Sponsor's update from Ziguinchor, Senegal

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Ziguinchor, Senegal from Winter 2008.

Dear Sponsors,
Already ten (10) years of existence with a total of one hundred twenty-eight (128) children divided in thirteen (13) family houses.

Ten eight (18) young people old of 15-16 years have reintegrate their biological families to leave the place to ten seven vulnerable children, orphan of father or mother old of 1-6 years coming from poor families. A family celebration was organised for these young children. Any separation being difficult, the ceremony was very emotive.

The village received the visit of strategic partners: a delegation of SOS Children Italy financing the Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) of Ziguinchor. They were amazed by the work made on the ground by the recipients.

The village had also the honour and the privilege to accommodate a host of mark: the President of the International Federation of the SOS Children. Exceptional guest, exceptional reception; it was the apotheosis.

The opening of the elementary school of the village caused much enthusiasm and hope for the surrounding populations.
Our children attend this elementary school and the colleges of the city (public and private). The school results are satisfactory.

At the college: 36 pupils out of 42 have succeeded; 85, 71%
At the elementary: 73 pupils out of 75 have succeeded; 97, 33%.

At the nursery school: 6 pupils out of 6 have succeeded; 100% .

These results were obtained thanks to the engagement of the teaching staff, SOS mothers and the schoolmasters.
Exam of Ends of Elementary of Studies (CFEE): 21 pupils admitted out of 21; 100%.

Within the framework of the exchanges between school establishments, one girl of the village spent one week to London in a family.

The closing day of the National African Child Week was presided by the Governor of the Area in the SOS Children Village.

We celebrated the same day the International day of the Children SOS Villages: Day of Peace, Fraternity and Communion between children, young people of the Village, the SFP, the school and the surrounding districts.

A healthy spirit in a healthy body: we continue to privilege the sport and the socio-educational activities: basketball, football, kung fu, theatre, manual techniques for discover hidden talents.

Dear godfathers, dear godmothers, we reiterate you our sharp thanks and our deep gratitude. Faith in the future, the hand in the hand, we will find the force to last the work.

Mr Théodore NDIAYE
The Director of the Village