Tostan, a Senegalese organization, has launched the "Jo'tali" initiative, which aims to empower youth in rural areas through sports and culture. The initiative was launched in Keur Simbara, a village in the Thiès department, and will be implemented in 50 villages across four regions. The program seeks to promote dialogue, leadership, and social cohesion among young people.
The "Jo'tali" initiative is part of the Olympic Games' spirit, which goes beyond the sports infrastructure and competitions in Dakar. Tostan's goal is to create spaces for young people to express themselves, discuss challenges, and contribute to decision-making processes that affect their communities. The program includes various sports disciplines, such as football, wrestling, sack racing, and high jump, as well as cultural activities and exchange sessions.
According to Aïssé Kane, Tostan's Charge for Sharing and Mutual Learning, the initiative aims to create a framework for inclusive discussion and dialogue where young people can express themselves and take action for the well-being of their communities. Kane emphasizes that sports and culture are used as tools for sensitization and dialogue, rather than as an end in themselves.
The program will be implemented in four zones: Thiès, Nord, Sud, and Est, with 50 villages participating. Seven villages were invited to the launch event in Keur Simbara, including Keur Simbara, Keur Samdia, and Diobass. Tostan's Director General, Sobel Aziz Ngom, explains that the initiative was born out of the mobilization of young people who did not want to see the Olympic Games pass without feeling its impact in rural communities.
Sobel Aziz Ngom highlights that the difficulties faced by young people in terms of employment, autonomy, and inclusion are often linked to family, social norms, and certain practices. The sports and culture activities aim to address these challenges and promote social cohesion. Ngom emphasizes that Tostan uses sports and culture as a vehicle for dialogue and sensitization.
The "Jo'tali" initiative has been well-received by the youth in Keur Simbara, with Aïssé Kane reporting a satisfactory outcome from the first stage of the program. The initiative is expected to continue in other targeted zones, with the goal of making young people actors of social cohesion and change within their communities.
The program's impact will be measured by its ability to create lasting change in the communities involved. Tostan's efforts to empower youth through sports and culture demonstrate the organization's commitment to promoting social development and cohesion in Senegal. The "Jo'tali" initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- Tostan's "Jo'tali" initiative aims to empower youth in rural Senegal through sports and culture.
