Senecorps Summer Corps Projects

  Senegal

Dakar,  Saint-Louis,  Thies

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 24 - July 23

Description: There are five components to this program:

1: The lecture series are hosted by University of Dakar and the University of St. Louis in St. Louis, Senegal.

Course Title: West African Culture, Politics, Religion and the Arts: Focus on Senegal

This course is a survey of Senegalese society from its pre-colonial history into the 21st century. Each lecture is designed to coincide with and provide an in depth overview of each field study site. Lectures will explore Senegal's social, political, and economic organization; religion and philosophy; the role of women; nationalism and independence movements; art and architecture; and the legacy of slavery in post-colonial West Africa. There will be a total of six lectures(2-3 hours in length). Language of Instruction is English.

Lecture 1: Political History of Senegal
Lecture 2: Senegalese Arts and Cultures
Lecture 3: Christianity and Islam in Senegal
Lecture 4: Senegalese Architecture: History and Rituals
Lecture 5: West African Slave Trade
Lecture 6: History, Culture, Prospects of St. Louis, Senegal

2: Language Instruction: Wolof

Over 20 hours of Wolof Instruction will be provided through lectures, collaborative work, and various immersion activities. Wolof is the national language of Senegal. It is also used as a language of commerce in Mauritania, Mali, and the Gambia. This is a practical language course which focuses on the study of various aspects of contemporary Senegalese society. Corps members will cover the basic structures of Wolof developed for rapid acquisition of speaking skills.

3: Cultural Classes: These 2-3 hour sessions in the following disciplines will be led by nationally renowned professionals/artists:
- Weaving
- Cooking
- Drumming Hair
- Braiding
- Batik Making
- Jewelry making            
- Sand Painting
- Tye-Dying
- West African Dance
- Attaya (Traditional Tea) Making

Note: Individuals interested in receiving a certification in any of the disciplines are required to take a minimum of 20 extra apprenticeship hours that will be organized for an additional fee.

4: Service Project: Build a School

For the lasting gift of knowledge that each participant will receive, Senecorps will provide an opportunity to give back to the host community through a service project that promises to impact the lives of many for years to come. This year, participants will donate their time and energy to construct a school for 300 children in Thies, Senegal. Depending on the number of participants, there may be time to renovate local schools and/or clean up communities.

5: Homestay

Each corps member will have the opportunity to live with a Senegalese family for one week. This is an excellent time to test their language skills and experience Senegalese life firsthand.

Highlights:
* University Lecture Series
* Wolof Classes
* Cultural Classes (Certification possible for an additional fee)
* Homestay
* Service Project- Build a home for a Senegalese family

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 2,300

Not Included:
- Round-trip Airfare
- Passport/Visa
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
- Meals on "Free Days"

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Senegal in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-20

Scholarships are Available. USD 500 scholarships are available for all teachers (working or retired). Up to 4/ USD 100 scholarships are awarded each year to students recognized for their community service contributions.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Senecorps's Mission Statement: Senecorps is devoted to building bridges across continents through youth and adult education by providing opportunities for teachers, students, and families to exchange ideas and skills through service learning and a variety of cultural and intellectual interactions.

Year Founded: 2003