A Restaurant to Unite my Senegalese Family

My Peace Corps journey in Senegal was a profound turning point in my life, enriching me personally and professionally in ways beyond measure. Amid all the people that I encountered and experiences that I gained, the most significant gift was the family that I found in Kedougou. For two years, they embraced me as their own, caring for me when I was sick, welcoming my friends and family with open arms, and giving me a home away from home. Since my sudden evacuation in 2020 due to COVID-19, we have maintained our bond through weekly phone calls, allowing me to witness my siblings Jen, Idi, Assa and Houraye’s growth into remarkable individuals.

Behind their kindness and generosity lies a story of unwavering resilience and determination. Prior to my arrival, my father’s work associate cheated him out of his rightful share, resulting in significant financial strain for my family. Despite this setback, my parents’ entrepreneurial mindset enabled them to persevere: my mom sells water sachets and homemade hibiscus juice at the market and offers homecooked meals (for just $1 per plate) from a makeshift stand outside our compound. Meanwhile, my father has invested in a small flock of sheep. Despite their relentless efforts, their inability to secure more stable and formal employment has left them trapped in a cycle of financial adversity.

A few months ago, during one of our weekly calls, my parents shared that they had lost hope for a better future in Senegal and were contemplating sending one of them on a perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities in Europe. I know the risks all too well – many who embark on such journeys never make it across, and those who do face insurmountable challenges, including the uncertainty of ever being able to return home.

Determined to keep them together and safe, I proposed a different a path – together, we envisioned building a small local restaurant, leveraging my mother’s incredible culinary skills, my father’s business acumen, and my own ability to support from afar. With this fundraiser, I hope to turn this vision into reality – to help them transform a run-down kitchen hut on the edge of our compound into a quaint yet bustling restaurant, complete with essential furniture and equipment (hopefully solar). Any surplus funds will be set aside for the education and health needs of my ‘siblings’.

Your contribution, regardless of size, will help keep my family together and empower my parents to craft a brighter and more financially secure future for their children. Thank you for your generosity and belief in their journey!