The Sonatel Foundation organized, once again this year, in Ndiebel (Kaolack department), a ceremony to distribute school kits as part of the launch of the "Education+ Back to School" program, combined with the distribution of Wiki Challenges.

In total, 50 schools in Senegal are targeted with the aim of contributing to the improvement of children's learning and schooling conditions. The Sonatel Foundation's support consists of distributing school kits to the best students.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the sub-prefect of Ngodj, the academic inspector of Kaolack, the mayor of Ndiebel, as well as many parents of students.

Coura Sow, the general administrative director of the Sonatel Foundation, emphasized:

“We are here to celebrate the work of the children of Ndiebel, but also to officially launch the Education+ Back to School program. It is a dual event to promote education, equal opportunities, and digital inclusion.”

According to Ms. Sow, 2,000 school kits will be distributed in 50 public elementary schools across the country, in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Education.

For the Ndiebel public school, 40 kits consisting of school bags, math and reading textbooks, as well as other supplies, were given to the students.

The overall cost of the Education+ Back to School program is estimated at 36 million CFA francs.

“We hope that the beneficiaries will be able to perform better. Today, one in three students does not have access to the necessary equipment to start the school year in good conditions. For more than 20 years, we have been working to ensure that knowledge, health, culture and digital technology are gateways to the future,” added Ms. Sow.

Furthermore, the Wiki Challenge École d'Afrique, also supported by the Orange France Foundation, the Sonatel Foundation, and the Vikidia Africa association, was highlighted. This educational competition, among the most dynamic on the continent, encourages students to tell stories about their environment, promote their local culture, and produce meaningful and inspiring digital content.