International Service Learning in Senegal
The three-week January Term course in “International Service Learning in Senegal: Sustainable Development and the Ecovillage Movement” is offered collaboratively by The City College of New York, in partnership with REDES (Network for Ecovillage Emergence and Development in the Sahel), the University of Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Sustainable Neighbors Network, and other local and international NGOs. The course engages students in understanding and enhancing concepts of sustainable development in West Africa where ancient heritage and community values are still intact to a degree rarely found elsewhere. Students live with host families. The course also will offer field trips, other excursions, drumming and dance festivities, and other leisure activities.
Service Learning Program, Dakar, Senegal
Dates: January 3-23, 2025 | Credits: 4
The first two days of this course begins in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Here, American and Senegalese university students get to know each other during cross-cultural orientation, and visit Goree Island, before traveling North to the dynamic Eco-village of Halwar. Halwar has a population of about 1000 permanent residents. It is located on the Ile A Morphil ( Elephant Ireland), which was 70 years ago a lush, dynamic wealthy region with a rich biodiversity and history. The immersion in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Halwar gives students and researchers a unique and first hand perspective on past and current sociological, ecological, political and cultural dynamics of West Africa.
During the service learning, American and Senegalese student partners form teams with community members working in occupations that correspond to the students’ own personal career goals. Over the next 10 days, students will participate in several classroom sessions interspersed with participatory team-based guided practice in action-research and service learning, as each team creates together their own small project, meeting needs expressed by the community. Senegalese students make this teamwork possible by translating between English and the local Fulani language for their American and community work partners.
Activities & Community Projects
- Support projects in the Lahel emerging food forest,
- Provide support in the development and maintenance of REDES tree nursery
- Implementation of irrigation system of REDES food forest (Solar pump project)
- Setting, Equipment, decoration of REDES community library.
- Service with local community organizations, volunteer youth groups focused on community development and environmental issues.
- Students interested in health care will have an opportunity to give service at the Health Center, supporting the nurses during weekly weighing and measuring of infants to track nutrition and overall health.
- Social media service to support REDES global communication. Develop REDES engagement in Web3 space.
Project Wrap-Up
- Students complete project reports, create PowerPoints, and present to faculty and community.
- Final activities include evaluation, group reflection, touring Dakar, shopping, and returning home.
- Grades based on reports, PowerPoints, and journals.
Before you go check the helpful links below:
Center for Disease Control- Check for any travel notices. 
U.S. Department of State International Travel- Learn more about your destination. 
Consulate General of Senegal- Not sure if you need a visa? Check here.
Important Dates (mandatory meetings):
- Deadline for all Application Materials: October 24, 2024
- Interview with Study Abroad: October 21-24, 2024
- Mandatory Meetings/ Pre-Departure Orientation: November 22, 2024
- Deadline for payment of Program costs and CUNY-Tuition: November 4, 2024
Costs
Application Fee: $300
CCNY Tuition: 4 Credits
*Program Costs: $2,700
Airfare: $1,800 (Estimated)
*Program cost includes room and board.
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Last Updated: 09/04/2024 15:20