Women's Literacy and Livelihood Program, Senegal

Senegalese Association for Research, Study, and Aid for Development (ASREAD)

More than 720 women in 34 communities in Ziguinchor and Kolda, Senegal, are gaining the skills to better provide for their families, thanks to income-generating activities and training supported by Church World Service and partners in communities in southern Senegal's Casamance region. The communities are recovering from more than two decades of conflict.

Activities also include constructing and rehabilitating wells, constructing houses and schools, and assisting with health care basics. Church World Service has also provided School and Hygiene Kits.

Niarra Diedhiou, 52, has three boys and a girl. Widowed once, Niarra's second husband had an accident and is incapacitated. Niarra received about $39 in credit and started selling oil from palm tree fruit. She also buys and sells a local condiment called "garmi." Niarra says she wants to build a new house with her earnings because the existing one, built in 1979 with traditional techniques, is not safe. She also wants to earn more to support her children's education.

Satou Ba Diedhiou, 39, is married and has eight children. Before she joined the program she sewed clothes and sold donuts. With a loan of about $68, Satou started a business selling palm oil and lemon juice. She has repaid her loan, and is hoping for another one that will enable her to diversify her business. By making more money, she will be able to fund her children's education.

Support for Church World Service helps make this program possible.

Updated 3/27/2008

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