Pape Malick Sall, 20 years old, lives with his parents and six siblings in Walo. Pape Malick recently returned from seeking work in Dakar and said he was surprised by the big changes he found in his home village from CREATE!‘s programs in Walo. “First of all,” he said, “all of the meals are richer than before because there are lots of vegetables, and everybody works in the site.”
Pape Malick has missed many trainings offered by CREATE! due to being away in Dakar, but “now I [have] decided to stay in the village and improve my life.” He officially joined the program in July and is now participating in all CREATE! programs in Walo. “I’m new in the program but I know it can change my life for the better. I follow the technicians’ advice and it is useful for me.” He continues: “The most important thing I’m learning is vegetable production because it is something new for me. I’m proud that my village produces vegetables and chicken.”
Pape Malick transplants green peppers in his community garden with another cooperative participant. Pape Malick says, “I know this program can help me forever.”
When asked why he is excited to participate in CREATE! programs, Pape Malick said that CREATE! was different from other NGOs that have implemented programs in his community because “CREATE! helps communities to be independent while others were here for their own interest.” He adds, “I appreciate the big role that CREATE! is playing in the development of my community.”