Secure livelihoods for vulnerable youth in Senegal

In our last update we mentioned that we were looking for work placements for our recent graduates in Dakar. Here is an example of what can be achieved when the right support is offered at the right time.

Soon after the training, four of our auto diagnostics graduates were placed at the "Garage Moderne" in Dakar for a two month internship. Aspyre Africa had found the workshop, negotiated the placements, provided transport, lunches and follow-up visits. At the end of the internship, the manager of the garage decided to give two of them a two month trial period with the possibility of employment at the end! The other two were offered an extension of two months to give them time to consolidate their skills.

"I like young people who are honest, punctual and do the job they are asked to do. These guys could work in any garage! They have the drive and the discipline. I used to be an apprentice like them and now I am the manager of the garage! I was helped a lot on my way here. Now it is my turn to give something back! I teach them how to deal with customers, how to research the problems they face because cars are always changing, ... I have also met their families and understand their needs. I am 100% behind Aspyre Africa and would like to encourage you to continue your work! " (Cherif - work placement supervisor)

When I asked to take a picture of the four of them with their supervisor, they happily huddled together and laughed, "the Fantastic Four!

"I am very happy with my supervisor because he is so humble and available and helps us in all areas, just like brothers who share everything. I really feel at home here and I am happy to continue working here! "(Nestor, trainee)

"I'm very happy with the internship because I've learnt a lot of practical things, and it has far exceeded my expectations. I am very grateful!" (Mohamed, trainee)

Hearing their testimonies and seeing how Cherif interacted with the four of them reminded me of how important it is for us to find placements where these young people can gain practical experience, but even more importantly to find mentors they can look up to and who can truly inspire them. It is not an easy task, but that is where we add value! Work we couldn't do without the support of people like you!

Our current priority is to raise funds for toolkits so that these young people can start their own income-generating activities on the side. "Providing young people with a toolkit will help them perfect their skills and take their lives into their own hands." (Lamine, Aspyre Africa Project Manager in Dakar)

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With warm wishes from Dakar,

Savina

56 new graduates in Dakar

I am delighted to share that since our last update 56 (out of 60) at risk young people successfully graduated from their 6-month vocational training at the Lycée Limamou Laye in Dakar. In collaboration with the Saveguarding Centre of Pikine/Guédiwaye and the 3FPT (Senegalese Government Fund for Vocational Training) we were able to provide these young people with training in welding, solar energy and car diagnostics.

During my last project visit, I had the opportunity to conduct 45 individual interviews to hear first hand from our beneficiaries what they thought of the training and what they envisaged for their future. These one-to-one’s help us evaluate the impact of the training, but most importantly, they remind us how unique each young person is. This is why individual follow up, including family visits, are an essential part of our work. 

“Family visits help us gain a better understanding of the young people's degree of vulnerability through the parents' socio-economic situation. During a recent visit for example, a mother told me she shares a 4m bedroom with her husband and her seven children…Those visits also allow us to gather further information regarding the young person's history and personality. This helps us support them better and on a case by case basis! Of course it is nice to hear parents praise Aspyre Africa's support and guidance for their children, and remind us how much our work matters to them.”  Lamine Tall - Aspyre Africa Dakar Project Officer

Together with the Lycée Limamou Laye training centre we are currently in the process of securing the appropriate internship or job for each one of our new graduates. 

Work experience in Saint-Louis

Meanwhile in Saint-Louis, our graduates in solar energy and car mechanics continued their internships with different employers, gaining invaluable work experience. During my stay in Saint-Louis, I visited the different workplaces and gathered testimonies both from our beneficiaries and their “internship supervisors”: 

“The work conditions are excellent here. I really enjoy the work I do. I have learned so much here, acquired a lot of knowledge and skills since I came here after my training. I am starting to master my trade, and know for sure now that I would like to be a car mechanic!” (Oumar, trainee)

“I really appreciate this initiative! Especially the choice of training in renewable energies, because these are the professions in process of development! These young people will have a very good chance of finding employment. I think the theory they received during their training was good, and choosing solar energy was excellent. Here they get a chance to really put into practice what they learned. Most projects in Senegal train young people but don’t do any follow up. This is different with Aspyre Africa! I really hope you will continue to support these beneficiaries until they have their own business. These young people really like this profession. All they need to succeed is continuity.“ (Mr Faye, electrician/ internship supervisor)

Thank you for your trust in Aspyre Africa, and for your continued support helping us provide this continuity!