Settling in...

Since arriving in Senegal, I have been soaking it all in! We are learning all about Senegalese culture, food, families, and education. These first few days are focused on learning before we head off in small groups to teach in local communities. I am very excited to meet our host teacher, Fatoumata face to face. She teaches middle school and high school English as a Second Language. Her students primarily speak French and Wolof as first languages. My teaching team (pictured below) is ready to learn and teach. Did you know the average class has over fifty students?

Today we went to the US Embassy ( no pictures due to security). We passed many beautiful buildings including the Mosque of the Divinity, and a monument I will share about tomorrow. One of things I've been thinking about today are some of the Senegalese values.

Kolere: If someone did good for you, you should return it- reciprocate

Yitte: Respect

Maslaa- Do your best to have peace

Kersa- If you wouldn't do it in front of your parents, don't do it- have integrity

Many of these values remind me of my own family values. Do you connect to any of these?

My small community teaching team

Mosque

Traditional Senegalese dress

Dakar sunset