Senegal

Basic Information

• Supporting: 1,276 girls with scholarships
• Target areas of this assistance: Fatick, Kolda, and Tambacounda Partners: FEE in Fatick, GADEC in Tambacounda, and OFAD in Kolda.
• School year calendar: October - June

Program Overview

Selection Process

Scholars are selected through a transparent process which increases accountability and inclusiveness. The NGOs send selection forms to the AGSP schools for the school directors to fill out. The directors contact the parents to verify the information on the forms and to talk to them about the scholarship. The forms are then sent to the department education inspector who then sends them to the regional level. The forms are then submitted to the NGO partners. A selection committee is formed and consists of a USAID representative, the AGSP consultant, a representative from the NGO, the governor, education inspectors at the regional and department levels, parents' association members, women leaders, women teachers (SCOFI), and other local organizations. The committee reviews the forms based on the selection criteria and makes the final decision.

Mentors

The mentoring program is well underway. The activities in Fatick and Kolda are focused on raising awareness around the negative impacts of early marriage and child migration to urban centers. There are currently 137 mentors in Senegal: 26 mentors in Fatick (21 for primary and 5 for junior secondary), 28 mentors in Tambacounda (23 for primary and 5 for junior secondary), and 83 mentors in Kolda. They are volunteers in the communities that have AGSP scholars. Mentoring activities in Senegal involve checking on scholars both while in school as well as while at home. Mentors in the Fatick region, where implementing partner FEE operates the AGSP, report that during their home visits, they also address certain issues that affect the scholars of the region. In particular, the mentors talk with parents about the negative effects of early marriage and the dangers of sending girls to urban centers to look for work. Additionally, the issue of excessive household chores and their negative effect on girls' education is being addressed with parents. Mothers often need to work outside the home and are unable to maintain the household themselves. This burden then falls on the girls and often contributes to their dropping out of school as it becomes impossible to stay on top of their studies while being responsible for the maintenance of the home. Through home visits and being in communication with school officials, mentors see a clear link between absences, tardiness and responsibilities in the home. Mentors are therefore working with schools administrators and parents to talk about this and figure out the best way to minimize the burden on girls and give them time to study while at home.

Program Update

In Year 1, the AGSP in Senegal provided 1,000 scholarships to girls in three regions of Fatick, Kolda and Tambacounda. The program has been implemented with assistance from a Local Consultant, Ms. Aminata Fall Diaw.

In Year 2, the program expanded to support more girls, serving 1,200 scholars in the 2005-06 school year.

In Year 3, again the number of beneficiaries increased. This school year, 1,276 girls are receiving scholarships in Senegal. The scholarships are comprised of school supplies, books, a hurricane lamp, and money for school fees and food. The scholars are using their scholarship items and are attending school regularly. In the schools where there is a feeding program, meals are provided three days a week (including Tuesday and Thursday, when the school days are longer and therefore the need for a meal is greater). Across the board our partners are noting an improved performance in school among beneficiaries. Though communities ask for more support to more students, AGSP parents continue to express their gratitude to the US government for their generosity with this program.