After disruptions caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, World Renew’s Senegal team was grateful to once again offer the Adolescent Health and Rights program in full. In 2022, 90 adolescents took part in sessions focused on understanding the changes their bodies go through, maintaining good health and hygiene, and building positive relationships. Boys and girls also reflected together on what it means to be a good person and how they hope to grow into adulthood.

Learning, Growth, and Community Celebration

The group recently marked the completion of the program with a graduation ceremony. Participants received certificates of participation and shared skits and dances with family members and community guests, celebrating not only what they learned but how they had grown together.

Atoumane, the father of one participant, credits the program with meaningful changes he has seen in his son, Alioune. He shared,

“The World Renew program has changed my son and I am happy about it. Like many parents, I feel like I can’t educate my children enough because I’m too busy… I am very satisfied with your program. Because the education he received through the program kept him away from youth who smoke and drink, he has become a model for the family and I am amazed by this transformation. I pray that God keeps you and gives you the means you need to educate the future generation. You are helping parents like me who feel like they can’t educate their children well enough.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

The impact of the program has also been felt beyond those directly enrolled. Oulèye, whose sister Seynabou graduated from the program, shared how impressed she was by both what her sister learned and the changes she witnessed.

“My sister used to fight often, but she has improved tremendously. She loves the program meetings and does not miss any. I know a little about the sessions because of her. She tells me that they ask questions and the participants discuss the answers. The educator makes them aware of certain types of behaviour that are harmful to their health… Now that I am aware of the importance of the program, I regret not having registered, but I will participate next year.”

Stories like Seynabou’s show how equipping adolescents with knowledge, confidence, and a safe space for discussion can ripple outward—strengthening families, encouraging healthier choices, and inspiring other young people to take part.