In a world marked by adversity, three passionate students from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) are embarking on a journey to bring positive change to the lives of children in Senegal, West Africa. Through their partnership with UNH, they have received a significant boost from a $10,000 award from the prestigious International Changemaker Grant (a partner program of the Sustainability Institute and UNH Global) thanks to the generosity of the Emeriti Council of the UNH Foundation Board and the Alnoba Lewis Family Global Service Initiative Fund.
Meet the UNH changemakers:
Becaye Gueye '24 specializes in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, offering a unique perspective as a native of Dakar, Senegal. His first-hand experiences have ignited his passion for aiding underdeveloped countries in adopting sustainable farming practices.
Jesus La Paz '26 is pursuing studies in Analytical Economics and Justice Studies as an Honors student. Originating from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Jesus is devoted to implementing sustainable solutions to combat poverty.
Syeda Khadija Haq (Dija) '26 is an Honors Business Administration and Economics student, marking her distinction as the first woman from her village in Islamabad, Pakistan, to pursue higher education abroad. Dija is motivated by a profound desire to empower the people of Senegal and forge enduring connections between UNH and Senegal.
Together, they constitute a team rich in diverse skills and experiences, bound by their shared commitment to effecting meaningful change in Senegal.
The Full Bucket Foundation: An Oasis of Hope in Senegal
The nonprofit Full Bucket Foundation (FBF) has a noble mission: to provide essentials and sustainable opportunities to underprivileged children in Daaras, Senegal. Daaras are boarding schools where children from disadvantaged families find shelter and education, often due to economic hardships that make it challenging for their families to provide for them adequately. The name "Full Bucket" alludes to the buckets that Talibes (students of Daaras) use to collect food as they beg door-to-door. Since its inception in the summer 2022, FBF has been working relentlessly to enhance the living conditions of these students and provide the stability they need to thrive in their education.
Senegal is a country grappling with severe poverty, with a significant portion of its population living on less than $1.90 a day. Many families lack the resources to provide quality food, shelter, and education to their children. As climate change exacerbates issues in the region, such as elevated temperatures and recurrent droughts, life becomes even harder for these families, pushing more children into Daaras for stability.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Sustainable Positive Change
Enter the team from UNH, advised by Dr. Iago Hale, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems and Seth Wilner, Agricultural Business Management Field Specialist with UNH Extension. The team is passionate about making a difference. Their interdisciplinary backgrounds in Sustainable Agriculture, Economics, Business Administration, and Justice Studies provide them with a unique set of skills to tackle the complex challenges faced by the Daaras in Senegal.
Their project, set to kick off in January 2024, involves a partnership with the Daara "Miftawul Hudaa," located in Kaolack, Senegal. This boarding school houses 392 students, and the team will work closely with the administrators and teachers to assess the school's current conditions and needs.
The team's initial visit aims to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership by gaining first-hand insights into the Daara's conditions and exploring options to make it more self-sustainable. Some short-term plans include repairing or replacing broken furniture, providing new farming tools, and introducing solar-powered reading lights and fans. However, these actions will be thoroughly assessed during the visit to ensure their feasibility and effectiveness.
Beyond immediate needs, the team has a grander vision of helping the Daara become more self-sufficient. They plan to focus on the school's farm and agricultural activities, providing the necessary tools and knowledge to increase productivity and sustainability. By empowering the students with practical skills and enhancing the farm's output, they aim to create a long-lasting impact on the Daara's ability to provide for its students.
Additionally, the team intends to explore value-added and marketing strategies for the farm's produce, such as drying fruits or pressing seeds for oil. They will also discuss sustainable agricultural practices that can improve soil health and reduce water usage, crucial in a region prone to droughts.
Preparation and Implementation
The team's preparation has been meticulous. Becaye Gueye's role on the board of the Full Bucket Foundation has provided valuable insights into the Daara's operations, ensuring that their efforts align with the school's needs and goals. They have engaged with local experts in agriculture and rural development to gain a holistic understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities.
As they gear up for their trip, the team is working closely with administrators from both FBF and Miftawul Hudaa to ensure a seamless and impactful visit. By building strong relationships with key stakeholders and gathering crucial information, they are well-prepared to hit the ground running.
The journey of these three UNH changemakers exemplifies the power of collaboration, dedication, and interdisciplinary thinking. With the support of the International Changemaker Grant and their unwavering commitment, they are poised to bring hope and positive change to the lives of the children at the Daara "Miftawul Hudaa" in Senegal. Stay tuned for updates on their remarkable journey as they work towards a brighter future for these underprivileged children.
