Through an initiative called “Summer Guedbeach”, the Consortium Jeunesse Sénégal association offers young people from the suburb of Guédiawaye, in the suburbs of Dakar, the opportunity to enjoy their vacation at the beach. This initiative aims to provide entertainment and fulfillment to young people who do not have the necessary means to escape like other young people.
The Senegal Youth Consortium, aware of the fact that many young Senegalese no longer have access to beaches which are increasingly privatized, decided to set up this holiday camp as an alternative. By offering a secure environment at Guediawaye beach, the objective is to fight against several scourges such as illegal migration and prohibited swimming.
Amdy Toure, vice-president of the Senegal Youth Consortium, explains: “Many young people in Senegal no longer have access to beaches. Beaches are becoming more and more privatized. Today, we no longer want our young people to pay money, a lot of money to go elsewhere, to other beaches, or to receive sanctions.”
“Summer Guedbeach” is therefore a solution to allow young people from the suburbs of Guédiawaye to enjoy the joys of the beach without the financial constraints or the risks linked to prohibited swimming. The initiative aims to provide leisure and entertainment activities in a safe environment, while encouraging a sense of community.
This year, the initiative will run until October 8 at Malibu Beach, which is unfortunately known for recording a significant number of drowning victims each year. In a country where beaches are often privatized or inaccessible for young people from the suburbs, this initiative is valuable and could well inspire other regions of Senegal to set up similar activities for disadvantaged young people.
By promoting affordable and safe leisure activities, the Senegal Youth Consortium contributes to providing opportunities for development to young people who need them. Hoping that this initiative will be emulated and allow other disadvantaged young people to enjoy the summer holidays in safe and pleasant conditions.
Sources:
– https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20210814-s%C3%A9n%C3%A9gal-un-activit%C3%A9-ludique-sur-le-front-de-mer-de-gu %C3%A9diawaye
– https://www.jeuneafrique.com/2083987/societe/senegal-des-plages-pour-les-jeunes-defavorises-de-la-banlieue-de-dakar/