Allen Guest Blogs from Africa II

I am excited to hear that friends and breeders back home are interested in my study in Africa. It occurred to me this morning that I never explained exactly WHY I am studying in Senegal!

In 2005, I heard of a scholarship through Rotary International, offering opportunities to study foreign language worldwide. Since high school, I have had an affinity for the French language. After having traveled to France several years ago, the language became a hobby, and ultimately a major in college. When I moved to California, I added “Animal Science” to my majors, and thus the reason I am still in college!

Scholarships offered to college students through Rotary seek students who wish to study foreign language while consecutively researching and advocating humanitarian acts. I was awarded my scholarship after writing a lengthy proposal to introduce rabbit farming in developing Africa in efforts to combat hunger. With attempts to amalgamate, for the first time, my two interests, I requested study in French-speaking Senegal in West Africa. Two panel interviews and eight months later, I was called with the news, “You’re going to Senegal as a Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar for Rotary International!” Travel, tuition, meals, homestay board, and cultural trips are covered under my scholarship.

Five days each week, for 5 hours per day, I attend a language school called the Baobab Center in Dakar, Senegal’s capitol city. I receive one on one language instruction in French with a professor, a true luxury few could afford (including me) in the United States. The Baobab Center is run by Africa Consultants International (ACI), an NGO promoting rapid language comprehension for foreign volunteers. ACI offers classes in French, as well as three native Senegalese languages. My first week of study at ACI included intense training in Wolof (more of a survival class), the native language of Senegal. Now, I am studying French only.

The French language was introduced during French colonialism in the 19th Century, and today serves as an official as well as business language of the country. Senegal was granted independence from France in 1960, and has been a rather stable, peaceful country since. Senegal is often described as the most “western” country in Africa (both geographically and socially). Nevertheless, Senegal, like all countries in Africa, is considered “developing”, or “third world”.

Pictures include Muhamet, my host father, and I at Senegal's SECOND EVER Livestock Expo; my classroom and my individual professor, Ismiala; exchanging flags with the Rotary Club of Dakar, a tradition of Rotary Scholars.

In a later blog, I will elaborate more on my rabbit project and dream in Senegal, including pictures of my recent rabbit discoveries.