Classrooms in Louga and Dakar

Because we visited several different types of schools at different levels, I think I have a general idea of what classrooms look like in Senegal. I wasn’t able to see any village schools besides the daara in Koki, so those may be different than the ones in larger cities. I can say that Senegalese teachers and students are doing some incredible learning with very limited curriculum materials and supplies.

A science class at Lycee Galandou Diouf, Dakar

Most classrooms are decorated with children's graffiti --not only the desks but the walls as well. Most classrooms have a blackboard and we saw two with whiteboards, but the teacher usually had just one marker. And that’s it. Desks with benches shared by 2-3 students and a blackboard.

A French class at Lycee Malick Sall, Louga

Many students come dressed in uniforms -- they look a bit like a smock over their regular clothes. One private high school had blazers (yes, blazers in 96 degrees!) and the Catholic elementary had matching polos and track pants.

A fifth grade class at Sainte Marie Elementaire, Louga

The students bring their own school supplies in backpacks or satchels with a copybook and a pencil case which holds pens, pencils, colored pencils, and a ruler. I didn’t see one student who did not have something to write with for class.

A fifth grader with her copybook at Les Hirondelles Elementary School, Dakar

The students learn cursive in 1st grade, so all the children and teachers write in cursive.

That's 49 kids in one 5th grade!

Kids stay in the same classroom all day, and their teachers rotate to different classrooms. They are champions at sitting!