RFI reports on LIFE's impact in Sine-Saloum, Senegal

In this second episode of the programme « Un jour au village » (A Day in the Village), broadcast on RFI on Sunday 25 May 2025, journalist Kpenahi Traoré continues her time in Senegal alongside LIFE. She is in Sine-Saloum, a region in the west of the country where local initiatives are working to tackle a major challenge: young people leaving the countryside.

Keur Yakaar, the house of hope

This area is rich in natural resources, yet many young people leave their villages to try their luck in the city. The Keur Yakaar project, whose name means « house of hope » in Wolof, was set up in response.

Run by the association Vivre Yakaar, with valuable support from LIFE, the programme trains young people, especially young women, and helps them into work in the following fields: agroecology suited to local conditions, sustainable livestock farming, catering and hospitality, and small-scale processing of local produce.

Training that leads to work

Each intake welcomes around thirty students, who train free of charge for 2 years. All that is asked is a token contribution of 50,000 FCFA, about 76 euros, to cover the cost of uniforms. « University was a bit difficult, and since I love cooking, I gave up my law degree. I have no regrets », says Sokhna Sour, who feels confident about her future career.

Some students, like Sokhna, have come by an unusual route, and this programme gives them a real path into work. The region attracts tourists, so several hotels are hiring and offer genuine job opportunities.

This programme fits squarely with LIFE's mission: giving young people the means to make a difference in their own region by making the most of local resources and helping them become more self-reliant.

🎧 Want to listen to episode 1 again? Here it is!

👉 episode 1

Read our article on the subject here