Intercultural Dimensions announces its next Crossing Cultures Senegal program

Crossing Cultures Senegal-January 2013

Intercultural Dimensions, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) educational organization) offers a stimulating travel and educational program focused on the French-speaking Republic of Senegal, West Africa. The program dates for the 2013 Crossing Cultures Senegal program are January 2 to January 18. It will be ID's 22^nd program to Senegal. Escape the cold and experience the real story of Senegal.

Led by two former U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, this well-established cultural immersion program appeals to people in and out of academia. It works well for those who want to experience family life and community projects in rural areas of this diverse nation and for

those with special interests in dance and music training, teaching, literature, environment, medicine, government, NGOs, agriculture, language and health projects.

The Crossing Cultures Senegal group (three leaders and three participants) is small allowing the leaders to tailor activities to the participants' interests. Many professors, teachers and students of French have been past participants.

 

Reasonable cost. Extended stays for volunteer work or field study can be facilitated. This program is an eye-opener. For some it can be a stepping stone to their future; for others it can be an enrichment of the work they are already doing. Start now and apply early. 

Deadline for applications is September 15, 2012.

Please visit ID's website for more information and to apply to participate in the next program:

Please click here:www.interculturaldimensions.org 

John Hand and Janet Ghattas

Some Photos from Senegal

 Near the "ranch" at Toubab Dialao

 Chez Chenet

 Pirogue on the Casamance River at Sedhiou

 In the market at Kolda

 Janet with a women's group at Diofior

 Marriage festivities at Neman Ding

 Drummers at Sedhiou

 Sabo Badé

 Early morning contemplation of the Qur'an

 at the ranch

 A good Mafé

 fields at Temento Samba

 at Neman'Ding

 Mamadou Mané, dit, Maaneebaa

First Project of Peace Corps in the Casamance

It was late in February, 1963, when we arrived at Koussy following a couple of false starts at developing a project. With several dozen Senegalese homesteaders, we managed to build some 35 houses - a new village, Koussy trois, a km. or so from Koussy.

In 1988, I visited Senegal to see my frineds and attend a party at Thies to mark the 25th anniversary of Peace Corps in Senegal. I found Koussy "trois" fully occupied and functioning. In July, 2010, I visited Koussy 3 again and found it in the condition pictured below. I was stunned. The story as far as I know it is complicated and I prefer to face the future rather than speculating about rumors that may not be true. The fact is, no family resided there when I returned last year; it appeared to be merely a bleached skeleton. I was sad as I left Koussy 3.

Yesterday, a friend who teaches in nearby Koussy sent me some pictures, one of which is posted with this entry. Again, I am amazed. Is it possible that Koussy 3 may again function to house families? I am hoping so and looking forward to learning more when we return to Senegal.




Koussy "3" in July, 2010-an empty shell that once housed 35 families.



Restoring a building at Koussy "3" May, 20, 2011-quite a surprise. (photo by Boubacar Seydi)


- Posted from my iPad

Location:Koussy 3, near Sedhiou, Senegal