Frères des Hommes : FDH in Africa

"In Senegal, FDH supports the promotion of quality artisanal woodworking in the slums of Dakar."

The Guédiawaye / Diocko-Bois carpenters:
In Senegal, FDH supports an initiative to promote artisanal woodworking by 57 entrepreneurs and carpentry workshops (800 people in total) in the Dakar slums. They are working together to ensure sustainable development in their communities by reinforcing training, job creation and promoting woodworking skills.

Project co-financed
by the French Minstry
of Foreign Affairs

Statistics on Senegal

Area: 196 200 km2 (2)

Population: 9 662 000 in 2001 (2)

Population below the poverty line (-$2/day): 67.8% (1)

Illiteracy rate (over 15 years): 62.7% in 2000 (1)

Life expectancy at birth: 52.3 (2)

Rural population: 53.3% (2)

Infant mortality rate: 62.4/1000 (compared with 5/1000 in France) (2)

Human development index: 154 out of 173 countries (1)

State and government: centralized republic with a multi-party presidency

Languages: French (official), Wolof, Peul, Serere, Dioula, etc.
Religion: Muslim (84%), Catholic (6%), animism (7%), other (3%)

(1)World Human Development Report 2002, PNUD, De Boeck University
(2)State of the World 2003, La Découverte

Thanks to the mobilization of certified artisans, we were able to put in place this program’s objective of improving and developing skill-building projects.© FDH

One of the principal objectives of this project is training young people who will then be able to build their own studio and ensure a quality production, adapted to the needs of the local market. Reading, drawing, and accounting classes are offered, so that they can more easily master their skills. © FDH

In 1999 and 2000, the Senegalese government decided to call on local artisans to produce high quality products to furnish government offices (previously furnished with foreign imports). Our partner was one of seven winners chosen. To overcome the obstacles generated by this order (deadlines, quantity, and quality), the group organized and developed a network of artisans and apprentices. © FDH

Frères des Hommes - 9 rue de Savoie - 75006 Paris
Tél. : 01 55 42 62 62 - Fax : 01 43 29 99 77
fdh@fdh.org - www.fdh.org


	Senegal - Woodworking