Construye Mundo of Spain to Support Villages in Senegal

Story by Michelle Rintelman, Tostan Volunteer in Fouta, Senegal

May 7, 2010- This week, Tostan Fouta welcomed Iciar Gonzales, representative of the international NGO Construye Mundo, from Madrid, Spain. During her visit, Iciar met villagers from the community of Rowmde Diambe and was able to finalize plans to finance a number of income-generating activities. These activities will be tailored specifically to meet the needs of five communities which recently completed Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP). The Community Management Committees (CMCs) – teams of 17 elected community members who are responsible for community projects during and after the CEP – in each of the five villages are well-equipped to responsibly manage the projects.

The community-led ventures that will be supported by our friends at Construye Mundo include: raising goats in the village of Rowmde Diambe, fabric dyeing in Golere, small enterprise in Thilouky, horticulture and seed banks in Galoye, and a rice storage and distribution cooperative in Ngouyé.

Tostan looks forward to embarking on a successful partnership with Construye Mundo.

Photos by Michelle Rintelman

Top photos: Iciar Gonzalez, representing Construye Mundo talks with community members of Rowmde Diambe and Tostan representatives.

Bottom photo: Animal Husbandry in the village of Rowmde Diambe