Youth group travels to Senegal

From October 16 to October 31, five young people from Copain du Monde, a youth organization in Corsica, will travel to Sipo, Senegal, with four chaperones. The trip is part of a long-term partnership with the local association Jaipo Defar Sipo, which focuses on village development.

Activities focus on environment and agriculture

During their stay, the children will participate in activities related to environmental protection and biodiversity, such as caring for turtles. They will also help with projects aimed at improving the irrigation of agricultural land in the village.

Health component included

The mission will also include a health component. Two doctors will accompany the group to temporarily reopen the village health center, which has been closed since its construction. They will carry out screening and prevention activities, particularly at the request of the women in the village.

Funding comes from annual collections

To fund these projects, the young people mobilize throughout the year in Corsica. Last year, nearly 4,800 euros were sent to Senegal thanks to their collections, showing the ongoing support from the community.

Experience aims to broaden perspectives

For the youth representative, the challenge goes beyond the actions during the stay. It is also about allowing the children to discover other realities and overcome preconceived notions. Sandrine, Gaspard's mother, will also be part of the trip and plans to extend the experience to students upon her return.

Educational follow-up planned

Sandrine, who works for the EREA, is preparing a presentation based on photos and videos from the trip with a history and geography teacher. The young people will also keep a travel journal and participate in radio exchanges between Corsica and Senegal to share their experiences and learning.

Young participants prepare for first trip

At 10 and a half years old, Khadyja is preparing for her first solidarity trip. A member of Copain du Monde since the age of 4, she already knows the collections and actions organized throughout the year. But this time, she will go directly to meet those she wants to help.

Personal reflections on the journey

Gaspard, 16 years old, is also preparing to discover Senegal for the first time. "We will sleep in huts. It's really closer to the locals," he says. For two weeks, the two young Corsicans, as well as three classmates, will share the daily life of the inhabitants of Sipo, a village located in the delta of the Sine Saloum.

Collaboration with local residents

Acting on site, close to the residents, this trip is part of a long-term partnership with the local association Jaipo Defar Sipo. The children will participate in activities related to environmental protection and biodiversity, such as caring for turtles, and in projects aimed at improving the irrigation of agricultural land.

Local input shapes the mission

"We will help the village," summarizes Khadyja. A meeting that should leave a mark. For Khadyja and Gaspard, this first adventure will already be an opportunity to give a new meaning to their commitment.