Mission Accomplished!

[Senegal Photo Album 1]

I am happy to report that the school construction, which we began in September 2019, is now completed! The village of Keur Bangou now has a brand new school, which was made possible by the individuals who believed in this project and supported it. I would like to thank all my donors and friends who have supported this project. On behalf of the villagers of Keur Bangou, “Jërëjëf! (thank you, in Wolof, the language spoken in Keur Bangou).”

The school we built is now complete with new desks and chairs. Photographs ©buildOn

Keur Bangou is a Muslim farming community located in southern Senegal. The population is 1,000, and they grow crops such as millet, peanut, and corn. One household may have one to four wives with multiple generations and siblings living together, and there are so many kids. Unfortunately, the roof of the only school in the village collapsed in 2012, and despite many pleas to the government, it was never fixed.

The previous school with no roof. Photograph ©buildOn

In September 2019, my teammates and I went to Keur Bangou, Senegal, to build them a school. Here are some photographs from the trip.

The Welcome Ceremony

After traveling on a microbus for 4 hours, we were greeted by many boys who were waiting for our arrival.

The village of Keur Bangou welcomed us by having a ceremony with drums, dances, and speeches. They really appreciated the fact that we came all the way from the States for them.

The village chief signing the covenant, which is a solemn promise between buildOn and the village outlining our contributions to the project. Photograph ©buildOn

The Work Site

The workday starts at 8 am for breakfast, then on to the school construction site.

Every morning starts with a group meeting and we are briefed on the tasks.

The village chief and men praying to bless the land before breaking the ground.

Groundbreaking

Making concrete bricks

Transporting water from the well. Carrying water is typically done by the women, and the bucket is heavy!

Sorting pebbles and small rocks, and transporting them near the concrete mixing team.

Digging deep for the latrines

Tying the rebar

Transporting concrete bricks

There were tiny frogs hiding in between the bricks.

Occasional dance time. The buckets and trays turn into drums. The drumbeats and rhythm live in their lives.

There are a total of 4 photo albums from this trip:

1. Arriving at Keur Bangou and Work Site
2. Food and Cultural Exchange
3. Life in Keur Bangou
4. Time with Family and Departure

All images © 2019 Kay Tsuji, otherwise noted. All rights reserved.