The Context
Senegal, a West African nation, has a population of approximately 18.2 million people as of 2024. The country’s education system consists of three levels: primary, secondary, and higher learning. Primary education is mandatory and free for children aged 6 to 16, following a 6-6-2 system: six years of primary school, followed by six years of secondary school, and an optional two years of higher learning. French is the primary language of instruction, with some institutions offering courses in regional languages.
Despite recent progress, challenges remain, including high dropout rates, insufficient resources, and a shortage of qualified teachers. The Senegalese government has implemented various initiatives to improve education quality, such as extending school access, enhancing teacher training programs, and increasing funding for school infrastructure. By collaborating with stakeholders, the government aims to ensure that all children receive high-quality education.
ST Foundation’s Presence
Since 2008, ST Foundation has embarked on a transformative journey in Senegal, characterized by mutual understanding and collaboration. This path, marked by several key milestones, reflects our growing impact and deepening connection with the local communities.
The initial step was the launch of the DU Program in partnership with the National Agency for Youth Employment (ANPEJ). Although this partnership eventually ended, our dedication remained unwavering. Currently, working with Concept, a local NGO, we have expanded our reach to over 25 cities, enhancing digital literacy and infrastructure in underserved regions.
In 2018, our collaboration continued with the introduction of the T4K course, initiated through a Train the Trainer session led by Giovanna Bottani. This demonstrated the program’s adaptability and our commitment to evolving with the needs of the community.
Our collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation (AICS) in 2020 marked another significant milestone, highlighting our shared objectives and collective efforts. Details of this achievement can be explored on our dedicated webpage.
In 2022, we furthered our commitment to inclusive education by launching the Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired People Course (ICB4VI). The significance of this program was underscored by the presence of our Director of Operations, Giovanna Bottani, and Dr. Cristian Bernareggi from Milan University at the launch event. For more information, please visit the specific section on our website.
In 2023, our journey reached new heights with a strategic partnership with the ITU to empower girls in Senegal. This collaboration exemplifies our dedication to gender equality and sustainable development. More details can be found on our website.
As of June 2024, the DU Program has reached over 180,000 beneficiaries, standing as a testament to our enduring commitment to digital education and our ongoing journey of mutual understanding with the communities we serve.
