Blog #3

How could it be otherwise: the spread of the coronavirus has also had an impact on the Taxawu Jigeen project.

Schools in Senegal were closed in mid-March, and naturally the project was also affected. However, a few rooms remain accessible to those students who need a few hours of distance from their difficult home situations. Just as retreating to one's own four walls in this country can lead to more tension in already strained family situations, the same is true in Senegal. In many cases, this is exacerbated by the circumstances of having more people in one household, patriarchal family structures, and poverty.

Precisely because of these unfavorable conditions, those responsible on site have decided to contribute to reducing the spread of the virus by producing disinfectants and distributing soap and protective masks, as well as providing easily accessible information. In the meantime, protective masks are being sewn in shifts and with sufficient distance in the project's own studio and worn by the participants in their families and social spaces. Those responsible were very happy to provide the financial resources for this. Therefore, thanks must also be extended to the members and donors.

This brings us to Switzerland, where the consequences are also evident. The general meeting at the end of April had to be postponed before the invitations were sent out and was held without members. In the meantime, board meetings are taking place in a virtual space.

Finally, the pandemic is also affecting the association's connection to the project in Senegal. A trip by the association's president and a member to Taxawu Jigeen was planned for April. This has been canceled and will probably be postponed until winter or spring. Fortunately, until then, we have a wide range of technical options for constructive communication with the local management, as always. 

All that remains now is to wish all our readers good health and to appeal for solidarity in Switzerland, Senegal, and elsewhere. Thank you for your support!