School life
In a Senegal classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Senegal
A child-friendly mission briefing for Thursday 19 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalDakar
- Population~19 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Abidjan (UTC +0)
- CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Senegal, with Dakar marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Dakar
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Senegal a bit special.
Lake Retba - the pink lake
A lake that turns strawberry-milkshake pink in the sunshine
Open lesson
Gorée Island
A tiny, colourful island just off the coast of Dakar
Open lesson
The baobab - the upside-down tree
Senegal's national tree, with a trunk wider than a bus
Open lesson
The Senegal River
A 1,700 km river that gives the country its name
Open lesson
Teranga - the spirit of welcome
Senegal's most famous idea: making space for every guest
Open lesson
Grand Magal of Touba
One of the biggest yearly gatherings in West Africa
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🦭
West African manatee - the river mermaid
A gentle giant that swims slowly through Senegal's rivers
Open lesson
- 🦅
African fish eagle - the loud one
A bold black-and-white eagle with a famous, ringing cry
Open lesson
- 🐒
Western red colobus - the leaping monkey
A bright reddish-brown monkey that lives in Senegal's forests
Open lesson
- 🐗
Warthog - the kneeling grazer
A tough little pig that kneels to eat its dinner
Open lesson
- 🦩
Great white pelican - the scoop-bill
A huge bird with a beak shaped like a fishing net
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!French
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹSenegal has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Sport
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Senegal?
Choose Senegalwhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.