Back to School for Rowan, and Karate for All!

Rowan accompanied Arouna to school today.  We waited outside the school for Arouna to arrive, and met many people we know. Bourama Sene, a waiter at the restaurant we frequent, La Residence, accompanied his two delightful children to class. Samir, our desk manager at the hotel, was enjoying his morning coffee at a local stand, catching up on morning news. And, of course, we were greeted by many talibes we knew: "Sonia!" "Rowan!" "Karate!", and by many we did not: "toubab!".  It is a different scene in Saint Louis before 8am.

The classes for today were science, French and English. Rowan got to sit in on a Senegalese sex education class. She said the information was very good and thorough until she was shocked to

Rowan and Arouna head into his school

"learn" that lemon juice consumed twice daily after sex might prevent pregnancy. Fortunately, this was not the only method of contraception imparted to the teenagers. They were also admonished that sex before marriage is very dangerous. Rowan thought it would be rude to contradict the teacher publicly about the lemon juice. But, she certainly made sure Arouna was set straight. Now, she thinks she understands why there are so many children in Senegal. The English teacher invited Rowan to write a class test. The marks were announced in order of best to worst, and the teacher proudly congratulated Rowan on her 100% score. Rowan will be writing about her experience attending classes with Arouna.

Robbie and Robin and I continued to the centre. Robin spent the morning with Mamadou, first directing him to write his name on his new gardening gloves, then directing him how to prune bushes, vines and fruit trees. Robin thinks they went a bit overboard with the giant bougainvilleas. But, they did need a trim. We were a bit more organized today getting the kids ready for karate class: Rowan

had set up a good system the first day and we were getting faster. Catalan volunteer, Lydie, helped the kids dress in a correctly sized gi. Souleymane is now a master of tying and belting gis at top speed, as am I. Even more came, as the news of karate is effectively spreading. Meanwhile, Robbie was sitting in the shade, trying to fight off his nausea and dizziness so he could instruct the class again.

In the end, I put on my own gi, and taught the class in his place. What to do? 50 kids were lined up excitedly anticipating the lesson. Robbie sat near me and called out my instructions one after the other, while trying not to be sick. We managed with this routine for about 45 minutes. The kids were fantastic and loved it. The number of "jokers" was fewer that before, as boys recognized this opportunity as something special. I was exhausted by the end. What a workout! In 30C.

Later, Noel Coly, who has been actively helping us organize this project, introduced us to Master Ignite Ba. He runs nearby Charles de Gaule dojo. A sixth degree in the Shoto Kan style, he is licensed to assess up to second dan. He is also a licensed referee for kata and kumite. Best: he is the coach of the Senegalese National Karate Team.  We also met with sensei Abdoulaye Diop, a second degree past black belt student of Master Ba. Both seem to be very sensitive to the talibés and appreciative of what an ongoing karate program could bring to the talibés. And, both are very open to and appreciative of our idea of periodic involvement of international volunteers/ guest instructors with the karate program on-going (an idea to explore later).

Robbie Hughes assists Sensei Diop

The next day we ran day three of The Big Class of karate. Even more kids appeared and for the first time we ran short of gis. We had a few extra gi tops, which Rowan used to dress the stragglers. This will be an incentive for kids to arrive early. Many kids now can properly tie their gis and belts on their own.  The smiles of joy and pride on so many faces as the kids belted themselves up nearly overwhelmed me. These children of the street are such quick learners. This must be an adaptation for survival on the streets.Thankfully, Rowan helped organize the gis after class, teaching some of the talibes how to do it to make things quicker the next morning. Robin spent most of the morning helping to prune and tidy up the Maison de la Gare garden, working with Mamadou again. Nurse Binta later helped him clean the cuts and scratches he got from the bougainvilleas.

Robbie was not well again in the morning. So, I warmed up the class according to Robbie's ongoing

instructions. Then, I handed the class over to Sensei Diop. He led the class, with Robbie's help, for about an hour. Robbie was very impressed with his competence and his manner with the kids, not to mention his ability to direct so effectively such a large class of boys with no structure or parental figures in their lives, other than Maison de la Gare. The kids are quite amazing in how quickly they are picking up karate. In many cases, once a stance is done properly once, it is not forgotten. Thus, each class is able to build on the last. The kids have nearly all learned right and left since classes began Monday. These kids are a Sensei's dream. At this point I can only imagine the magnitude of impact the karate program will have on some of these talibés' lives.

Tomorrow, we hope Master Ba will lead The Big Class, so Robbie can effectively assess his method and manner with the children. We will establish on-going Big Classes three mornings a week at the centre. All interested kids will get a chance to train regularly. And, talented kids with particular commitment and interest will be identified for potential sponsorship to the dojo. I am not sure yet what this training at the centre will cost (Noel is assisting with on-going negotiations) but I am committed to making it happen.

Robbie and several of the talibé kids with natural talent and a keen interest will train at the Charles de Gaule dojo Saturday evening. If it goes as well as we hope, at least four of them, to start, will be registered at the dojo thanks to the sponsorship of some Douvris families back in Ottawa.

Robbie Hughes and Master Ignéty Ba

Membership is financially quite expensive by local standards, but I think this dojo, the access to regulated competitions, the association with the Senegalese Karate Federation, and this Master will be worth it. In Canadian dollars, the registration and monthly membership cost for this dojo will work out to about $300 per year per student (A Canadian charitable tax receipt will be given to sponsors. Let Sonia know if you are interested in sponsoring a talibé to join the dojo at hughes-leroy@rogers.com. Or, you can send a cheque payable to Maison de la Gare c/o Sonia LeRoy or Robbie Hughes at Bank Street Douvris or c/o Rod LeRoy, 108 Astoria Ave. Pointe Claire, Quebec H9S5A8).

Talibé in Trouble follow up:

Hamedi gi'd up for his second karate Big Class today. He is recovering well from the trauma of being chained by the ankles by his marabout for not meeting his begging quota. He has been catching onto karate well. By the end of the class he was smiling! Robbie gave him a Douvris top to keep as a souvenir. Despite the heavy material which surely must have been VERY warm in this heat, Hamedi would not take it off. Happiness.