News from Maison de la Gare
Stories of Hope from the Mbaye Aw Schools
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These schools keep 100s of boys from becoming begging talibés and save girls from child marriages.
Maison de la Gare and its generous donors have supported the schools of Mbaye Aw
for many years. These schools play a crucial role in the lives of 100s of vulnerable children.
Shoemaker Cheikh Diallo, himself a former talibé, dreamed of building schools in his
home village and nearby communities. He was determined to keep the boys from being sent to daaras in the
large cities, and the girls from being forced to marry as young as 12 years old. Cheikh
and the villagers established “The Association for the Retention of Children in their Villages
and the Reduction of Child Marriage,” a name that reflects perfectly their humanitarian mission.
There are now five schools with 572 students, 222 girls and 350 boys.
The boys include 194 former talibés who, thanks to these schools, have returned home from
the streets to start again on the path of education and hope.
We have reported on the origin and development of these schools several times …
this is a recent article.
This year, 91 students were ready to travel to the nearest city, Dahra Djolof,
to take government exams. Several of the children and parents shared their
feelings about how their lives have changed. These are their words:
_________
“My name is Mohamed. I remember he time when I was a talibé. When I was 10 years old in 2016,
I was begging with the other children in the streets. Then, thanks to God, they found me
in the streets so I could go to school in French. I’ve been there until now. I believe
that I can be someone and help other children. I am one of the
first talibés to leave
the streets to go to school thanks to this Mbaye Aw project. Thank you to everyone
who has helped the children.”
“My name is Coumba. I am very happy to have been able to study with all these children.
I have worked hard to get good results so that I will not have to marry too soon. I
want to continue studying.”
“I am Deynabou. I am the mother of two boys who died as talibés.
I don’t know what
to say. This morning, I am very happy as I dreamed that I was with them. It is during
these exams that I feel that I am with them as I am preparing food for the children.”
“My name is Mariam, and I am 12 years old. I am very happy and proud of myself. I am
celebrating because, 
next year, I will continue to study. I will not become one of
those who must get married
at a very young age. Thank you everyone.”
“My name is Samba, and I am 12 years old. I started as a talibé when I was 6 years old.
Since returning to the village, I have been able to study. The education at the school
makes me very happy. I really want to get good results. Thank you to all of you who
have made it possible for us to study as we should.”
________
Thank you indeed! It is every one of you, our friends and supporters around the
world, who make it possible for Maison de la Gare to continue its work for the talibés
and other vulnerable children.
