A Journey Of Discovery and Connection

Day 2 in Dakar

My body was feeling every bit of the jet lag this morning. Time to get up for breakfast! Can I possibly eat any more? Yet again, another delicious meal awaited us. After several cups of coffee, we kicked off our day with an enlightening session about the Senegalese education system, led by the knowledgeable Mouhamadou. The insights he shared were truly fascinating, and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the students in Louga on Thursday!

Mouhamadou leads an engaging session on Senegalese education, with attendees attentively participating and taking notes.

In Senegal, the teaching profession is predominantly male, which resonates with my experience, as my 8th-grade teaching team is also all male. Is this an anomaly or a connection I can make with the Senegalese? Class sizes here tend to be quite large—something I am thankfully not experiencing. Interestingly, students learn multiple languages throughout their schooling years; however, the rich identity of the Wolof language is not yet included in the curriculum. English is taught to help students become global citizens, reflecting a global identity versus a national identity. I have so much more to explore and reflect upon regarding these educational practices.

Following our educational session, we had a welcome briefing at the U.S. Embassy, complete with a Q&A session (unfortunately, no pictures were allowed). We then indulged in another delightful Senegalese lunch of fresh seafood, chicken and sweets, and I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying the local cuisine!

On our way back to the hotel, we had the opportunity to view the stunning Mosque of the Divinity, built in 1997, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, followed by a quick jaunt to the beach to dip our toes into the water.

In the evening, we participated in an informative session about family, food, and culture in Senegal. One of the key values that stood out is Teranga, which embodies the spirit of hospitality that permeates every interaction here. The warmth and friendliness of the Senegalese people are truly infectious! Can I say how stunning the women's fashion is!

Embracing traditional Senegalese fashion, the individuals are dressed in vibrant and elegant attire, adorned with green headpieces and accessories, showcasing cultural pride and style against a serene backdrop.

After savoring another exquisite meal (I may need to watch my waistline on this trip!), a few of us ventured into the bustling markets with our local consultant, Ousmane, to shop for souvenirs. It was fascinating to witness the haggling, which is to be expected in this vibrant setting. Each moment has been unforgettable, and I still need time to reflect on all that I've learned.

Driving to the markets

One poignant thought from Ousmane that resonated with me was, "What is in your heart will reflect on your face." As I wrap up this day, I am reminded of the importance of carrying positivity and gratitude within us.

Now, it's time to cheer on my son as he plays his baseball game on Gamechanger. Until tomorrow—bonne nuit!

A luminous full moon illuminates the night sky over Senegal, casting a serene glow on the tranquil water below, framed by silhouettes of palm trees.