Sponsor a Child

Search for a Child
Back to Top
Who are the people?

Most Senegalese families live in and around the capital of Dakar or along the coast. The population is comprised of many ethnic groups, primarily the Wolof (43%), Pular (24%), Serer (15%), Diola (4%), and Mandink (3%). French is the official language, but more than 30 dialects are spoken as well.
Senegal faces many deep-seated social problems. Chronic unemployment, juvenile delinquency, and drug addiction are rampant in the cities, while poor health conditions prevail in rural areas. In addition, only 48 percent of children are enrolled in school.

Most of the families World Vision is working with are subsistence farmers who are barely able to grow enough food for their children. They rarely have extra crops to sell to provide for their children’s basic needs.

Only 39 percent of Senegal’s people can read and write. Many families cannot afford the books and learning materials their children need to attend school. Without a good education, it will be difficult for these boys and girls to move beyond a life of poverty and pursue their dreams.

World Vision projects show the love of God by working to improve health, education, clean water, food, and income generation activities, especially for women.

What is it like to live there?

The Republic of Senegal lies on Africa’s west coast and is bordered by Mauritania, Guinea Republic, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali. The confederated state of Gambia is virtually enclosed by Senegal. Most of Senegal consists of savannah-covered lowlands that enjoy a tropical climate.


 
Country Statistics 
Population11.7 million
Land Mass74,131 sq. miles
Life Expectancy57 years
Infant Mortality Rate77 / 1,000
Literacy Rate39%
School Enrollment66%
Access to Safe Water76%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$710
 
 
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Senegal was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English. The country gained independence in 1960. Today, Senegal’s economy is primarily agrarian, although industry is expanding. Ground nuts are the most lucrative cash crop, accounting for 75 percent of farm exports and fueling the largest industry of groundnut processing. Corn, rice, and cotton also are grown. Other important industries include fish processing, petroleum refining, and phosphate mining.

The country is heavily dependent upon foreign aid for food and other essentials. World Vision is working in farming communities to help families learn improved agricultural techniques that can ensure greater food supplies when rainfall is inadequate.

Through child sponsorship, World Vision is demonstrating the love of God by offering the skills and tools that Senegalese children, families, and communities need to become self-sufficient.

How You Can Pray for Your Sponsored Child
  • Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
  • Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
  • Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.
Print Page
E-mail Article
Back to Top

Newsletter Sign-Up

World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.