CUNEF Universidad students take part in two volunteer programs in Senegal

A group of seven students from CUNEF Universidad traveled to Senegal to take part in two volunteer programs focused on childcare.

The programs were carried out in collaboration with Cooperating Volunteers, an international volunteer organization based on cultural exchange and cooperation with developing communities.

In the case of the seven volunteers from CUNEF Universidad, they stayed at the volunteer house in M’Bour, one of the main cities in the coastal region of Thiès, located 80 km from Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

It is a city known for its white sandy beaches and strong tourist appeal, but where a harsher reality also exists, such as that of the talibé children. These are children from daaras (traditional Quranic schools), where they are forced to beg and are often subjected to abuse and mistreatment.

Three of the student volunteers worked directly with them, accompanying and playing with the children, while the other four taught classes and played with children living in one of the centers they attended.

In addition to their volunteer work, which took up most of their time, the students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. In this regard, they attended a Wolof language class (the local language), went on a jeep safari in the Bandia nature reserve, and took part in a traditional Djembe dance class with local rhythms, among other cultural activities.

For Jaime Barros, a Business Administration and Finance student at CUNEF Universidad, the experience helped him “value and appreciate the things that truly matter and conveyed a sense of unity among children who may be more disadvantaged and have fewer opportunities than us.”

Meanwhile, Pablo González, a Business Administration and Data Science student, stated that “it is an experience I will never forget”, and Marcos Canales, an International Business & Economics student, said that “it is an experience I would definitely repeat.”

At CUNEF Universidad, we are proud of these volunteers, who have lived a deeply enriching experience, dedicating their time and commitment to supporting children and contributing to improving the daily lives of many boys and girls in Senegal.