The Dragons had a productive meeting with Samba Guissee the Citizenship Manager of
Microsoft West & Central Africa, who has agreed to provide free software and digital literacy training to the girls in Kaolack. This is a hugely important promise, because the girls have already had computers donated but our concern was that without the right software and appropriate training, the generous gift of the hardware could be wasted.

This offer ensures a complete package can be offered to the girls which
will help enormously with our plans to mentor them via the internet from the UK. We are still working on getting help set-up of the
computers, and for ongoing support and maintenance.

The air conditioned offices at the Regus offices was a far cry from our time in Kaolack but we found ourselves missing it already. In the evening we experienced an African pub which was remarkably similar to back home. There were many people sat around having a drink and watching football on the big screen. Marieme Jamme was surprised to see her cousin and we had a lovely drink and chat with him before dinner.

We started the day mapping out how we were going to turnaround the sewing business. We had some ideas but it was important that we got the girls to come up with their own solutions. Anna Lowe started off by recapping yesterday’s learning with the girls. She went on to show the impact on profitability of varying a product volume and price.

Richard White then did a marketing workshop where he got the girls to identify potential markets and consider a problem centric approach to developing new products.

The girls identified tourists as an important target audience and then were challenged to think of products related to the problem of heat. They came up with some brand new products that would be easy to produce and deliver a good margin. These included a water bottle carrier and a case for sun glasses. They also had some of their existing products like the beach mats.

We then started to look at sales channels and finding resellers who would earn a good margin on the products should be an important approach for them. Suddenly the girls began to see a way forward and we could see how excited they were,

Marieme Jamme then did an excellent session on using social media to increase visibility of the 10,000 Girls project. She also told them the importance of being credible and punctual with existing and potential customers. We were quite surprised to discover several of the girls were already on Facebook but did not quite understand it. We showed them how to use Facebook to find resellers and customers both in the UK and Senegal.

We finished the day at a traditional Sabar African drumming event in honour of Viola Vaughn and the Dakar Dragons. It was a fun event and all the Dragons were required to join in and do a vigorous solo dance in front of 100 people!

In Senegal, Welcoming your guests with a folkloric Instrument called the Drum is consider as a sign of respect. We had great fun, and burned lots of energy while dancing.

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.

We have arrived safely in Dakar – our luggage, however, is in Tripoli! So day 1 has been an interesting experience.

We have all been measured up for African hand made shirts and trousers and we have been shopping in Dakar market which seems to be the whole city! Our haggling skills have been sharpened which was great fun.

We have lots of lovely African dishes made for us and even a veggie one for Richard White.

Early start tomorrow to Kaolack with limited access but we will be updating as soon as possible.

Here’s a preliminary itinerary for the Dakar Dragons’ trip to Senegal in November-December 2009. More details to be added as our plans firm up. Its subject to change as more details are emerging.

Saturday November 21

The team flies from London Gatwick to Dakar, Senegal

Sunday November 22

In Dakar- Brainstorming Day, Meeting with Authorities

Monday November 23-Monday November 30

In Kaolack, working with Viola Vaughn and training/mentoring the girls there about business and marketing;Meeting with the Girls and working on Business plans.

Tuesday December 1

Return to Dakar; meeting with various people and organizations.

Wednesday December 2

Meeting with Awa Ndiaye – Ministry of Family Affairs, Women’s Entrepreneurship & Micro-finance

Thursday December 3-Friday December 4

Business meetings , visit to Goree and relaxation in Dakar

Saturday December 5

Team flies from Dakar to London, arriving Sunday morning December 6

Vanessa Warwick talks to Marieme Jamme about Dakar Dragons.