With only six weeks left here in Senegal, I am awestruck by how fast time has passed. Still, there are points where time seems to completely stop which I attribute to the fact that doing things quickly is not the Senegalese way. This doesn’t mean that productivity does not exist. At my internship, my colleagues take a two-hour lunch break to eat, relax, and pray. At first, I thought that we were wasting time considering how many refugees came seeking help and were waiting on us. After sitting in on interviews I saw how thorough my colleagues were. They made the refugees feel safe and comfortable while discerning to what extent we were able to help. As I signed in the refugees to the center everyone would take the time to ask me how I was doing. Even more amazing? They genuinely want to know.
As my French is progressing I am able to communicate more with my coworkers, but also with the refugees. I have heard horrendous stories of torture and abuse, but I have also witnessed the lengths people go to survive in a society that turned its back on them. During home visits, we assess the living situation. Nine times out ten the refugees are living in cramped and unsafe conditions. The buildings are badly built and as many as three people may have to share one bed. Seeing these things every week has humbled me to no end because it has reminded me that people all over the world don’t have access to basic needs. When I find myself missing home or even the simplest luxury that I may not have in Dakar, I remind myself the unbelievable fortune I have just to have the opportunity to study abroad.
Each day I am learning new things. While my school and my internship have taught me so much about Senegalese culture and society, I have found that most of my lessons come from just living every day life in Dakar. There are challenges that I have to overcome on a daily basis such as public transportation or harassment from men. Each day I overcome them and learn more about myself in the process. My good friend told me that she thinks no one is handed more than they can handle. In my opinion, there is proof of that every day here. The refugees are a perfect example of perseverance.
With my friends we are planning a benefit lunch where all proceeds go to my internship. P.A.R.I. is funded solely through donations. Because the work is so important I want to make sure that I do my part to give back to the community I now call home. I hope to continue my work with helping the refugees once I return to the states as it not only pertains to my major, but to my passion to be a part of something larger than myself.