US Embassy in Dakar 🇺🇸🇸🇳

Today was our first full day exploring Dakar, and it did not disappoint. We started the morning with breakfast on the hotel patio, which sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean. From there, we headed to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. After navigating tight yet efficient security (with repeated reminders that absolutely no photos were permitted, they were very serious about this), we were welcomed by embassy officials for our orientation and health and safety briefing. The visit offered a fascinating window into the embassy's role in supporting educational and cultural exchange programs like ours. We spent the morning deep in conversation about Senegalese schools, from the country's 14 Inspector Authorities to national initiatives like Miss Science and Miss Math, which are actively working to close the gender gap in education. We also learned about Senegal's ongoing debt crisis and its direct impact on schools, a sobering reality in a country where all public education is fully government-funded. The conversation ranged widely, and there was no shortage of moments that made me think differently about challenges I assumed were uniquely American.

One of the most meaningful parts of the morning was hearing about the relationship between the United States and Senegal, and why international partnerships in education matter so much. As teachers, we talk all the time about preparing students to be global citizens. Sitting in that embassy conference room in Dakar, I felt the full weight of what that phrase actually means. Programs like this don't just broaden our perspective; they remind us that education, at its best, is a bridge. Every connection made between educators across cultures ultimately finds its way back to students on both sides of the ocean.

In the afternoon, we were scheduled to visit the Museum of Black Civilizations. We arrived to find it closed. No explanation, no sign, just a gate attendant who turned us away. We all laughed and said, "Welcome to Senegal," and honestly, that felt about right. There's a rhythm to life here that doesn't always bend to itineraries, and learning to roll with it is definitely a requirement here. So we pivoted to a nearby market. 

The colors hit you first, bolts of bright fabric in deep indigo and burnt orange stacked next to hand-carved wooden masks and vivid sand paintings. Every vendor greeted us warmly, calling out hellos and the phrase that became the soundtrack of the afternoon: "Looking is free!" Which is true because negotiation is very real here. Prices here are fluid, and first quotes are just the opening of a conversation. Somewhere around 50% off is where things tend to land if you're patient and willing to smile through the back-and-forth. It's less like shopping and more like a game of back-and-forth prices. I currently have approximately zero room left in my suitcase, so today was strictly a window-shopping day. But I'm carrying donations to my host community, and once those are unloaded, I'll have two gloriously empty bags and a very clear plan for how to fill them. The market will be waiting, and my suitcases will be ready...

 

Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳

We’ve officially arrived in Dakar, Senegal! 🇸🇳 After a long travel day from Boston to New York and finally to Senegal, I made it to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. We made it through security and passport control relatively smoothly (even with my 54lb suitcase) and were greeted outside by our in-country consulate. 

The drive from the airport to Dakar gave us a small glimpse into life here. We saw streets filled with cars, taxis, buses, and kids, mostly boys, playing soccer. We also saw lots of coastal views as Dakar sits on the Atlantic Ocean.

After a quick rest, we jumped into our first programming session with an introduction to Senegalese history and culture. We learned about the country’s thirteen regions, traditional holidays, and explored key moments in its history and political landscape. We also learned that French is the official language of Senegal, but the majority of the population speaks Wolof. Because of this, it was important for us to begin learning a few common phrases. We practiced greetings like asalaam alaykum, and the response maalekum salaam, which translates to “peace be with you.” We also learned about culturally appropriate ways to greet others, especially as women, and the importance of taking time for conversation. What we might call “small talk” in the U.S. is anything but small here. It’s a meaningful and expected part of daily interactions. 

We ended our first day with a beautiful dinner right along the ocean. I ordered Thieboudienne, the national dish of Senegal, which is rice and fish cooked with vegetables and rich flavor. I definitely ate some things that I have no idea what they were, but it was delicious! As the sun went down, it actually got a little cold, which is not something I expected to be saying while in Senegal, as it only sits 14 degrees from the equator.  It's hard to believe this was only day 1, as it was filled with lots of learning, listening, and experiencing life here in Senegal. Can't wait for more tomorrow.