Adama faced academic difficulties but is very skilled manually
The Assunta Center ("Assunta" or “the Center”) is located in Joal. It was established in 1967 by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary to counteract the rural exodus of young girls. The lack of opportunities for uneducated young girls in the Joal/Sine-Saloum region compelled many to migrate to Dakar in search of employment. They often returned as single mothers or had to endure precarious living conditions without family support.
Assunta provides professional training for young girls. Most have only completed the primary cycle. The Center offers two main training programs: hospitality and sewing. These areas have become significant sources of employment in recent years in the Joal/Sine-Saloum region.
Several hotels have opened, emphasizing ecological offerings to showcase the natural beauty of the relatively well-preserved coastal front and the beautiful landscapes of the Sine-Saloum, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Senegalese fashion industry is well-developed and appreciated by local buyers as well as by regional and international tourists. It has gained international recognition, notably through the Dakar Fashion Week.
Assunta has gradually extended the duration of its training, now offering a three-year cycle. However, a critical issue in scaling up exists, as most families cannot afford the tuition, even with a subsidy from the Franciscan Sisters. Currently, the Center has a total of 45 students.
L2H is funding the participation of young girls to complete the Assunta training program. This will be an on-going program to help families that cannot afford the tuition for the vocational training. Additionally, L2H will provide support to the Center's leadership to initiate discussions with select hotel chains regarding potential financing for a larger group of students.
