The World Renew Senegal team is grateful that after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to conduct the Adolescent Health and Rights program fully in 2022 offering 90 adolescents the opportunity to learn about the changes their bodies go through, how to keep themselves healthy, good hygiene practices, and about positive relationships. The boys and girls also reflected on what it means to be a good person and how they want to grow into adulthood.

The group recently celebrated completing the program with a graduation ceremony where they received certificates of participation and they performed skits and dances for the community members in attendance.

Atoumane, the father of one participant, credits the program for the positive changes he has seen in his son, Alioune. Atoumane shared, “The World Renew program has changed my son and I am happy about it. Like many parents, I feel like I can’t educate my children enough because I’m too busy… I am very satisfied with your program. Because the education he received through the program kept him away from youth who smoke and drink, he has become a model for the family and I am amazed by this transformation. I pray that God keeps you and gives you the means you need to educate the future generation. You are helping parents like me who feel like they can’t educate their children well enough.”

Oulèye, whose sister Seynabou is a graduate of the program, was so impressed by all Seynabou learned and by the changes in Seynabou that she is hoping to participate in the program in the future. Oulèye says, “My sister used to fight often, but she has improved tremendously. She loves the program meetings and does not miss any. I know a little about the sessions because of her. She tells me that they ask questions and the participants discuss the answers. The educator makes them aware of certain types of behaviour that are harmful to their health… Now that I am aware of the importance of the program, I regret not having registered, but I will participate next year.”

• Recently, Mali has faced some complex and simultaneous jihadist attacks over a wide swath of territory, pray for peace in the hearts of militants and an end to violence.
• As the food crisis continues to weigh heavily on the world’s most vulnerable, pray for an end to conflicts that cause disruptions in food distribution and for world leaders to find solutions to ensuring the global equitable distribution of global resources.
• On a personal note, please pray that God will guide me to best serve him as I settle into my role as Director of the World Renew West Africa team.