Denouncing Westernized Perspectives on Africa

Africa is a wonderful country that has been through so much economically, politically, and historically. I embarked on a mini-term in Senegal as it offered internship opportunities that integrated me into the societal pillars. I interned at the Ecole de Joseph Gomis, an elementary school that taught grades from kindergarten to 6th grade. Through my experience in the school, I interacted with young students and learned how they maneuver through the school while struggling with many issues. The school systems in Senegal struggle with limited resources and educators. While interning at the school, I was subbing for classes that didn't have an active teacher present and the students didn't have any other resources to continue their education. Teachers tend to be absent because the Senegalese education system requires teachers to go through a long training process before and while becoming educators which has prevented people from going into education. Senegal being a majority Islamic country quranic schools are very prominent but also manifest in unorthodox ways. The Talibe children are low-income children who are sent to Quranic schools to study the Quran. These Talibe schools are known for abusing the children and forcing them to beg on the street for money to keep the schools running. This is noted as a way to strongly develop better and stronger children by putting them through this experience and it has been noted that they tend to perform better and succeed at United States colleges and universities. Some of the Talibe schools don't partake in this structure as the master of the school takes responsibility for caring for the children, making sure they are housed, fed, and taken care of medically. Although I was very interested in education and youth experiences in Senegal I learned a lot about the economic and social culture in Senegal in how people are driven by their businesses. On every corner, someone is selling something and people build social relationships to obtain customers. My research is based on my experience on the Senegal Mini-Term specifically about youth experiences and denouncing Westernized perspectives on African culture. My presentation captivates my work at the Senegalese elementary school and what I have learned about youth experiences throughout the trip. I will also discuss other phenomenons like the Talibe Quranic schools, socioeconomic culture, and stereotypes that have been denounced through physically experiencing Africa.