Get Fallou Ndiaye Keita moving!

Dear Everyone,

I would like to share the heartwarming journey of friendship and support for our dear friend and amazing guide, Fallou Ndiaye Keita from Senegal. My name is Jeroen Leonhard from the Netherlands, and alongside a group of tourist whom Fallou has been guiding for the past six months, we have launched a fundraising campaign to help him achieve his dreams. Our aim is to purchase a reliable car that will truly empower him in both his business and personal life.

It was twenty-two years ago, during my early twenties, that I had the privilege of crossing paths with Fallou during my trip to Mali and Senegal. Fallou introduced himself as a guide, and after sharing a cup of coffee, we decided to embark on an adventurous journey together to the southern Casamance area. Over the course of several weeks, our friendship flourished as we discovered the beauty of the region side by side.

Since then, Fallou and I have maintained a strong bond, keeping in touch through frequent phone calls and occasional visits. Despite his remarkable qualities, Fallou has not been granted the same opportunities that life has bestowed upon me. Having lost both his parents at a young age and lacking family support, Fallou has led a nomadic existence, residing in various places throughout Senegal and Gambia, working as a tour guide and selling onions at the market as a farmer. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded his challenges, forcing him into laborious and exploitative work in Mauritania, carrying bags of toxic chemicals to the rice fields—a situation reminiscent of modern-day slavery.

Last September, during one of our phone conversations, Fallou shared his excitement about living near a newly established 5-star hotel called Riu Baobab Senegal. Recognizing an opportunity, I decided to visit him in November, hoping to facilitate his employment within the hotel. Fallou's multilingual skills in French, English, and Spanish made him a valuable asset. However, despite our earnest efforts, we were informed that Fallou did not meet the required criteria, possibly due to the condition of his teeth.

Undeterred by this setback, we redirected our focus towards promoting Fallou's exceptional guiding services. I provided assistance in creating compelling marketing materials and leveraging platforms like Facebook & tripadvisor to showcase his skills and expertise. While progress was initially slow, the tide began to turn as positive reviews poured in, affirming Fallou's exceptional abilities and charismatic personality. This was a tremendous source of encouragement for us all.

Nevertheless, the absence of a personal car poses a significant obstacle in Fallou's path. His constant reliance on hired transportation eats into his earnings, leaving him with meager profits. Furthermore, Senegal's political climate is currently fragile, with upcoming elections scheduled for February 2024 and recent unrest resulting in riots and loss of life in Dakar. As a consequence, potential tourists are reconsidering their travel plans, leading to a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the tourism industry.

By providing Fallou with a car, we can offer him greater independence and open up new opportunities for his business. Not only would he earn higher margins during the tours he conducts, but he could also explore the possibility of becoming a taxi driver in times of less tourist.

With this newfound stability, Fallou may be able to escape his cramped 8-square-meter room and secure a proper home—a dream that has eluded him thus far.

In light of these aspirations and the challenges Fallou has encountered, we appeal to your kindness and generosity to contribute to our fundraising efforts. With your support, we can get Fallou moving.

Kindly share this email within your personal network, please.

Thank you very much. Jeroen Leonhard

Below, you will discover numerous reviews penned by tourists regarding the services provided by Fallou.