Djeol Student Choir

The members of the Girls' Mentoring Center in Kaedi, with the help of the Peace Corps volunteers of the Gorgol region, completed a mural on the west wall of the Center. The theme of the mural was life goals. Each girl spent about two months planning, drawing, and preparing their pictures before painting the final mural. They were given lessons in drawing and the correct use of a paint brush.

Each girl prepared a statement to make to the community at the end of the school term, when they were to present their mural to the mentors and teachers that had helped them throughout the year. This took place in a ceremonial setting; the girls themselves prepared refeshments and welcomed their mentors and teachers as honored guests. Each girl showed her part of the mural and told what it represented, what her goals were, and how she believed she could accomplish those goals.

The mentors and teachers were touched by this and themselves gave speeches to the girls. One teacher told them, "Never think that girls cannot learn mathematics. I have been impressed at your interest and accomplishment this year. Any of you is the equal to any boy I've ever taught. Next year, we'll start extra classes earlier and work harder."

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