In the west of Mauritania, a community of the Daughters of Charity lives in Atar, in the interior of the desert. The sisters devote themselves to the education of children and the training and integration of young people and women. The population lacks everything and is particularly idle.

"Too often unoccupied, children play with car wheels that they drag through the sand. Young people and mothers are often in front of the television (at home or with neighbours who have one) becausethey have nothing else to do, with no vision for the future. " Sr Diala

The "My Village at the End of the World" project has enabled 2 tents to be set up to offer workshops andsocial interaction for these young people and their mothers, especially during the months when the heat can reach 50-60 degrees.

Sr Diala tells us:

"To make the most of the cooler months, we started in December to run activities/workshops in French for young people aged 15 and over, art and drawing for children aged 8 to 14, and football for children and young people aged 8 and over.

4 teachers have been recruited for this purpose and 2 temporary tents have been built, pending a definitive installation at the start of the new school year.

The impact of this project has been very positive, given the progress made in French, drawing and art tests, and the sporting impetus provided by the football matches held with neighbouring districts.

Tekbir, a mother of 3 and a kindergarten teacher, lives in a precarious situation. She attends the French classes with great assiduity. She can now express herself and write in French, and is showing a real interest in learning. She has regained confidence in herself and her abilities, and we plan to continue her training so that she can become the head of the kindergarten run by the sisters.

Other mums persevered with their French lessons, which took a lot of effort given their tiredness due to the heat, which had already reached 43 degrees by March!

In all, 55 people benefited from the workshops. Our target is 200 people, including women who will be offered training, particularly in saponification (soap-making)."

Thanks to the massive mobilisation of donors to the Rosalie Projects, particularly the schools that have chosen this project for Lent, the sum raised has far exceeded its funding target. Activities will therefore continue until the end of 2025, with educational support for primary school pupils and motivated teachers to supervise the children and women.

"May the smiles you sow today on the lips of these people bring abundant fruits of happiness, brotherhood and love into your lives. of happiness, brotherhood and love in your lives. Thank you!"
Sr Diala Kassably