Dakar, Senegal — In celebration of International Women’s Month, a spotlight is cast on the female educators in Senegal who are pivotal in linking sports and education to inspire positive transformation across the nation. This initiative is part of the legacy program for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) in Dakar.
The Programme of Olympic Education Values (PEVO) is a cornerstone of the JOJ’s legacy, with a focus on imparting values to young girls. Aïchatou Diop, who has transitioned from a swim coach to a role in the Dakar 2026 organizing committee, exemplifies the commitment to this mission.
The Brevet Olympique Civique et Sportif (BOCS), a national program, underpins the educational legacy of the Dakar 2026 Games. It aims to involve 900,000 young people aged 9 to 15 in 11,000 schools before the Games commence. Women are central to this program, from governance and project coordination to teacher training and classroom instruction.
Fanta Diallo, Director of Engagement and Mobilization for Dakar 2026, underscores the crucial role of women in the program. Her team, which includes educators, youth animators, and sports animators, is dedicated to training teachers, mentoring students, and supporting schools and youth programs in introducing PEVO-related activities. These activities instill values like excellence, respect, and friendship from an early age.
The BOCS is committed to providing equal access to sports, education, and leadership opportunities, especially for girls. This aligns with national and local initiatives aimed at girls’education, health, and sports participation. Girls account for nearly 50% of the BOCS program’s beneficiaries, a notable achievement considering the cultural and socioeconomic barriers they often face.
This initiative has yielded tangible results, with girls taking on prominent roles in school clubs and community initiatives. Teachers have noted advancements in their students’public speaking, decision-making abilities, and confidence. Cécile Faye, Director of the National Olympic Academy of Senegal, views these outcomes as a testament to the importance of female leadership and the ability to pass on positive values to younger generations.
Source: africa-newsroom
