The artisans learned alot, attests El Hadj Bara, head of the calendar of activities by Kora-PRD in Touba : « Many of the artisans had never seen this type of mountable and dismountable tables and chairs. During the 5 days they learned new collective work methods using new mounting tecniques via screws. » Granted new talents these woodworkers have now the mission of teaching apprentices and artisans in their home villages. Furniture built during this week is donated to local schools and KORA-PRD’s training center.

This meeting was also a chance for coaches in literacy, sculpture and technical drawing to present a report of their primary activities to these apprentices to try to harmonise their efforts. « The objactive is to have a precise content plan for each training session, in order to obtain the highest value of the teachings offered and recognise participants talents», says El Hadj Bara. This week permitted to strengthen ties between artisans/woodworkers throughout the country. El Hadj Bara relates : « All the participants lodged with me. It was a very warm atmosphere. They talked of what unites them : their work. I organised movie projections, documenting ONP-Bois’ president’s, Masseck Diop, voyage in Czechoslovakia. Most of the group did not know that he had gone to Europe in order to defend their interests. Here they realised that together they were capable of much more than alone and isolated.» A major step towards making themselves heard by public authorities in Senegal.

Projection d’un film documentaire sur la menuiserie.

This week of meetings and training is part of the program of activities put in place by Kora-PRD with the support of Frères des Hommes to restructure, support and promote artisanry. For more about this program click here:
Activities led together with Kora-PRD