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Such an extraordinary journey
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Issa Kouyaté marvels at Arouna's journey from abused child to international ambassador for the talibés
Maison de la Gare has always worked to improve the conditions of talibé children in their daaras, but also to understand why they left
their communities of origin. Indeed, when they leave their villages, most of these children have no idea what they are going to do in Saint-Louis or even why they are leaving their villages.
Following our surveys of families and Quranic teachers or marabouts in some remote villages, we found that many live in extreme poverty caused by global warming and desertification, and this is what is driving them to seek a sustainable way of life. 
Many marabouts from these regions have found refuge in urban areas with a new way of life, mixing Koranic education and child exploitation.
A young talibé named Arouna Kandé is one example among many who were fortunate enough to receive a good education. He lost his father and mother at a young age and had to endure abuse from society, his marabout, and the older talibés in his daara. This didn't stop Arouna from 
redouble his efforts and gain self-confidence. He wanted to succeed at all costs by devoting himself to Koranic and academic education.
It was very difficult for this young talibé, who roamed the streets of his village at a very young age and then moved to Saint-Louis to live in a daara in conditions of extreme poverty. He suddenly discovered that he had to feed himself and live without water or electricity, without a bed to sleep in, and without blankets to protect himself from the cold. However, this harsh reality did not stop Arouna and encouraged him not to give up on his vision. In addition to these challenges, once at school, the torture and aggression continued, this time verbally, inflicted by the
teachers and other students.
Arouna had faith, and he succeeded. He was supposed to take his baccalaureate to qualify for a university place, but the unknown examiners didn't allow him to take it this year; he will have to try again next year. Yet Arouna has become an icon and role model for his fellow talibés and a beacon of hope for those of us who see endless possibilities in these children's eyes.
I must tell you that as long as there is life, there is hope! This year has been sacred and full of surprises. A documentary is currently being made about Arouna's life over the course of her twenties.
and it will be distributed in early 2022. This opened the doors of knowledge to Arouna who met famous people including Imam Ratib of Saint-Louis and Pope Francis in Rome.
This documentary follows Arouna's journey from his home in Casamance as he struggled and adapted to the harsh life of his daara. At just seven years old, he had to forget family life with his parents and learn to support himself on the streets to find food, clothing, and the money his marabout demanded. Ten years ago, he was introduced to Maison de la Gare by some of the talibé children in his daara, and he became an engaged participant in our literacy classes. He showed great courage and agreed to begin formal schooling, not realizing that this would one day lead him to take university entrance exams.
Arouna's rather chaotic journey led him to an invitation from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to Rome, where they met for a 40-minute audience. In Arouna's words: "I had the opportunity to discuss with him the issue of begging, the poor, and the injustice I experienced in Senegalese schools and daaras. He was very surprised. He said he would build a strong bond with me so that I could defend the poor and those who are not recognized around the world."
