School Profile: Ecole Sinthiou Mbadane 1, pilot school
Ecole Sinthiou Mbadane 1 is a growing rural primary school in Senegal, located off paved roads approximately 7 kilometers from the town of M'bour. The school draws students not only from this large town, but also from the neighboring rural villages within an hour's walk. M'bour is located approximately 80 kilometers from the nation's capital of Dakar.
The school was founded in 2000 and currently serves approximately 200 students, ages 7-15. There is a 50/50 mix of boys and girls, with students from four religions. The school community is unanimously committed to secular education and respects the traditions of all community members. Like many schools in Senegal, Ecole Sinthiou Mbadane 1 lacks electricity and flush toilets.
The students at Ecole Sinthiou Mbadane 1 are highly motivated to learn—it's fair to say they crave education. Many students arrive early to school, clamoring for the day to begin. Some walk more than 45 minutes to reach the school every morning.
Watch the digital storytelling videos created by the students at Ecole Sinthiou Mbadane 1.