An experience in the Senegalese community

By Hawa

Agent-e en communication, Alphabétiser pour un développement durable (ALPHADEV)

Three women planting seeds and tending the growing plants
From the Field
Senegal
A group of African people sitting in a circle on white chairs
“Every day spent with ALPHADEV was humbling and inspiring, seeing the resilience and determination of those we served.”

Hawa, Bachelor of Social Sciences - Sociology specialization
Country of field placement: Senegal
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO: Literacy for sustainable development (ALPHADEV)

From the moment I started working with ALPHADEV, I was pleasantly surprised by their commitment to education and skills development. Their approach goes far beyond teaching the basics of reading and writing; it aims to empower individuals by providing them with the necessary tools to access economic and social opportunities. It also uses community mechanisms to raise awareness among young people on topics such as reproductive health, gender-based violence and many others.

As a communications officer, my role with this organization has allowed me to delve into the heart of communities, working with young women and men who have the will to change their destiny. I've attended literacy sessions and vocational training courses for those deprived of an education. Every day spent with ALPHADEV was humbling and inspiring, seeing the resilience and determination of those we served. Hearing the testimonies of these women and young people about ALPHADEV made me realize the tremendous impact this organization has on these marginalized populations.

But what makes this experience just as valuable are the professional development opportunities I've gained from it. Working with ALPHADEV has enabled me to improve my communication and teamwork skills. I've learned to adapt to diverse environments and find creative solutions to challenges encountered in the field. I've also acquired a certain amount of knowledge that will be of great use to me in the realization of my personal projects.

What's more, CECI also offers internal training programs for its volunteers, which has enabled me to deepen my knowledge in a number of areas. These training opportunities have not only helped me grow professionally, they have also strengthened my commitment to the cause we defend.

In conclusion, my involvement with CECI and ALPHADEV was much more than a simple volunteering experience. It was an immersion in social realities, social change and personal development. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause, and to have grown as a professional and as an individual through this experience.

If you too would like to make a difference in the lives of others while developing your professional skills, I urge you to join a volunteer cooperation program.