Dakar, Senegal — During International Women’s Month, Senegal recognizes women at the forefront of merging sports and education to drive positive societal change under the Olympic Legacy Program. The Olympic Values Education Program (PEVO) is a foundational element of the educational legacy of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Aïchatou Diop, a prominent figure in the Dakar 2026 organizing committee, exemplifies this impact. Diop transitioned from swimming volunteer to her current role, reflecting the transformative power of PEVO. This program, facilitated by an expanding network of female educators, aims to foster a deep understanding of the relationship between sports and personal growth among thousands of Senegalese children through the Olympic Civil and Sports Certificate (BOCS).
The BOCS, a national educational heritage cornerstone, is grounded in the principles of PEVO. The program aims to engage 900,000 young people aged 9 to 15 across 11,000 schools by October, with women like Diop instrumental in various program aspects, from governance and project coordination to teacher training and classroom instruction.
Fanta Diallo, Director of Engagement and Mobilization for Dakar 2026, underscores women’s active roles in both governance and operations. Her diverse team, including educators, youth animators, and sports animators, focuses on training teachers, mentoring students, and supporting schools and youth programs in introducing PEVO-related activities.
The program extends its reach to “cases des tout-petits, “community structures for pre-school children, ensuring early instillation of Olympic values. The BOCS prioritizes equal access to sports, education, and leadership opportunities, especially for girls, who make up nearly 50% of the program’s beneficiaries—a significant milestone in a country facing cultural and socioeconomic barriers to such opportunities.
In schools across Senegal, BOCS clubs, often led by mixed student committees, organize activities inspired by Olympic values. This initiative has had a lasting impact, with participants assuming leadership roles in various school and community programs, and teachers noting improvements in students’public speaking, decision-making, and confidence. Cécile Faye, Director of the National Olympic Academy of Senegal, emphasizes the value of female leadership in instilling positive values among younger generations.
Source: africa-newsroom
