Today we have traveled to Kaolack. It was quite a journey but it passed in no time. Lots of interesting sites and experiences along the way.

We got there at around 1.30pm and was greeted Viola Vaughn who made us feel very welcome and introduced us to Kate and Jessica who support Viola.

We had a wonderful lunch outside and then had an introduction session with some of the older girls from the centre who were talking about some of the products they make and sell. These included:

• A handmade doll – each of which is apparently a collectors item in the USA.

• A range of organic teas made from Hibiscus flowers which they can sell as much as they can make.

• A wide range of fabric products such as duvet covers, to table placements, to bags for computer laptops. They have plans to sell these from their website

Each business area were started by the girls and are run by the girls themselves. They have very high levels of creativity and ambitious plans. More about that another time.

We then went to the local school where girls who are enrolling in the current years educational programme were presented with a goody bag for their lessons. The head teacher showed all the children the contents of the goody bag as they all gathered around. The chatter of excitement was deafening. As the head teacher raised each item in the air it was accompanied by a round of applause. Then there was an audible gasp as he help up 5 coloured biro pens. We later discover that children who are not in the programme have to share 1 pen amongst 3 other children.

We have checked into a hotel in Kaolack which is wonderful. Tomorrow we have an early start and will be traveling to Koungheul to look at some of their projects and help them to learn how to put together a simple business plan.

All is now happening,we had our second skype call today Friday the 3rd of July. We are currently working on the branding of the Dakar Dragons. A draft concept was released by Ces today and it is just beautiful to see. The team Dakar Dragons is shaping up nicely with wonderful people. I am so honored to have them! So Far we have 5 people including one from Hong Kong.We are leaving uk the 20th of November and will be back on the 5th of December.

Mariéme Jamme

More exciting things are happening with the Dakar Dragons projects and I am getting so excited.

Last week I have been inundated with emails and requests to join the DD2009 team. People with good will are looking to help and support us. I think that so wonderful. Really lovely. The Team spirit is high and we are all excited.

We had one sponsor last week, and I am convinced that more people will come forward. I will be sending our first sponsorship letter this week and more during next week. I have wonderful people on the list, I will be handing some of the letters myself. I will be in PARIS next week and will be talking about it.

The whole team is working so hard. Last week Kay from Hong Kong looked into our Marketing materials. Richard has been blogging and had lots of views on his blogs through Ecademy. Romany also made a great contribution this week with my blogs and complied some great pictures etc… We also have the lovely Dianna Bonner in the team now; she will be taking the pictures of the trip. How wonderful.

Can’t wait for the 19^th picnic, it will be awesome.

Until then see you soon!