PROJECT COMPLETED!
The Centre Technique de Promotion Féminine Kalasans is in the Sam-Sam district, a part of the Diamaguène-SICAP Mbao district in the Pikine department. Positioned as an enclave on the outskirts of northeast Dakar, it is approximately 20 km from the city centre.”
In this profoundly impoverished neighbourhood, the Piarist Fathers, supported by volunteers and the local population, established the Kalasans Basic Community School in 1996 to provide an opportunity for street children. The school accepts children starting from the age of 8 who are unable to attend public school, as the latter only admits children aged 6 to 7.
The Piarist Fathers noticed a significant number of girls aged 14 and older spending their entire day at home with no alternatives and no aspirations for the future. However, many expressed a strong desire to learn and receive training. In response, two classrooms were allocated for evening classes led by Sister Regina Casado of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Child Jesus. The classes focused on literacy (in Wolof and French, the official languages of Senegal), arithmetic, sewing, and preventive health.
At the beginning of the 2002/2003 academic year, there was a considerable increase in the number of female students, and the existing space was insufficient to accommodate more students. This led to the initiative to establish a structure specifically dedicated to the planned activities for young girls.
On April 23, 2005, with the collaborative efforts and contributions from various stakeholders, including disinterested contributions from institutions, NGOs, volunteers, collaborators, and friends, the Centre Technique de Promotion Féminine Kalasans was inaugurated. Just a day later, the school opened its doors to girls, providing them with the opportunity for a hopeful future.
As this process unfolded, it became apparent that there was a need for training to guide them towards specific professions. Consequently, the decision was made to establish dedicated training centres:
In April 2014, the Catering and Hospitality Vocational Training Centre opened its doors.
In October 2019, the Training Centre for Cutting, Dressmaking, and Crafts was inaugurated.
