- Pikine, Dakar
- hello@fondationbakhawa.com
- Panier
The development of this project followed several stages.
The COVID pandemic highlighted a chronic lack of resources that prevented underprivileged children from having an adequate learning environment to succeed in school. In the summer of 2021, we decided to convert the second floor of our family home into a learning support center, allowing children from surrounding neighborhoods to benefit from a study environment tailored to their academic needs.
Next, we decided to welcome 20 boys and girls aged 7 to 10 from underprivileged families into a program (Young Felines) that provides them with financial, educational, and healthcare support.
Faced with the high demand and limited space, we decided to launch a project to build a village capable of hosting 40 to 60 children for stays of 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the period.
This program is entirely volunteer-based and has no profit-making objectives. However, we must establish a financial balance to ensure the sustainability of the institution.
Our ambition is to maintain both programs (Young Felines & Village Academy) and expand them to other locations as soon as we can rely on motivated and committed individuals willing to dedicate their time and energy to the success of the children.
...all individuals or organizations who believe in our mission to get involved through financial or material contributions, or simply by offering their time and skills.
Through your donations, you can contribute to the construction of the Village Academy of the Bakhawa Foundation, thus providing a safe and enriching educational environment for underprivileged children, fostering their academic and personal development.
They offer children an immersive experience rich in recreational, sporting, and cultural activities. These short-term stays allow children to disconnect from their urban daily life and immerse themselves in a natural and stimulating environment. The activities include group games, artistic workshops, outdoor sports, and cultural discovery sessions. The goal is to foster their curiosity, strengthen their team spirit, and introduce them to practices that promote African traditions and mutual respect.
During this period, the village combines academic support with recreational activities. Children participate in educational sessions to reinforce their learning and prepare for the upcoming school year. The program includes group exercises on various educational topics, hands-on workshops, and educational games. This blend of study and leisure aims to sustain the children’s interest in education while providing moments of enjoyment and discovery.
These stays are designed as hybrid experiences, combining outdoor activities, academic support, and cultural traditions. Children participate in excursions to explore the surrounding nature, as well as activities around a campfire, where they can listen to stories, sing, and share convivial moments. The program also includes workshops to discover various professions, allowing children to explore different passions and vocations. Whether through visits to farms, gardening activities, or interactions with local artisans, these experiences aim to spark the children’s interests and connect them with culture and nature.
For socio-cultural or educational groups, the Village offers tailor-made programs designed to meet the specific objectives of each group. These customized stays may include thematic workshops, training sessions, team-building activities, or community projects. The flexibility of this approach allows us to address the diverse needs of participants and maximize the educational and social impact of their stay. Groups can thus benefit from an environment conducive to collaborative learning, cultural exchange, and team cohesion. Following several meetings on the Village Academy project, we moved into the formalization phase, structuring the project and defining the steps and resources needed for its implementation.
The safety and well-being of the children are top priorities at the Village. A dedicated, trained, and motivated staff ensures constant vigilance and takes proactive measures to protect the children. Each stay is supervised by qualified professionals who monitor the health and welfare of all participants. Regular medical check-ups, a balanced diet, and a secure environment allow the children to fully enjoy their stay in the best possible conditions.
The village provides comprehensive academic support, including grade-level assessments, guided readings, and exercises to help children improve their knowledge. Qualified teachers supervise these activities, ensuring personalized support tailored to each child’s needs. The educational sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, using innovative teaching methods to stimulate the children’s interest and learning.
The village immerses children in a rich socio-cultural environment, reinforcing African values of respect, discipline, and community life. Interactions with villagers and traditional figures allow them to engage with the local culture, learn customs, and honor traditions. This family-oriented and disciplined environment is essential for developing their cultural identity and sense of community.
Practical learning is emphasized through numerous individual and group workshops and activities. Children can participate in workshops on crafts, gardening, cooking, and much more. These activities allow them to develop practical skills, discover new talents, and appreciate the value of hands-on work. By encouraging learning through practice, the village provides children with opportunities for personal growth and independence.
The Village offers a variety of recreational and sports activities. Play areas, sports fields, and game rooms are available for children to have fun and engage in physical activity. These activities aim to promote an active lifestyle, strengthen bonds among the children, and provide moments of enjoyment and relaxation in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Bakhawa Foundation works to improve the academic performance of underprivileged children through personalized support and the teaching of effective study methods. Therefore, providing parents with a valuable opportunity for the educational development of their children within the community.