thing from me, that was important.  

 

I can write all night about the feeling I had today from 11:05am-12:10pm, but it wouldn't do the feeling justice. Think of a time when you were your happiest, when you smiled or laughed so long your cheeks hurt, now multiple that by infinity, that still wouldn't even come close to the feeling I had for that one hour and five minutes. I'm grateful for, this experience, the people I have met thus far, and for the impact this community has made on me, I only hope to be able to make the same in return.  

Merci et bonne nuit,
Danielle "Daba"

Meaningful relationships

Any dedicated person such as a doctor, nurse, artist, teacher, etc can express how much effort, sacrifice, and patience is required to find their true passion in life.

Today's learning moment was while we were riding in the van for a few hours on our way to visit Camp Berdine, a rural area outside of Dakar. Driving outside of the busy city we discussed what we thought Camp Berdine would look like.  Each of us had different perspectives. Some thought it would look like a barn, others an empty lot with animals running around. Today helped remind me that we all have our own thoughts and perspectives and it is good to talk openly about how we see things differently or the same. 

Passing the different communities throughout the Dakar community, Diam Niadio to Keur Guilaye we saw similarities between the communities.  Picturesque scenery, buses, small fruit stands, and beautiful land.  Despite the local differences in religious beliefs (95% muslim - 5% Christians) they are all hard working men and women that live together in unity. They use skills such as languages (the majority speak a second or third language besides their native Wolof), creativity, trading, and phenomenal musical talent.  Christians and Muslims living peacefully together, they are equally empowered to be successful. By adding their strong family values a strong community can be built with support and education.

We have already shared so many meaningful memories, opinions, and definitely plenty of jokes with each other.   This trip has brought us closer together as friends, and reminded me that even when we face challenges or personal struggles in circumstances that are out of our hands, we must nurture our patience. By having humility and better understanding of each other we realize that we cannot do anything without the help of others no matter what our passion may be.

by Vanessa LePino

Visiting a local village

Planting lemon and orange trees at YMCA Camp Berdine

View of the Senegal YMCA school campus

Our Introduction to the YMCA Senegal School

Day 4 of our journey brings us to the purpose of our trip--the children.  We were immediately greeted by the YMCA President Jean Bassene and the School Director Mr. Mamkabou who escorted us around to greet everyone.  There are ten classrooms encircled by a wall and small dusty courtyard. Each classroom has 30-40 children and just one teacher. The children are double-seated and sometimes even three at each tiny desk. Some children have small chalkboards while others have rulers and protractors and their notepads. Their clothing is a mix of YMCA uniforms and smocks, while others are wearing jumpers, pants, and even a Michael Jordan shirt. You can see small glimpses of American culture trickling in with the occasional Nike or Converse shoes or a Dora backpack.

The students were eager to welcome us into the rooms. The open air construction gave us a slight breeze but it would be a difficult task to keep the constant shuffling of dusty feet from tracking in a fine layer of dirt on the tile floors. They didn't seem to mind and the juxtaposition of the floors and their grammar lessons written in perfect cursive on the chalkboards was an interesting contrast.  Most students were attentive and ready to greet us in unison as proof they not only knew we were coming but had prepared a special greeting for us.  We introduced ourselves by "bonjour,  je m'appelle" and our American and Senegalese names followed by a "merci beaucoup" and a nervous grin.

Again and again we walked into each classroom and watched the young faces analyzing our shoes, our smiles, and our size. (as some of us truly towered over the smaller children) We worked our way down in age ranges until the final two classrooms of 3-4 and 5-6 year olds. We decided to sit on the floor and this is where the magic happens.

The youngest classrooms had prepared a song with gestures and clapped when their performance ended. We countered with our own impromptu rendition of 'head and shoulders, knees and toes'.  The tiniest hands pressed their palms into ours as if fear of strangers had never entered their minds. They traded toys with our group and tossed balls across the room to us even without the teachers' promptings.

Then came recess and a pouring of little feet out in to the dusty playground for morning snacks and laughter. Despite the broken equipment and meager toys, they found ample ways to be entertained chasing each other around and sneaking glances at their new American friends.  Although our time with the children was short today, we know we will be back for more activities on Wednesday with the children. Despite the language barrier, there is a universal warmth among the students and teachers at the school eager to welcome us during our journey. And the children's desires are the same as back home--the eagerness to learn, the desire for love and human connection, and the need to be surrounded by positive adult roles models and other children growing together in a positive and safe learning environment.

Can't wait to teach them how to play American football on Wednesday.

Today's blog post written by: Hillary Brodofsky

Senegal National Monument and City Tour

We started our day with breakfast at 8. Vanessa and I set our alarm for 7:15, thinking this would be more than enough time to get ready for the day- I have to admit, we were so tired that we hit snooze a couple of times. Breakfast consisted of bread, Chocopain (a spread) similar to Nutella, jelly, lipton tea bags, and instant coffee. We all wanted to sleep just a little bit longer, while the kids were already outside playing soccer. After everyone was finished, we loaded up our van (making sure to bring plenty of water) and began our day. 

We visited the Monument of African Renaissance.  The former Senegal president made the decision to build the 7,900 ton monument, costing a total of 27 million and consisting of a woman, man, and child. The monument is 160 feet tall, which is much larger than the Statue of Liberty. It symbolizes the coming out of darkness (the woman's arm extended backwards), while remembering the past, and looking forward to the wonderful future (the child pointing forward).

Our team at the National Monument

To get to the monument, we climbed 198 flights of stairs, which, if I may add, was not all that easy. After learning the history on the ground-3rd floors, we took a very very small elevator to the top. I cannot believe that Miles and Michael both fit in it at the same time. Once we reached the top, inside the mans head, we had an astonishingly beautiful view overlooking dakar. As we were leaving, a group of children were arriving and began running up the 198 flights of stairs. It was really awesome  watching them be so excited and having so much fun. 

Next we loaded up our bus to go to downtown Dakar. We were able to walk around and even see the Presidents Palace, which is the equivalent to our White House. Although it was normal for the people in Senegal, it was really crazy to walk on the side of the road and dodge people, cars, and mopeds! 

After getting back to our van, we had the opportunity to drive through a low income area of town. It was interesting to see their way of life and how different it was from what we are used to- it makes me realize just how good we have it in America.

After lunch we went to the YMCA to see the school and have a celebration. They were just as excited to see us as we were to see them. Communicating was slightly difficult but we were able to introduce ourselves and figured it out as we went along. Alphonse performed with Max and some others- singing and playing the drums. We all danced and sang along the best we could. I could not believe that time went by so fast! (It now makes sense why the people in Senegal lose track of time so easily.) We had a blast dancing along with everyone and singing songs in French! After a few songs, we were served snacks and a soda like drink- which were so good that we had to have seconds and thirds.
Our bus arrived and after saying many goodbyes, we went back to the Villa Rosa for dinner. 

Singing and dancing at the YMCA welcome party

Dinner consisted of Veggies (which were amazing), white fish (including teeth, tail, and bones), and a fruit cocktail for dessert (which was also amazing). 

Over all, today was amazing and I cannot wait to get to go to the school and interacting with all of the children!

Today's blog post written by: Shelley Busbee 

Travel day Charlotte to Newark to Brussels to Dakar

Ready to go at Charlotte Douglas Airport

Very first flight for Michael & Miles Roberts. To Africa!

All smiles for take off

Navigating our way through Newark

Airport transfer

Quick stop in Brussels, everyone happy with their waffles

Arrived in Dakar, happy and headed to the hotel

Our travel journey begins

This morning 11 of us met with smiles and a look of excitement as we started our trip Dakar, Senegal. Getting through the airport in Charlotte was a breeze...after a minor delay in flight we were in route to Newark. In Newark, we were met with northern faces that aren't as welcoming as ours but helpful nonetheless. After grabbing a bite to eat we it was time to board for Brussels!! The plane was HUGE but once we took our seats TV and movies were an aided treat and a lifesaver for many of us that couldn't quite fall asleep during the 6+ hour flight.
As we landed we were alerted of the heightened security threat in Brussels but advised not to be concerned. Without wifi to check in that was what we chose to go with so next on the list.....Belgium Waffles of course!! After walking around, security checkin and finding out terminal we took a stroll to one last place. To our surprise in a nice plastic Baggie were waffles that we had been anticipating. After the first bite we all discovered it was well worth the wait a little piece of yumminess  that left everyone content.
Next up the last leg of the trip that was another easy flight. There were a few people that kept us entertained with their conversations but again less turbulence so it was all good. Imagine the smiles on our faces as the pilot comes on to let us know that we had arrived (well in 20 minutes)!
After landing, we did the normal customs and baggage claim with one small hitch....2 missing bags. One of those being mine luckily I carried a few things in my carry on so panic didn't set in. While leaving the airport of course we held our luggage tight to keep outside drivers from "helping us" and followed our friends and drivers to the car. As we drove we encountered many people selling items in the street, coming up to the bus and etc. which was a little different but hey we went with it. After a short drive we arrived at Villa Rosa and settled into our rooms. Alas wifi to assure our families that Brussels was ok and we arrived unharmed. We all sat on the terrace and began to talk about the day as we waited to eat dinner. Dinner was yummy and the onion mix to dip on our bread was clearly a hit at the table. We talked with our team and our wonderful volunteers for the week. It was nice to share our initial thoughts, feed our bodies, learn our Senegal names, and prepare to rest for the evening.
Overall today was a great day and once rested we can't wait to see how the week goes!! 

Until next time.....
Courtney aka Codou (my new Senegalese name)

Ready! 2015 Global Service Learning

We are officially 9 days away from our departure to Dakar, Senegal. I am so proud of the team for all they've accomplished in the months leading up to our trip. The excitement is of course the "trip" but there's much to be celebrated before we board the plane...or shall I say planes plural. Hello airports CLT-EWR-BUR-DKR

This past summer each team member volunteered for 6 weeks with the Y Readers literacy program. Collectively the team contributed 60 volunteer hours serving as reading buddies to 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in some of Charlotte's most at-risk elementary schools. I remember in one of our monthly team meetings, Meneika Helms excited about describing her volunteer time "the experience makes me even more proud to work for the Y!" Other team members remarked on how they loved seeing the improvements of their reading buddies, that each week the students were reading more words, reading longer sentences out loud, and most importantly the students showed improved confidence in their ability to read. Our team members now have a personal perspective on how the Y is making community impact, nurturing potential and improving literacy and education. 

The team invested their own personal time in achieving fundraising goals of $1,500 each. From organizing a family fish fry to baking countless pies to calling on family and lifelong friends each team member extended their support network and helped to tell the story of our partnership with the Senegal Y. I am thrilled to serve alongside a group that has raised almost $15,000 to make this program possible! If you haven't seen the fundraising page I encourage you to look at the individual campaign pages and read their personal testimonies and fundraising journey:  ymcagivetoday.org/globalservice. 

We've had 4 team meetings over the past 5 months but the most exciting part is the real "team" that will emerge during the trip. For 2 of our team members this trip will be their first time on a plane. Talk about going BIG! Once we arrive in Dakar, our itinerary includes volunteering at the Senegal YMCA primary school, meeting with Y staff, volunteers and learning about how the Senegal Y operates in similar and different ways than the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. We have a day trip to Camp Berdine and another day on Goree island with the opportunity to try out bargaining skills in the market. We'll be in safe hands with the Senegal Y as they guide us through our daily experiences and ensure our most important basic needs food, water, shelter. 

This is my 3rd trip to Senegal, getting all of the details in order for launch while also knowing that travel can disrupt the 'plan' at any given moment. I am preparing my "mommy" emotions for leaving my son Liam who is almost 2 and my 3 year old daughter Mila...and my husband too as I know he's preparing for his super dad duties.  I trade that for the huge honor and responsibility of leading someone else's children across the pond and back...Shelley, Andre, Michael, Miles our amazing teens. We have a dynamic team of different ages, backgrounds, Y roles and together we will create once in a lifetime transformations. 

Thank you to everyone that has made a contribution or supported the program in any way. We welcome your prayers and positive vibes, officially starting next Friday November 20th at 2:01pm!

Stay tuned to the blog to see the trip from the eyes of our team members. 

Merci beaucoup,


Candace Murray
GSL Program Leader

Your 2015 Global Service Learning Team:

Shelley Busbee: Siskey Y Youth Fitness Coordinator; Providence High School

Andre Jordan: Y teen; Olympic High School 15’, CPCC student
Michael Roberts: McCrorey Y camp counselor; Philip O’Berry Academy
Courtney Tate: Y Readers, Manager of School Age Academic Initiatives
Sharon Hinson: Association Office Accounting Executive
Meneika Helms: Dowd Y, Financial Development Director
Miles Roberts: McCrorey Y camp counselor; Phillip O'Berry Academy
Danielle Rader: Johnston Y Senior Program Director 

Hillary Brodofsky: Sally's Y Executive Director
Vanessa LePino: Y Parent Educator; Parents as Teachers Program