Janet's 25th Crossing Cultures Senegal program in January, 2019

What a wonderful year 2019 was! Our 25th Crossing Cultures Senegal Program (Intercultural Dimensions) and our 25th Wedding Anniversary. The Crossing Cultures Senegal program was a tremendous success. Special interests of the participants we programmed included the care and raising of bees, production of honey products, special educational needs of children, the Muslim religion, hospital radiology equipment, and experimental gardens. Participants helped in the making of cakes in the solar oven and preparing rice. We enjoyed the Mandinka language lessons, meeting current Peace Corps volunteers and visiting the village where solar lanterns had been distributed by Solar Empowerment Initiative, Inc. (an NGO with which John is involved). We are planning the 26th program for January, 2021. see www.interculturaldimensions.org.

Janet at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar.

 Discover Senegal with the 24th Crossing Cultures Senegal Program of 

Intercultural Dimensions, January 2017

Experience the real story of Senegal.  Intercultural Dimensions, Inc. offers a unique and stimulating travel and educational program focused on the Republic of Senegal, West Africa.

Led by two former U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, this is a well-established cultural immersion opportunity.  Participants experience family life and community projects in rural areas of this diverse nation. The Crossing Cultures Senegal group (three leaders and three to five participants) is small, allowing the leaders to tailor activities to the participants'  interests in areas such as dance and music training, teaching, literature, drumming, community action, environment, medicine, government, NGOs, agriculture, small business, language, politics, medicine and health.  

  

The $1431 fee is at cost. The leaders receive no compensation and pay for their own airfare and program fee. 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. Some have said this is a life-changing experience. Start now to plan and apply early. 

Please visit ID's website for more information and to apply:  www.interculturaldimensions.org or or call the leaders at 617 864 8442.

 Intercultural Dimensions, Inc. is a non profit 501 (C)(3) organization.

Janet Ghattas and John Hand

Intercultural Dimensions at Home in Sedhiou

Our home in Sedhiou is Diedhioucounda. John lived and worked with Alioune Diedhiou fifty years ago and we have kept close ties with the Diedhiou family since then. Senegalese tea (attaya) is a wonderful institution, at least it seems so. See, https://simmeringsenegal.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/ahhhhhhh-attaya/

Gabbing and drinking Attaya under the Mango tree.

Preparing Attaya in the afternoon

A mid-day meal of scrumptious Maafe was prepared by Néné Diedhiou

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(Above) A security person is in charge of seeing that people wash and disinfect their hands before entering the City Hall of Sedhiou. There is no Ebola in Senegal but hygiene is getting a boost all over the country. For example, here is a wall poster about the importance of washing our hands regularly.

Samba Diedhiou surfs the web with a clé d'internet with Ibou Diedhiou's suggestions

Tabokoto's new house to raise chickens

It is not easy for a young man to find a job in Senegal, even a bright, get up-and-go fellow with a college degree. After a year of frustration, Bouly Diedhiou, the youngest of Alioune Diedhiou's children decided to start a business. So, with help from several comrades he founded and directs an association named Tabokoto to raise and sell chickens. The name is taken from a tree where people gather. Tabokoto succeeded in getting grant money to begin their project with a building and a hundred chicks purchased from a source in the Netherlands and necessary supplies.

So far the chicks are thriving.

a meeting of Tabokoto's members

(above and below) Bouly organized a neighborhood clean-up with the Tabokota members.

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(Above) Imam 

Janet Diedhiou, named after our Janet

Intercultural Dimensions 2015 in Senegal -- Dakar area

A half dozen or so years ago, our late friend Bill Griff gave the financial support needed to begin a school garden at the Lycée Thiaroye outside of Dakar. The then principal Abdou Salam Deme was enthusiastic about the possibilities of a garden especially as there was a significant amount of land available for this use and the students and faculty were equally enthusiastic. As the garden grew, support was forthcoming from a European organization and the municipality, so a pump and a water basin were installed as well as drip irrigation. The garden has flourished with technical assistance provided by the Peace Corps.

At the Lycée Thiaroye school garden the Principal, Mr. Kao Diaby explains the importance of the co-curricular educational benefits of the garden as well the economic and health aspects of the project

The Lycée Thiaroye Garden Club with Peace Corps members and ID
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Ben Diogaye Beye noted journalist, cineast met with the ID team to discuss his work and that of Ousmane Sembene with whom he collaborated.

Indiana University article about Janet and Intercultural Dimensions

Please click on article to read it

Come join us for our 23rd Intercultural Dimensions program in Senegal January 4-20, 2014.

Markets in Senegal

                                                         Traditional Weaving at Kaolack

Dancing in Senegal

Sobo Badé-l'Engouement continued

Above: Courtyard, Sobo Badé, a drawing by Michael Pease of Eugene, Oregon
Below: Alioune Diedhiou and Fatou Dièmé

 Batik Lesson at Sobo Badé

 Drumming lesson at Sobo Badé