Kalidou - A Talibe Success Story

 

Kalidou's story with Maison de la Gare began in 2008. He was 6 or 7 years old at the time, he is not sure. 

From Kolda, in the Cassamance region of Senegal, Kalidou and his two older brothers were sent together to his marabout to be talibes in Saint Louis, begging for their own living as well as a quota of money for the marabout, but also to learn the Quran. His younger sister remainded in the village with his parents. His family are farmers, and Kalidou remembers that their life was very hard. Last year Kalidou returned to his village for the first time since leaving in 2008.  Kalidou's older brothers returned to Kolda in 2011, having completed their memorization of the Quran. Kalidou had finally completed his memorization of the Quran, and it is tradition to return to one's village at this time. He says he did not recognize anyone but his mother, and they also did not recognize him. When Kalidou saw how much his village and the people he knew as a child had changed, and how difficult life there remained, he realized his home was now in Saint Louis, and his family is Maison de la Gare. Nevertheless, he will continue to send money to his parents when he can. It is Kalidou's hope to someday be able to bring his mother and father to Saint Louis to live with him, as he does not know how they will survive as his father ages and can no longer live the difficult life of a farmer. He also hopes to someday marry a girl from Cassamence (of his parent's choosing) and to bring her back to live in Saint Louis.

When Kalidou first arrived in Saint Louis he was lucky to soon meet Issa Kouyate and Maison de la Gare. He attended French classes at Maison de la Gare's previous location, the old, run down train depot near the Pont Faidherbe. 

 

Kalidou at the old train station with MDG

My sister Lisa and a fellow volunteer, Zoe encountered Kalidou at Maison de la Gare in 2008 when they were teaching French. Each time I return to Saint Louis, Kalidou askes me if I have news of Zoe. He remembers her fondly as his first teacher, and he thinks of her and misses her to this day. Last year I suggested that Kalidou send her a video message. He prepared his remarks for days, thinking carefully of what he wanted to tell her. Kalidou is very shy, but sending Zoe a greeting was clearly very important to him. 

Watch Kalidou greet Zoe here.

Kalidou  remains shy and humble to this day. But, his confidence is growing. Kalidou is a member of Maison de la Gare association. At the annual general meeting yesterday, when called upon to comment, Kalidou adressed the large group with eloquence.

 

Kalidou speaking at the annual general meeting of MDG

Kalidou learned French and quite good English at the classes offered by Maison de la Gare. Several years ago Maison de la Gare arranged for Kalidou to begin to learn the craft of couture, and later to apprentice as a taylor. He has been working for the past year with the tailor Baka, at the shop Baka Fashion. Baka tells me Kalidou should be ready to complete his apprenticeship in about one year, advancing to become a taylor in his own right. An apprenticeship of about 3 or 4 years is typical. However, Kalidou was already oriented somewhat to his craft when he began his apprenticeship. Indeed, Baka says Kalidou is ready to start to transition and could earn money by having a sewing machine of his own at home. Kalidou spends about three hours each day apprenticing.

 

Kalidou with the taylor, Baka

After his work at Baka Fashion, Kalidou visits his daara to study the Quran with his Marabout, Seringe Mansour. Although Kalidou has memorized the Quran already, he still feels he has much to learn about being a good Muslim. Personally, I think he is already one of the best I have met. 

 

Kalidou at his sewing machine at Baka Fashion

When Kalidou is finished at his Daara he comes to Maison de la Gare, where is is now working as a talibe in transition in the role of assistant teacher, instructing English. He also spends the weekends with Maison de la Gare, helping out however he can. He is an example to other talibes. Kalidou demonstrates that there is hope that talibes can realistically aspire to better lives.

Kalidou with Issa, many years ago

When asked what Maison de la Gare has meant to him, Kalidou  says he was really helped in learning English and French. Maison de la Gare has allowed him to remain in Saint Louis and to train for a trade. To Maison de la Gare, Kalidou says: "Thanks for my life. It is good."

 

Kalidou teaching an English class at MDG

Grading Day!

 

The yellow belt candidates

They waited  together nervously outside the dojo, in the night, for their turns to enter, salute their Sensei, and begin the test to advance to yellow belts. One by one they were called in. The waiting students could not see what transpired inside, adding to thier growing anxiety. First the salute.  Then, Sensei Ignety Ba began to call out various blocks and strikes in Japonese. The kids were expected to respond immediately, and acurately. 

Thirteen Maison de la Gare dojo talibes had been invited to grade for yellow, along with five non-MDG students of Sor-karate Club.. Before the test began, Sensei Ignety Ba explained to the candidates that belts are earned, not gifted. Months of dedication is required. Forms must be not only memorized, but performed correctly. Japonese terms for each block  and strike must be known intimately enough to respond accurately and without hesitation when called upon. Kumites must be precise and forceful. Salutes and kiayes must never be missed at the right moments.

 

The candidates grading at the dojo

As each candidate entered in turn Robbie and I watched in silence, seated beside Sensei Ignety Ba as they saluted their Sensei and awaited instructions. Many were sweating with anxiety. I was nearly shaking myself, my own nerves getting the better of me as I imagined myself in their shoes. I wanted so much for each and every one to pass. But, I began to sense from Ignety a premonition in his subtle demonstrations of disapproval, impatience, or pride in students who's gradings were progressing well or not as well. A few were asked to leave before having performed Kumite, a bad sign.

Arouna and Ismaila performing Kumite during grading 

It took several hours to grade the 18 candidates, then Sensei gathered the candidates again. He again reminded them that belts must be earned by demonstrated hard work, respect and skill, then called upon the boys one by one. My heart sank as the first candidate, my beloved Arouna Kande was not passed. Then the second, Ismaila also not passed. But then, the first pass, for Amadou Sadio Diallo! Dijibi Balde, pass! Oumar Sane, pass! Mamadou Balde, pass! Souleymane Ba, pass! Boybacar Ndiaye, pass! Issa Ba, pass! But then, Moussa Ba, not passed. Then Yaya not only passed, but was praised as excellent, the star of the dojo! Amadou Sadio Camara and Abdoulaye Diallo sadly also did not pass. None of the five non MDG candidates passed either. In the end, eight earned their yellow belts, all from Maison de la Gare. Sensei informed the MDG candidates who had not passed that they were close, so they would be given the opportunity to test again in only another month, much shorter than the usual wait.

As we later walked away together from the dojo the atmosphere was a mixture of quiet disappointment and elated celebration. My own feelings were just as mixed.

A day after the celebration and heartbreak of the yellow belt grading a presentation ceremony was held for all the dojo talibe yellow belt candidates at Maison de la Gare. I rented mats, which the boys transported by taxi and set up at Maison de la Gare. Tables were carried out from classrooms and set up as a head table. All the candidates, passed or otherwise put on their gi's and lined up, respectfully awaiting their Sensei. 

 

Sensei Ignety Ba with the new yellow belts, before the presentation

First Sensei Ignety Ba invited Noel Coly of Maison de la Gare to address the crowd. Then he himself spoke of the importance of service, referencing Douvris MA, Robbie, my Dad and I and Maison de la Gare. He spoke of perseverance, referencing the hard work of the talibes in pursuing their passion for karate.  I could only marvel at the echo of his words. The Douvris MA word of the monh this month is Service. Last month it was: Perserverance. Then Sensei Ignety Ba, assisted by Sensei Seck, called upon members of Maison de la Gare, Dad, Robbie and myself to present certificates of grading to each candidate in turn. Even those who did not pass received two stripes on their white belts and certificates, as Sensei was confident they would soon earn them. As the successful candidates were called up to receive their belts, the abundant joy and pride could not be contained. 

 

Boubacar Ndiaye being congratulated by Ignety Ba

 

Issa Kouyate presenting Robbie a certificate of honour on behalf 

of Master John Douvris

Then a surprise, I was called upon to receive a certificate of honour on behalf of Sensei Martina Couture, of Douvris MA Barrhaven. It was granted for her precious contribution to sport and the social good in Saint Louis and to the advancement of Maison de la Gare. Robbie was called up to receive a similar certificate of honour on behalf of Master John Douvris of Douvris Martial Arts. Then Dad received a certificate, then Robbie, and then so did I, accompanied by lasting applause. It was an overwhelmingly proud, emotional moment for all of us.

 

Sonia presenting belt and grading certificate to Issa Ba

As we all proudly gathered together for a photo opportunity, I was reminded again that when practicing karate, these boys are no longer talibes. They are martial artists.

Making the Most of Opportunity

 

Maison de la Gare morning karate class

Our first day in Saint Louis was full, despite Robbie and I sleeping in. Dad, of course was up early at work, never a moment to lose. We arrived at the centre to a karate class of about 25 kids in progress. The skill level of the karate kids was really impressive. Four boys in particular made a real impression on us with their apparent dedication and skill.  Watch two of them here:

Robbie pointed out that these children seem to view karate as a privilege, and many of them give it everything they have, striving to make it their own. They are respectful of their Sensei, waiting in the hot sun for the next instruction and then doing their best to perform correctly. They don't have parents or any reasonable structure in their lives. They are not fed or given any care when they are sick other than from Maison de la Gare, or what they can beg. They are forced to deliver quotas of money to their marabouts each day, proceeds of begging.  Maison de la Gare staff and volunteers provide the only positive roll modelling in their lives. There are so few staff, and thousands of talibe kids. But here they are, working hard, focused, sweating, probably hungry. Karate is exactly what these kids needed.

 

We met with the kids who would be travelling to Kaolack later that night for their first National Tournament to provide new gi's that they would wear in competition, donated by Douvris Martial Arts Barrhaven.Two of the talented kids in the morning class also indicated they wanted to join the dojo. Next week we'll gauge their comittment, and if they seem ready, two of the new gi's may be theirs. 

 

Some newly registered karate students at the dojo during my previous visit

Robbie and I joined the dojo talibes to train at Sor-karate Friday night. We left the centre just before the evening light meal was served. Unfortunately in order to arrive at the dojo in time ( it is about a 20 minute walk) the kids often forgo their meal from Maison de la Gare. Robbie and I both participated in the class with the advanced belts, so we were not able to take photos this time. We both felt privledged to train with this group, who give such an effort to their practice.  We learned new kumite routines and worked hard. Our conditionning thanks to Dourvis Martial Arts paid off and although the class was a challenge and we also worked hard, we were not exhausted. In fact, we were surprised when the sensei and talibes asked us if we were tired. After an intense warm up the class tends to get 1 or 2 minute pauses between sets of about 10 minutes for the boys to rest. Sweat was pouring off them. and they were tired. But of course they continued to give the practice all their focus and strength until the very end. It dawned on me that these kids were working through more calories than they had likely consumed that day! They had not eaten an evening meal. And they likely had not had much more than some bread or a bit of rice earlier either. And there would be nothing waiting for them later at the homes they do not have. I was hit hard by the realization of the things we take for granted.  Robbie and I also had missed dinner, but given our regular diet we could not have begun to imagine what the talibe boys were experiencing. After class we distributed all the granola bars we had brought for the trip. Later when Robbie and I met Dad for a late meal we found it difficult to eat much, thinking of our talibe karate friends.

Nutrition is important to all athletes. To malnourished kids consuming so many calories pursuing a passion that gives their lives meeaning, food should not be a rare luxury. Robbie and I determined to find a way to help these kids eat before karate practice on a regular basis. we'll keep you posted as we try to figure this out.

At the dojo I discussed the impending belt testing with Sensei Ingety Ba. He had been planning to test the round of white belts we signed up a year ago and some of the more exeptional white belts we signed up on my most recent visit 5 months ago (all thanks to sponsourships from Canada) in about a week. Thirteen Maison de la Gare white belts will be testing! He generously moved up the belt testing to Tuesday night, so we could have a presentation ceremony at Maison de la Gare Wednesday for the successful candidates while Robbie and I are still here. Douvris Martial Arts Barhaven and some Canadian karate students generously donated belts for us to bring to Senegal. If these kids are successful, we will use every one of the donated yellow belts! Upon being informed of testing, the white belts seemed nervous but excited. They worked a long time to become ready, and many still feel anxious.

Robbie offered to work with the kids who will be testing each day until Tuesday, helping them fine tune their katas and kunites and to prepare as well as possible. Saturday morning at the centre Robbie worked with three kids who will be testing, Souleymane, Issa Ba and Moussa Ba. Also, Elhaje practiced despite not being on the test list this time. He wants to take the opportunity to improve so he can make the list next time. The sun was hot, and the gi's were hanging up to dry after being washed, but the practice session was a success.

 

Today, Sunday, we met the kids at the centre again. Yaya also joined the group, and the kids worked hard with Robbie for two hours on getting the shodan, heidan and yodan versions of taykokyu shodan down and improving their form and timing.  Robbie and I have attended a Sor-karate belt testing before. Just only about two thirds of the candidates passed. Robbie is confident these 4 have what it takes to pass to yellow, even to Sensei Ignety's exacting standards.

With the dojo talibes who successfully test being rewarded with a belt ceremony, the younger karate kids who practice at the centre will surely be inspired. And, and with the four Sor-karate talibe kids competing at their first ever national tournament in Kaolack this weekend, Issa Kouyate, president and founder of Maison de la Gare has been saving some medals and suggested a tournament for the little ones. Let's Go! says Robbie. So beginning tomorrow, Robbie will work with the karate kids each day until the end of the week to prepare them for their own first ever tournament. Can't wait!

 

A flyer to collect gi's and sponsorships, pictured is Robbie with the first group 

of dojo talibes, now yellow, orange and green belts

The Road, a Senegalese Shakedown

Climbing the steps into the Dakar airport from the tarmack involved less of a rush than usual. Usually there is quite a bit of jostling for position as the lines to clear customs can be long and slow. But, many of the passengers on our flight remained on board, to continue to Conakry. So, the line was less crowded. And, a previous requirement for completed customs forms and Visas had been abolished. So, the lines moved quicker. service was polite and efficient, leaving us on time and feeling good.

 

we stopped along our route at this roadside coffee shop for a caffiene break

When visas had first been introduced as a requirement for travelling Canadians to Senegal, several years ago, we had the pleasure of being directed down long passages to a tented outdoor extention to the airport. We then enjoyed a very long wait while wonderng what we were waiting for. A sum of Euros was exchanged to pay for the Visas, then we were directed to booths for questionning. My questionning went fairly quickly, interupted only once or twice for my customs officer to take a personal phone call. however, my Dad's questionning was a bit different. Many breaks for personal phone calls were accompanied by regular breaks to get up and chat with colleagues, certainly not about anything relating to Dad's questionning. Was there sonething wrong with his computer? Did Dad appear as a suspicious character? The officer would answer none of our questions. After an extended period of time we guessed the customs officer was waiting for us to offer a bribe, So, Dad got up, went back to the sitting area and waited for a dfferent, less corrupt officer to become available. Eventually one did, and we were out in short order and on our way without any further money changing hands. If it were not for our committment to Maison de la Gare, this experience would have killed my desire to ever return to Senegal. I expect many travellers felt the same way and travel  diminished. Now there is happily no longer a visa requirement.

On a visit a year ago, while transporting an unusually large shipment of medications supplied for our humanitarian mission by Health Partners International, our bags were held at customs. Our manifest and signed and stamped authorization and letter  from the Senegalese embassy in Canada was ignored, despite having satisfied all customs requirements on many previous visits. We did not offer to solve the situation with a bribe. We tried logic, shame, tears, all to no avail. It later took Maison de la Gare many weeks and many trips back and forth to the airport and many different government departments, receiving stamped approval after stamped approval to eventually recuperate the medications for the intended purpose of providing free care to Senegalese children who would otherwise get none. Thanks to our experince with customs on this occasion, we will not likely be bringing medications again for Maison de la Gare any time soon.

  

bags full of medications for Maison de la Gare

On the way home a few trips ago, on the way from Saint Louis to Dakar, we were pulled over by a random police check-point. Unfortunately for the officer, all our driver's papers were in good order. So, he searched the car. Eventually the officer was rewarded with the discovery that our car was missing a triangle for use in roadside emergencies. This search required moving our baggage and potentially jeopardized us catching our flght.  If you could see the motley collection of ancient and overloaded vehicles on this road, many seemingly just held together with string, you would realize the ridiculousness of our situation.  This incident took so long, again, because our driver refused to offer a bribe. He ranted about how such corruption was killing  his country, and he refused to be part of it, regardless of the business consequences. Eventually, the owner of the transport company we had hired arrived on the scene to get involved, and we were again on our way.

Today on the way from Dakar to Saint Louis we were stopped at another random police checkpoint. Again, all our drivers papers were in order. But, the officer complained the baggage was piled too high in the trunk, obstructing a clear view. Again, if you could see the overloaded vehicles travelling this road...The officer had returned the registration, but held on to our driver's license. Our driver returned to the car for his wallet, and I saw the equivalent of about $2 change hands. We were once again on our way, but with a bad feeling about the country nudging its way in.

 

our driver and the police seen through the "obstructed" view

WHAT are the people making decisions in this country thinking?!?  How does this type of skakedown help anyone? Why does this type of behaviour not get SHUT DOWN? The corrupted are among those with jobs and salaries. I expect they are relativly few, but many stand by and let it happen. The victims either cannot  afford to be victimized, or they can, but the presence of corruption nudges them to take their business or tourist dollars elsewhere.  There are many local heroes, good people who know things don't have to  be this way. Our driver of last year taking a stand. Maison de la Gare willing to jump through ridiculous and unreasonable lengthy hoops to avoid  playing the game. Will the honest, resillient people of this place be enough to counter the self harm done by corrupt officials, and those many others who turn a blind eye, accepting it as just the way things are done, sighing as they say: "c'est l'Afrique..." Insha'Allah.

 

a typical sight on the Dakar- Saint Louis route

Not Just for Kicks: Life is Full of Meant-to-Be's

As Robbie and I walked through the door of my Dad's house today, our last stop before leaving together for the airport and then Senegal, Dad had an urgent question: "We just got a request from Maison de la Gare to send six of the dojo talibes to a karate tournament in Kaolack on Friday. Will you be able to raise the money?" 

Kaolack is in the south-central region of Senegal, near the border with The Gambia. The drive we will take to the Northern city of Saint Louis from Dakar tomorrow is about  four hours on a good, direct road. Kaolack from Saint Louis seems to be about double the distance. I wonder what the roads are like? This is a distance Robbie's international tournment team might travel to compete. Unlike on our team trips, I am certain the bus will not be air conditioned, and the ride will not be direct. Talibes, travelling with the tournament team to compete! Of course we'll find the money! as an afterthought, I asked..."how much?"

 

Since Robbie started the karate program at Maison de la Gare two years ago generous families from Douvris dojos in Ottawa have been sponsouring talibe boys who demonstrate committment and passion in the morning karate lassons offered at the centre. Amazingly, as more and more kids want to be and are ready to be registered at the Saint Louis dojo, Sor-Karate with Sensei Ignety Ba, more and more Douvris families have been ready to sponsor them to do so. The sponsorships include initiation, belt testing, the occasional seminar, and monthly fees. The kids attend karate classes every day but Sunday. But, as every Ottawa Douvris Tournament Team parent knows, tournaments are something more.  More money and more Awesome for the kids. 

 

Omar, Bouaro and Souleymane on the MDG tournament team

Tournaments test limits, push envelopes, and shine a spotlight on effort, failure and success. Tournaments are stressful events, in the very best way. Kids able and willing to work harder than they knew they could come to normalize that hard work. And, success and failure alike drive them to train even harder. They know because you are good does not mean you can't be better. And, if you don't win that does not mean you're not good. Successes are shared with teamates, and each win brings the karate family even closer, allowing each member to feel the glory. Or, the pain. How can confidence not thive? How can success in life possibly not follow? Again, of course we'll find the money!!!

Which is why it was just meant to be when Brigitte Pellerin, a third degree black belt and WKC Team Canada member and World Champion, from our dojo, Douvris Martial Arts made an astonishing offer only yesterday. Brigitte has written a book, with her young daughter, Catherine, also a Team Canada member, Not Just for Kicks, which describes the phoenonenon of being part of a karate tournament team and competing at the World Championships. Brigitte is generously donating part of the proceeds of her book to support the karate program at Maison de la Gare. The very day after learning of this good news, I learned of the opportunity for the Maison de la Gare karate kids to lanch their own dreams of competing. Brigitte had reminded me of the awesome potential for character development and self awakening that competing provides young people (and anyone) and offers a means of contributing to financing at just the perfect moment. To read Brigitte's own blog about her book and her support of the talibe and to purchase her book, please follow this link:

http://www.brigittepellerin.com/books/we-can-all-do-our-bit-for-these-eager-karate-students/ 

  

Robbie Hughes on the podium (right) at WKC World Championships

Goodbye for Now, but Not for Long, Insha'Allah

  

 

It is always so difficult to leave Maison de la Gare. Yes, progress has been made, supplies were delivered, issues were resolved, children have been registered in school, 8 more kids are registered at the dojo, karate seems locked-down and a future karate volunteer trip is fleshed-out, the medical report was completed, articles were written. Dad has slogged through his own long list of objectives as well - sleep is so over-rated, after all. But, despite the satisfaction of accomplishment, It tears at my heart to walk down the alley away from the centre. I can never be sure if I will see these boys again. 

 

 

The lives the talibes lead are so unpredictable. They have so little control over their own destinies and are at the mercy of the whims of their marabouts. Kids who have been attending classes at Maison de la Gare, learning to read and write, who feel secure in knowing the staff truly care about and watch over them, could disappear without warning. Marabouts can move an entire daara of kids to a remote location to work their fields as a convenient source of slave labour. Or, children could be arbitrarily barred from Maison de la Gare if a favour for a marabout's personal gain was asked of the center but refused. Or, a child suffering intolerable abuse at his daara could silently vanish and become a runaway, alone and vulnerable on the streets. On my last visit I was horrified to learn a group of 12 children from one daara who had passionately participated in the karate program were barred from returning to the centre by their marabout. The marabout had attacked one boy to punish him for some "transgression"  (an unfortunately common occurrence) and the boy had defended himself with the skill of a martial artist. Only by squashing the hope and the budding karate talent of these boys did the marabout feel able to keep them under his boot.

 

On this visit I was distressed to discover one of my dear teenage talibe friends is seriously considering leaving Senegal to try to make his way across the desert to Libya, and then onto a migrant boat, and then to Europe in search of a better future. He has heard it is possible to get an education in Europe. He has identity papers back in The Gambia, so he could attend high school there. But, he has an intolerable family situation at home to which he cannot bear to return. We had many discussions about the terrors and dangers and extortion of illegal migration to Europe. We also talked long and hard about the discrimination and challenges that await at the other end if the journey were successful. I think, I hope he has changed his mind. Education is his goal. Issa Kouyate could help him find a way to return then get by in The Gambia while continuing his education. If he can finish high school with honours ( which I have no doubt this very intelligent, ambitious boy could do), then a world of possibility could lie at his feet. I hope I get the chance to try to find my friend a scholarship to attend university some day.

Another dear friend my son Robbie's age was back in Saint Louis in search of work. Amadou Diao had previously been sent back by Maison de la Gare to his home in the Casamence to continue with his formal education. But, apparently he has no papers - a ridiculously common situation in Senegal when papers must be obtained for a fee within days of birth, regardless of the remoteness of one's birthplace - and thus he has very little chance of being registered in the public school system without resorting to bribery. This very intelligent boy had given up on school. But, after many hours of our discussions about the importance of eduction as the key to nearly everything, Amadou Diao also changed his mind. This Monday, with support from Maison de la Gare, he got on a bus back to his home town, school fees in hand and schoolbag on his back, to try to begin again with the new school  year this Wednesday. I cannot help but worry for my young friend, at this moment alone on a journey of possibly days, headed to an unknown future with little more than his school fees in his pocket and hope in his heart. I cannot help but imagine my own 14 year old on such a journey, alone. If Amadou Diao is successful, I may never see him again. But, it is certain I will never forget him.

 

Another friend, a talibe with amazing passion and skill for karate, Ismaila, had been sent off to help build a house for his marabout last year. Karate, which Ismaila lived for, was stopped in its tracks. But, I was delighted to learn Ismaila will soon be back to Saint Louis. The word is around that he is on his way. I have no doubt he will be back at Maison de la Gare and back at the dojo as soon as he returns. I anxiously await my next chance to see Ismaila again, back on his way to earning his blue belt in karate.

 

Many other talibe faces continue to reappear year after year. They show up for games, they can be found in the library, or arrive just in time for a meal, they wander into class, or limp into the health climic. They lounge in the shade of the garden, and watch movies in the computer room. Some have fallen in love with karate. As long as they continue to visit Maison de la Gare, these boys will know that someone cares for them. And, hope will remain alive.

 

 

As my flight leaves Dakar behind and the ocean passes underneath I can still hear the echo of the beautiful voices calling to me: "Sonia", "Hey! le Canada!", "Sonia-Karate", "Robbie?", "Rowan?". I hang onto the promise offered by Mamadou taking my left hand with his left instead of the usual right, signifying we shall meet again, God willing. I  will be back, insha'Allah.

 

Souleymane - A Child at Heart Becomes a Leader of Children

 

During this visit to Senegal I have been lucky to spend much time with Souleymane. He has taught karate classes with me at the centre. He has helped me orient more talibes into the Maison de la Gare karate program. We have played Monopoly Deal and spent time just hanging out. This week my Facebook account was disabled without cause or warning. Facebook has been an important means of communication while I am in Africa - a link to home as well as to Senegalese friends. Souleymane's always cheerful attitude and positive and playful disposition has helped remind me that it is good to just be present, and for a few days not to worry about my links to the outside world.The following history about Souleymane is from an article I wrote to be published on the Maison de la Gare Global Giving web page, and on Maison de la Gare's own web site, www.mdgsl.com later this year. Enjoy...

 

 

Souleymane first arrived at Maison de la Gare in 2010 when he was about 14 years old.  After receiving help from Maison de la Gare when he was sick, he became a familiar figure at the centre. It soon became apparent that Souleymane, sent from his home in The Gambia to a marabout and forced to beg for quotas of money at an early age, had been cheated of his childhood. At Maison de la Gare he made up for lost time. As a teenager, he learned to play, And, he discovered education. Now, as an older talibe in transition with responsibilities at the centre, and freed from his marabout, Souleymane is helping other talibes find their ways to better lives.

Souleymane had initially heard about the centre by word of mouth from other talibes. He would appear from time to time for food and respite from his daily begging. He was also curious about the classes. Then, in 2011 Souleymane began to have trouble in his daara. He became sick and his marabout failed to provide any care. Maison de la Gare took responsibility for his healthcare and Souleymane was hospitalized until he was well again. He was required to submit 600 CFA of begging proceeds  (about $US1) every day to his marabout. Even when he was in hospital, his daily quota accumulated. Maison de la Gare intervened to assist Souleymane through these troubles.

Once Souleymane's health was restored, he began to attend classes at Maison de la Gare on a regular basis. It was his hope to be able to go to school some day.

 

Even as a teenager, Souleymane had the heart of a child. At a series of celebrations organized for talibes at the centre, Souleymane spent hours colouring and drawing, alongside younger children half his age.  As I observed how this teenager was captivated by drawing in a colouring book, it broke my heart to realize this could only mean Souleymane was experiencing childhood for the first time. He would spend as much time as possible participating in every game, always with the younger 

 

kids. He loved the sack races, and learning to skip rope. The opportunity to play the djembe drums also captured his imagination. Souleymane loves a good joke and he is always quick to tease. Wherever there is fun, to this day Souleymane is sure to be on the scene. 

 

In 2015 when my son, then 13 year old Robbie, a karate black belt, arrived from Canada to help begin a karate program at Maison de la Gare, Souleymane was interested right away. Robbie and Souleymane became close friends. Robbie taught him to love karate, and Souleymane taught Robbie to play marbles and to make a perfect pot of attaya. 

 

 

Souleymane continued to study karate at the centre, and at the dojo Sor-karate. As his study of the sport progressed, his discipline and sense of responsibility increased. There was a time when Souleymane may have been as likely to be found napping behind a market stall, as to be at class on time. 

 

But now, the discipline of karate and the pride in responsibility seem to have had a transformative effect.  Souleymane leads the warm up for the karate class at the centre each week, and trains at the dojo most nights. He helps orient the newly registered "dojo talibes" into the karate program, ensuring they are on time. And, he helps the kids just starting karate to find a gi that fits. He now also competes in kata and combat for his dojo. Souleymane has found passion and leadership in karate.

 

As Souleymane transitions out of the talibe life, he continues to work with Maison de la Gare, not only leading karate classes, but working to support the hygiene and health care project. Most days he leads the talibes in brushing their teeth. And he assists with many other projects. Souleymane also leads a group of four other talibes in cultivating a garden plot of okra at Maison de la Gare's  cultivation lands. This week he proudly harvested the first crop ever. Meanwhile, Souleymane still yearns for an education, attending Maison de la Gare classes faithfully. And if fun is afoot, Souleymane will surely not be far away.