Working alongside Maison de la Gare’s devoted and enthusiastic team was truly an incredible experience that gave me the opportunity to contribute my skills to a positive cause whilst learning first-hand about the running of a grassroots NGO. The passion the entire MDG team manifests for providing a more secure and stable future for the young talibés who attend MDG’s programs is nothing short of inspiring, and it was such a pleasure to work with such motivated young Senegalese people. My time in Saint Louis was remarkable, and living with a Senegalese family allowed me to experience the warmth and friendliness inherent in Senegalese culture, whilst introducing me to some lifelong friends – I still regularly Skype with my host Mama and siblings! Discovering Saint Louis and along with it Senegalese culture was such an eye opening experience – living in a different continent, surrounded by different languages, different landscapes and incredibly welcoming and friendly people taught me so much.