Twelve Masters Students accompanied by two faculty members embarked on a life changing journey to Senegal this summer. The trip lasted for two weeks and its purpose was to assimilate Masters Students into true African culture. On the trip the students visited famous landmarks, schools, and cities.

Abdoulaye Ngom, French teacher and faculty chaperone of the trip was born and raised in Senegal.

Ngom said, “For this trip I wanted our students to experience some aspects of the Senegalese culture, and see truly what Africa is like instead of what they see on the news, “ he continued, “I wanted them to see that even though some Africans may struggle they still have hope.”Also, I wanted students to appreciate more the opportunities they have living in a developed country.

The trip to Senegal consisted of many activities all of which’s purpose was to expose different things to the kids. One of the places they went was The Blind Boys Center, a boarding school for blind kids. When the students visited the school they were blindfolded and assigned to a blind student who would be their tour guide.

Junior Marianna Zapata’s tour guide was named Mamadou, “He told me that I could trust him and I shouldn’t be afraid. He said he would guide me,” she said. Mamadou showed Zapata his classrooms and his room that he shared with six other people. “I was really surprised at how dependent these kids were, some of them were even playing soccer,” she said.

According to Judy Murphy, the other chaperone, Muslim and Christians co-exist peacefully in Senegal. She said, “We visited this cemetery where Muslims and Christians were buried together and it touched me to see these two groups living together,” she said.

“The best part of the trips was those moments where the students interacted with the natives, especially during their home-stay” Ngom said.

Junior Andrew Ciacci speaks to Ngom’s belief with his experience. He said, “I was walking down the street and some lady handed me her baby. I didn’t know what she wanted, whether it was money or food, but I knew she wanted something and it really hurt me that I couldn’t fully help her.”

The students did make an effort to help the locals. They gave away personal belongings such as watches, bracelets, and even money. They also donated food and other essentials to the schools they visited.

Finally Zapata said, “It frustrated me to get back to America and see how much excess I have and think about how little the people I met in Senegal have.”

For more photos, follow us on Facebook (/MastersTower) and see Senegal trip album here.