Behind a regular ol signless metal gate leads to a dirt rich oasis scattered with rainbow flowers and trees, landscapes of white sea shells, plenty of space for activities, and down the way a properly equipped workshop, including many shining white smiles with willing hands ready to work. “Awya International” a Non-Profit Organization volunteer program but more so a functioning community working together in a labor of love teaching young men all kinds of trades from welding, instrument making, electronics, creative arts and crafts, wood crafts, sewing, engine mechanics and everything in between that fits “do it yourself” (DIY). One vet volunteer said it best about showing a kid how to use a tool and it’s not long before they realize their potentiality and creativity.
Firstly want to extend gratitude to Kumbengo Koras and Dany for referring me to such a wonderful experience, truly grateful to be apart of a program that is in alignment with my passions; for the people by the people.
It’s a standard attribute among the Senegal people to neatly fold your clothes so that the straight creases may be worn again before washing, this is also true within this organization and indicative of the character of the young men I had a pleasure of meeting and creating long lasting friendships with, cleanly self represented and even more so motivated to make a difference in their community. It could safely be assumed that such a benevolent program would attract the same type of people.
These young men have an inherent ability to “do it yourself” and with the necessary tools of willingness, imagination time after time becomes reality, there is not limit for a program like this. So just like the unwanted wrinkles in our clothes and ultimately our lives it’s an instinctive creativity to know that solutions are always near. Providing an environment for individuals to become self motivated to use ones own passions for the benefit of all is the real work. The potential for anything and everything you need done, can and will be done, just whenever it gets done is the deal.
Even electronics, Baboucar has something very special and unfortunately over looked by many of his peers. His passion is in electronics, so we reached incredible related conversations about free energy, coils, electricity, Nicola Tesla, technology, and ultimately life. He has built a CNC router by himself which is a small demonstration of his intelligence, this router has the ability to dry anything you program it to in 2D form, he has realized the actual infinite possibilities that the language of electronics is teaching him in relation to wattage, ampage, and voltage. He has faith to one day use this knowledge to gain more opportunity and of course come back to make a big difference in Senegal.
One day someone asked what I have been doing that day and brother abduley replied ‘he is an electron’ implying that I have been everywhere that day. And for me this simple statement displays an astounding intelligence and is exactly what these young men display rather relaxingly but nonetheless everything in their being desires to give, it is in their blood, it is even a common greeting “nangi ci jamm” “do you have peace.” There really isn’t a desire for more, they seem to already have everything they need, because they stick to their motto quite earnestly “slowly slowly,” meaning everything comes with time. What a lesson the rest of the world could use in the societal conditioning of instant gratification. Which may have to do with the lack of corporate influence/illness of buy, buy, buy, want want want, at least not in Malika. I experienced that when you reflect the same desire to give first they give back ten fold and treat you like family with endless “teranga,” “hospitality.” As brother Djiby spoke me some Senegal yet universal truth, “Families help families, People need people”
Brother Djiby is the right hand man to the queen bee, personal in all of his relationships free of shyness and is working with agriculture, art, health, business and project development
Abduley, the unspoken head of the workshop, is a master mind resolver of any desired projects or help. Also my dear brother that took the time and energy to teach me some kora and so encouraging every step of the way.
Also onsite is the finished goods store where all the hard work from the workshop is showcased; everything from ebony Africa clock, djembes, tailored African apparel, wooden cutlery, pillows, kitchen ware and much more.
A casual day usually starts with your own morning routine And then strolling over to the workshop where any instructions or projects will be asked for rather than given out, or just willing joined, or even if you have your own creative project to pitch to the guys. Soon after brunch is brought out by the sweetest group of lady’s, bread with your choice of chocolate or butter, but after local peanut butter was discovered, it was a no brainer, alongside comes the Senegalese favorite, hot milk and sugar although some added Nescafé is always welcomed, a combo that makes for a pleasing mouth mush.
Hassle free projects commence, although for myself in particular, kora djembe, flute and didgeridoo practice turned out to be a regular “project.” The Natural flow of many of the days always led into one of my main intentions of coming to aywa, to learn more of the source language of the kora and the djembe/ashiko, meanwhile the back guest house holds a nice echo inside so routine stops were often made to play flute and didgeridoo. On different occasions the guys were surprised to find me making those sounds and sincerely expressed gratitude for the sounds which of course is humbling.
Traditional to most of Africa, A circle of mini benchs welcomes you to lunch, generally a much anticipated chebbu gen “rice and fish”, as always it is negna “very good.” It nakes you really appreciate African women’s mastered ergonomics art form of simply bending over with a perfect 45 degree straight back, credit to generations of harvesting. Quite contrary from the states, the simple fact of sharing the same plate in a communal circle somehow provides an additional type of sustenance, especially after studying ancient culture you find out the 2 main activities that bonded families and friends were over food and fire, suspiciously could even be said how music and dance we’re birthed. Anyway some on their own accord will even cut the vegg or meat and pass it out to each persons vacinty of eating, “lekker.”
No rush in getting back to work after a face full, but you will notice there is always someone brewing what they grinningly refer to as “African Gun Powder,” Which is actually extra bitter Chinese green tea that is covered up well by the handful of sugar. Old style cooking the water in a small tea pot on top of fanned coals only provides enough Gun powder for two small glasses that are used to pour back-and-forth to create a most desired foam. A project indeed for the time it takes to make.
Dinner begins with a circle of holding hands paying gratitude to creator and then an exquisitely prepared meal by Hermina, the queen bee. In closing dinners ends with a delightful dessert and a joyful song to go along, oh and don’t forget to help out with dishes!
Although if playing with kids is your thing, Every Wednesday is your chance to indulge as plenty come for different activities such as football, jump Roping, board games, and swinging. But that’s not all they come for, they close their session with a constructive lesson from Djiby and song play with hermina.
Sundays have a special Senegalese style djembe and shakers service dedicated to the celebration of Christ if you choose to join.
Journeying out into the village you’ll notice some cruisers parked on the side of dirt roads just as casual as cars are; horses and homemade horse carriages whipping around some even wearing paint decals, some refueling with a water grain mix, others undergoing washing maintenance/tune up. There’s no shortage of abundance of peanuts, cashews or coffee so make sure to grab something on the walk to the beach and also don’t be afraid to help dig out some stuck cars on the overly abundant dirt roads, a particular Malika feel. And If your going to nearby villages The level of comfortability and practical space will determine your bus, unless your keen for a ride on the back of Alfreds 80s motorbike.
When you catch a Wolof conversation full of agreeing with each other you might assume that they are just ecstatic about life because of the excessive “wows” but actually“yes” in Wolof is “woy” and sounds like “wow,” although the other may be just as true. But being a frequent user of “wow” since traveling there may be some confusion yet understanding in my usage.
Also if you are used to a time schedule it may take ‘time’ to adapt because one thing is clear in that the Senegalese are not in a rush to do anything. A common phrase expresses just that, “Ndakka ndakk mooy jap golo ci ngaay”“slowly slowly you will catch a monkey in the forest.” They like to keep things simple so asking for alternatives or additionals, they will gladly do it but eventually it earned me the name “Izzy busy doesn’t like things so easy.”
Just a thought about time, traveling has allowed me to realize is that underdeveloped countries do not operate nor need a time structure, they aren’t working for corporations that need excessive amounts of money therefore a time structure to create that money. A lot of countries like Senegal, and may come as reverse shock to some, are living naturally with the cycles of the earth as all ancient cultures did and still are. With a little research one will discover time to be a man made concept and factually does not exist, so time is only money when you are working for someone else. Time becomes energy when you are working for yourself for the benefit of others, which is definitely why things get done when they get done in these parts.
My self and brother Alfred developed an unspoken joy of being around each other through music, he has a special inherent relationship with the djembe, a pair of hands not only in made of rhythm but even more so full of giving, he’s always looking to treat us with some street snacks including his favorite “meo,” hot milk. Our first adventure took us to his back-to-back concerts, leaving in the middle of one to slowly race to the next, both incredible in their entirety. Although after hearing my flute he took great interest in insisting to play for several of his friends, which developed into more appreciation of each other. The next musical journey started with a djembe lesson and then to a local recording studio only to walk into a magical collage of instruments in sync, again catching some peanuts on the way to another musically talented friend, this time to make our own freestyle jam. The next adventure took us to the djembe workshop where they are still making them by hand, the welcoming spirit of these particular people only had truth to speak about the wisdom of the drum and the oneness of all people, definitely my type of people, pure in their hearts, something only the spirit of music teaches. From there we caught a performance practice in a little ol shack with good enough acoustics to leave ears ringing. The drummers and dancers had an African connection I was so longing to experience, quick with tempo, strong in its exertions, yet loose in its expression.
I feel it necessary to mention the hip hop culture in Senegal since it is quite strong and seems to be a platform of expression for not just newer generations but seemingly since traveling much of indigenous or, African communities, but also those of less fortune, a wide range of people. But it’s clear they feel to be apart of something, it offers a sense community that many may be subconsciously looking to heal a relationship that may have been damaged in the past. Although, the hip hop culture does suffer a rocky reputation, but all over the world I have seen countless accounts of this new phase of hip hop expression moving in a new direction. For example, the two songs I asked about were talking about children and school, learning, and education.
As for Hermina a provider, teacher, mother figure, role model, human advocate, loyal student of god, and the nucleus of the operation. With an multilingual ability It’s clear she has a heart deidicated to giving. She is exercising the importance of singing, education, community building, project development, and May be what separates this program from others, is the importance of celebrating our source connection to creator/god before and after meals, but even more to have a connection/dialogue with this eternal source.
“Kouy def sou mette nga daw, sou nexe doula fi fekk.”
If things are difficult and try to run away, you will never know when things get better because you are gone.
So please for all those living out of the heart and like to make things with your hands, learn music, and want to create a difference within Senegal, this is your spot, go volunteer contribute to this amazing.
Niokobokk Aywa and family.
Izzi