Senegal Calls

Our friends Sam and Yo together with their daughter Nahla (now joined by Huia) moved to Dakar, Senegal in July 2022 where they live and work—

• Sam is the program coordinator for the Explorer Learner Program at Dakar Academy (“DA”) West, an international Christian school that enables missionary families to serve in West Africa.
• Up until now, Yo has been teaching art classes at the Academy. She recently accepted a role managing a small non-profit enterprise supporting disadvantaged women.

Sam has worked in the community development sector supporting marginalised young men through sport and empowerment programmes. Within days of arriving in Dakar, he heard of a recently formed football team for amputee men (each one has one leg and plays on crutches) and is now helping to coach the team.

There are 34 nationalities among the student body at DA West: with students being drawn from families in the mission community, UN, embassies, NGOs, and businesses. Christian faith is central to everything at the school, allowing Sam to be a youth leader alongside his teaching role. Many students’ parents spend long periods of time out of the country for work, so the school community plays an important part in their lives.

DA West’s Explorer Learner Programme helps to build community within the middle school via regular school trips (including service visits to villages), outdoor education activities such as surfing, sailing and horse-riding, art and small business opportunities.

Yo’s background includes assisting those exiting slavery and forced marriage. Before moving to Dakar, she managed a therapeutic programme in Melbourne that provided housing and on-going support.

In Dakar, Yo works as Operations Manager for Kayoong, a company producing crocheted wax print products including bags, baskets and rugs. She oversees daily production, manages an expanding team, restocks shops across Senegal, and develops innovative new designs. To her role, Yo brings a rich cultural perspective and a deep passion for colour and art. Yo’s professional experience and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to the Kayoong team.

Two years in, Sam and Yo feel that they’re only just getting started and have committed themselves to another two years in Dakar. Members of Flagstaff have committed themselves to continued financial and prayer support for Sam, Yo, Nahla and Huia.