I am a Canadian university student in Global Development Studies and decided to fulfil my programme requirements for a work-study placement with Projects Abroad in St. Louis, Senegal. My project was Care and I worked at a local talibé (street children) centre, And Taxawu Talibé (ATT). I chose this placement because it offered me the chance to a) travel to Africa, the continent on which most of my academic and personal interest is focused; b) work with children who, despite representing our future, are often a marginalized group; and c) work in a French-speaking country where I could improve my French language skills.

Working at ATT, my schedule was different from some of the other placements in St. Louis, as it varied each day. Twice a week my days started very early, arriving at work around 7:30am to prepare breakfast for over 200 talibés and other children from the neighbourhood. Breakfast consisted of baguettes with chocolate spread and coffee with plenty of milk and sugar. We tried to keep things as organized as possible, but it was always pretty hectic serving such a large group of hungry kids. The same was true of dinner which consisted of egg sandwiches and juice, which I served one evening a week.

Three times a week I was in charge of facilitating showers for about twenty talibés. This was actually my favourite task as it gave me time to play and interact with the kids while they were waiting for their turn in the showers. It was this core group of boys that I got to know very well and with whom I formed important relationships.

In addition to helping provide meals, showers and basic health and hygienic care at ATT, I was also able to go on a couple trips to the beach with the children. It was really exciting to see them out of the busy city setting, laughing and playing on the beach. There were plenty of organized games and songs, as well as a picnic for everyone at the end of the day. This really allowed me the opportunity to have fun and bond with the kids and is one of my favourite memories from my trip.

The main challenge during my placement was the language barrier as most of the talibés do not speak French. In order to cope with this situation, I learned a few key phrases in Wolof from my supervisor and co-workers such as 'what's your name', 'wash your hands' and 'come shower'. Even though we couldn't always understand one another, by the end of my placement I found myself communicating fairly well with the talibé children as we realized what one another usually wanted.

Other challenges included dealing with water cuts, late bread deliverers and a bakers' strike, but these obstacles never stopped the staff at ATT from continuing to provide talibés with all the regular services. These minor setbacks only made my experience all the more interesting and educational, and they could never overshadow all the positive aspects of my placement.

One thing that always made me happy during my time in St. Louis was when a talibé from ATT would recognize me on the street, at the market or at a soccer game and come up to me just to say hello, shake my hand or walk with me for a while. It was very rewarding to get to know and develop relationships with these amazing children.

My last day of work at ATT was bitter-sweet to say the least. I had a wonderful time with the talibés as we had reached a point where we got along quite well, but I was very sad to leave. My supervisor explained to the kids that I was leaving and they all gave me high-fives, handshakes and hugs saying 'Merci!' before I left. I certainly miss the energy and tenderness that these boys possessed and often find myself thinking about what they might be up to these days.

My placement at ATT, and my time in St. Louis in general, was certainly an educational experience. I learned a lot about the tradition of talibés and marabouts which I knew nothing about prior to my trip; I learned a bit of a new language and improved on another; and I experienced many aspects of a new and different culture. I can't say enough about how amazing my experience in Senegal was and I'm looking forward to going back to visit soon.

Michelle Krech

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Games on beach outing

Meal at placement

The 'shower'

My last day at work