MENU
The sisters have started activities with women from the very beginning in 1984. Around 700 women belong to 13 weighing groups. Each group is accompanied by a committee of five women. They are in-charge-off smooth running of the group and their activities. Each group has microcredit scheme which help them to be self-sufficient. They also prepare soap for their own use and prepare peanut oil for cooking. They get a bit of income out of these activities. They also get training to prepare nutritious food. The committees of five women are responsible for conducting the sessions of weighing babies. After several sessions of formation of the members of the committee, they are able to read and write the weight of babies. While weighing the babies, they detect any children with malnourishment and send them to the centre where they get extra help. Through this activity we also detect children living with disabilities.
GOALS: To improve the capacity of women in Ndondol and around the villages so that they become autonomous and have better health of themselves and that of their children. To improve the health of children and hygiene around the villages.
BENEFICIARIES: 600 to 700 babies and mothers
ACTIVITIES: Sisters want to continue providing some nutritious food and ongoing formation for the women so they become self-sufficient and the quality of their lives is improved.
OTHER INFORMATIONS: Senegal, has an estimated population of about 13 million. The climate is tropical and alternates between a dry season and rainy season. Ndondol is situated in the region of Diourbel, and 50 kms away from Thies. It is one of the poorest areas in the region. Religions – Islam: 94%; Christian (mainly Catholic): 4.9%; in country areas, still a strong influence of Traditional Religion.. Literacy – 57.7% (significantly less for women). About 70% of Senegal’s population is rural and very poor 50.8% of the populations live below the poverty line. Many of them are farmers who are dependent on unpredictable rainy season of three months. Due to unemployment in the country, many Senegalese especially the youth dream of living in Europe. Many venture the difficult journey of taking the boat to reach Europe. On the whole the women in Senegal have the responsibility of looking after the family by providing meals, clothing and education for their children. Sometimes they are supported by their husbands but in rural areas the women bear the burden. The village population is increasing at a very high rate. Since Ndondol is a semi-arid area the land cannot provide enough food for all. The farmers cultivate the millet, beans and peanuts during three months of rainy seasons, and good crops are depending on the rain. Due to this uncertainty women have greater challenges.
