MAISON DE LA GARE'S TEAM
Issa Kouyaté: President
Maison de la Gare grew from Issa's vision for improving the lives of the talibé street children. Following studies in Business Management and Social Sciences at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Issa worked in several different positions before starting Maison de la Gare with several friends in 2007. As president, he provides overall leadership for the organisation and manages internal operations and external relationships.
Tel.: 221 77 534 06 60
Ndèye Aby Bâ: Street Child Educator
Holding several advanced study certificates, Aby completed her training with an internship at AEMO, the government agency that deals with street children. Aby works with the children in Maison de la Gare’s emergency dormitory, preparing their case files and supporting them when they return to their daaras or to their home communities.
Kalidou Baldé: Tailoring Program Leader
Formerly a talibé, Kalidou grew up with Maison de la Gare beginning with literacy classes in the old station. He was an apprentice at Baka Fashion for several years and is now the leader of our tailoring apprenticeship program. His story is an inspiration for the young talibés.
Noël Coly: Activities Manager
Noël has a degree in Information Technology. He is responsible for tracking and recording the arrivals and departures of children in Maison de la Gare's center and their participation in the center's activities, supporting them in these activities in every way that he can.
Awa Diallo: Responsible for health and hygiene programs
A graduate in health and hygiene, Awa worked in nursing care and emergency care for different organizations in Saint Louis. She provides medical care and hygiene support to the talibé children, both in Maison de la Gare’s center and in their daaras.
Adama Diarra: Accountant and Receptionist
Holding a degree in Modern Literature from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Adama jointed Maison de la Gare as a Child Street Educator working with the children in the emergency shelter. She is now the organization’s accountant and receptionist and a key point of contact for all of the organization’s activities.
Aïda Dieng: Teacher
Before joining Maison de la Gare, Aïda worked for six years as a teacher and animator with Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie. She holds diplomas in computer skills and marketing. Aïda is responsible for literacy classes for the intermediate-level classes at Maison de la Gare's center.
Baye Ndaraw Diop: Coordinator, Microfinance Program
Formerly the director of the government agency responsible for vulnerable children in Saint Louis, Ndaraw manages our microfinance program, providing interest-free loans and entrepreneurship training and support.
Tel.: 221 77 613 76 23
Alagie Jallow: Health Care Assistant
Formerly a talibé, Alagie participated in Maison de la Gare's programs for many years. He was an avid karaté student and, more recently, a dedicated apprentice in the sewing program. Alagie supports all health care activities in the infirmary and conducts regular health tours Saint-Louis daaras. Like Kalidou, his story is an inspiration for young talibés.
Momar Mbaye: General Manager
With a master’s degree in administration and business creation, Momar has previous experience in business management, including in the non-profit sector. As Maison de la Gare’s general manager, he is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Tél. 221 76 141 89 85
Bouri Cherif Mbodj: Teacher
Having served as a teacher for talibé childen for four years with Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie, Bouri came to Maison de la Gare with a strong understanding of these children and the best approaches for teaching them. She is teaching the senior talibé students in Maison de la Gare's classrooms.
Oumou Samb: Cook
A native of Saint Louis, Oumou holds an elementary school graduation diploma as well as a tailoring certificate. Building on her extensive exprience as a cook for a numer of Saint Louis businesses, she prepares meals for the children living in the emergency shelter and nutritious snacks for the participants in the center's programs.
Ndèye Aïssa Sarr : Emergency Shelter Staff
Aïssa holds a degree in modern literature from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. She is a member of the team in Maison de la Gare’s emergency shelter, and also assists with administrative tasks.
Lalla Sène : Sports Program Organizer
Formerly a member of Senegal's national woman's soccer team, Lalla organizes soccer tournaments for the talibé children, coaching them to improve their skills. She also works with the children at the center whenever possible.
Abou Sy: Street Educator, Night Rounds Team
After working as a Street Educator with Action Femmes Enfants, Abou has worked with Maison de la Gare’s night rounds team since 2015, finding runaway talibés sleeping on the streets and taking charge of them in the emergency shelter. He supports work to reintegrate these children with their families or in other secure situations.
El Hadj Abdou Sy : Communications Coordinator
With a degree in communications from Saint Louis’ Gaston Berger University, El Hadj has experience with talibé children and has worked with the Association for the empowerment of vulnerable children. As communications coordinator, he plays a key role in Maison de la Gare’s efforts to end the practice of child begging and slavery in Senegal.
Talibé Staff Members
Several older talibés have accepted positions of responsability on Maison de la Gare's staff:
Ibrahima (Samba) Diao
Poultry Farming Program Leader
Samba also grew up with Maison de la Gare. He is a leader of our poultry farming apprenticeship program, a source of motivation for the young talibé as they learn the skills that they will need.
Valued Volunteers
Volunteers have made crucial contributions to Maison de la Gare's development since its beginnings. Those currently involved include:
Idrissa Diallo
Street Child Educator
The founder of Univers de l’enfant, Idy has worked for years with Issa Kouyaté and Maison de la Gare in finding and caring for street children. He also leads awareness campaigns throughout Senegal.
Baka Fall
Mentor, Sewing Apprenticeship Program
The owner and operator of Baka Fashion, Baka aided development of Maison de la Gare’s tailoring apprenticeship program and devotes many hours a week to guiding the tailoring apprentices.
Cheikh Abdoulaye Ndiaye
Mentor, Poultry Farming Apprenticeship Program
Trained in microfinance and poultry farming, Cheikh Ablaye developed the concept of Maison de la Gare's poultry farming apprenticeship program. He now leads this program, working closely with apprentices.
Thierno Yéril Sow
Marabout
Marabout Sow supports Maison de la Gare in finding and returning street children, and in relationships with other marabouts. He is a shining example of the relationships we strive to establish.