Friends of Senegal is an essential part of the microfinance program, but also supports all of the activities of the Maison de la Gare Center. There are many ways that you can help.
In Saint-Louis, hope is reborn every day
Mothers and fathers rebuild their lives thanks to microfinance, young talibés* discover their strengths through training, sports, and education, and donors and volunteers lend a helping hand with compassion.
*Talibé are children, often as young as 5 years old, who are sent to live in daaras, so-called spiritual learning centers which are often woefully inadequate in providing for the needs of the children. Often children are abused by the daara leader and run away to live abandoned and alone on the streets of the city.
Zero-interest microfinance loans
The Friends of Senegal (FOS) and Maison de la Gare (MDG) microfinance program sows the seeds of independence. It is a pillar of our work, enabling vulnerable families excluded from the traditional banking system to access small loans to start income-generating activities.
Increased income changes everything in a family, from the food they eat to educational opportunities for children to the physical health of each member. A life that was once a mere existence becomes a life filled with joy, pride, and hope.
Diarietou Ndiaye and Awa Wade, women from the village of Diabène, benefit from FOS/MDG microfinance loans to develop their businesses and gain independence.
The literacy program: opening the doors to knowledge
Every day, we welcome children to learn to read, write, and dream. The literacy program offers French and English lessons. We believe that every word learned is a step toward freedom and dignity.
Lucas, a volunteer from France, teaches talibes children to read and write.
Standing, left, Joanah, a volunteer from the United Kingdom, teaches English to young talibé children.
Under the watchful eye of our volunteers, talibé children discover the joy of reading and enrich their vocabulary every day.
Here, education is not a privilege: it is a right.
English classes to open new doors
Every afternoon, our center welcomes older talibés for English classes tailored to their level.
In one of our classrooms, Olivier teaches English to young talibés.esson.
Thanks to our volunteers, young talibés discover confidence and hope through language. These learning moments are a gateway to a larger world, a way to give them confidence and feed their curiosity. Learning to say “hello” or “my name is” becomes a powerful symbol: one of openness, progress, and regained dignity. These classes allow young people to broaden their horizons, communicate better, and believe that a different future is possible.
Vocational training: give a future to motivated young men and women
A young talibé from Saint-Louis learns the basics of agriculture through the vocational training program.
Thanks to our training program in agriculture and poultry farming, young talibés and teenagers acquire practical skills to build their future.
These training courses open the doors to employment and independence. We are also working to set up workshops on leadership, emotional support, inner well-being, and social integration, in order to give them confidence in their potential.
Healing through play: recreational activities to restore hope to talibé children in Saint-Louis
Every afternoon, the center echoes with laughter and music.
We organize games, workshops, and creative activities to allow children to relax, express their emotions, and rediscover the joy of simply being… children.
On Thursdays and Fridays, even more people come to the center to share these moments of collective happiness.
Lucie, a passionately engaged volunteer, shares a moment of play and happiness with the talibé children
Sports: a tool for cohesion and hope
Every week, our sports activities bring children and young people together for matches, team games, and moments of sharing. Sports strengthen team spirit, discipline, and solidarity.
For these young children, running, playing, or scoring a goal is much more than a game: it is a way to feel free, valued, and alive.
Talibé children enjoy an afternoon of play.
The finals of a Saint-Louis competition, with more than 500 talibés participating
Finals of the Saint-Louis competition, where more than 500 talibés came together for a day of teamwork, pride, and joyful energy.
Talibé children enthusiastically participate in karate sessions at the center, gaining self-esteem through disciplined work and repeated practice.
Sports activities become a school of life and a driver of inclusion.
Children’s snack time: a moment of joy and sharing
Every afternoon, after classes and activities, we offer the children a snack.
This moment, simple in appearance, is often one of the most eagerly awaited times of the day.
A glass of milk, a piece of bread, or a few cookies become a symbol of love and kindness.
This solidarity snack, as we call it, helps improve children’s diets and well-being, while providing them with an opportunity for interaction, laughter, and friendship.
Because a full stomach also helps children learn and dream of what they might become.
Patrols and support: reaching out to street children
Every Monday and Wednesday evening, our teams patrol the streets of Saint-Louis to locate children living on the streets.
We listen to them and offer the protection and support of our center. They are often wary of adults, but few refuse help.
There, they receive psychosocial support, care, and assistance with family reintegration when possible.
This is often the first step toward a new life.
They are often wary of adults, but few refuse our help. We listen to them, protect them, and welcome them to the center.
There, they receive psychosocial support, care, and assistance with family reintegration whenever possible.
This is often the first step toward a new life.
Medical care and support
Our volunteers care for talibé children in the daaras of Saint-Louis, united by the belief that every act of care can change a life. We also welcome injured or sick talibé children to our infirmary, provide them with first aid, and, when necessary, refer them to appropriate medical facilities.
But beyond treatment, there is the tenderness of a gesture, the gentleness of a glance, the warmth of a hand.
Because caring for the body also means caring for the heart, restoring confidence, dignity, and hope to those who need it so much.
Together, let’s make hope grow
In Saint-Louis, every day is a battle, but also a promise. Thanks to everyone’s solidarity, generosity, and commitment. Together we can transform lives.
Surrounded by talibé children, our volunteer Kieltiome shares a moment of pure happiness.
How you can help
Your support, whether moral, material, or human, helps us build a future where every child, adult and family has a chance.
Become a volunteer: share your skills with the adults in our microfinance program, accompany the children on their journey toward a better future, and bring your warmth to those who need it most. You too will be touched and forever changed by the experience.
Make a donation: help an entire family through donating to the microfinance work, or help the children, for many of whom we are their family, by supporting our education and creative activity programs which continue changing lives and offering hope.
