Naps, laughs, snacks & French rap...on the way to Kaolack!

Day 4: Kaolack YMCA

Written by Courtney Stein, Harris Y Associate Youth Service Director

Alphonse has been with us since the moment he greeted us with his infectious smile and warm welcome at the airport. He is our  personal tour guide, translator, French teacher, and friend. While he grew up and volunteered at the YMCA of predominantly young adults Parcelles Assainies that we visited for soccer and celebration yesterday, Alphonse became a staff member and the director of the Kaolack YMCA in October of 2016 - nearly the same day I became a Y employee!

Our 4 hour journey to Kaolack today was filled with the staples of any Senegalese road trip: naps, laughs, snacks, and French rap! 

 When we arrived to the beautiful Horizons Bleus in Koalack were we stayed overnight, we were greeted by a new friend!

We spent our time touring Alphonse's YMCA seeing his office, the student's computer lab, classroom, and making crafts with the children!

The president of the Kaolack YMCA shared (over the subwoofer softly bumping Lil Wayne, Drake, and Rihanna) that it is a challenge to convince parents to let their children participate in Amenesence (an Afterschool enrichment program for children of the community run by volunteers) because of the Young Mens Christian Association can defer Muslim families. They work hard to recruit Muslim volunteers in the hopes of reaching more children for English lessons, crafting, computer skills and fellowship.

We then journeyed to another cell, or sight, which was literally a woman's home. Aida opens her doors to the neighborhood children and often uses her own money to provide supplies for young volunteer teachers to tutor all grade levels in reading and math in the confines of her back yard.  Aida also offers a program for young girls who do not complete school to learn the sewing trade. 

Alphonse and Aida inspire us with their passion and pride in the YMCA. 

Our night ended with a performance from Alphonse's volunteers, then lots of singing and dancing. From African gospel hymns to Wiz Khalifia's Black and Yellow - Kaolack knows how to throw an anniversary party! Happy 35th Birthday Senegal YMCA!