At the Heart of Hope: Educators Who Change the Lives of Talibé Children

Behind every child, a team at Maison de la Gare that never gives up

At Maison de la Gare, every child we accompany is supported by a team whose commitment goes far beyond daily routines.

Educators, street outreach workers, teachers, health staff, program leaders, and support personnel all work together to offer talibé children protection, education, care, and a path toward a safer future. Their work is collective, patient, and grounded in the belief that every child has potential — even when life has pushed them to the margins.

Meeting the children where they are

For many children, the journey begins in the street. Street educators Mamadou Gueye and Abou Sy seek out children living in extreme vulnerability — sleeping outside, begging for survival, or fleeing abusive daaras. During daytime and nighttime rounds, they establish first contact, listen without judgment, identify urgent needs, and offer a safe path forward. This proximity work is often the first step toward lasting protection.

When the child enters the emergency shelter, the work continues with care and patience. Educators Ndèye Aby Bâ and Ndèye Aïssa Sarr welcome each child and take time to understand their story, their family ties, and the reasons that led them to the street. This relationship of trust helps the child regain stability and imagine a safer future.

Once the children are safe, the work of rebuilding begins.

Building the path forward

At our welcome center, Noël Coly registers the hundreds of children who come through our doors each week. Animators Kalidou Baldé and Lalla Sène accompany children through daily educational, cultural, sports, and recreational activities. Their constant presence helps children rebuild confidence, learn respect for shared rules, and rediscover joy. A former talibé himself, Kalidou is a living example of resilience and hope. He also teaches English to children and youth, opening new horizons and strengthening their sense of possibility.

Education is one of the pillars of the action of Maison de la GareTeachers Aïda Dieng and Bouri Mbodj offer literacy and basic education classes tailored to each child's level. Thanks to their dedication, the children acquire essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills—a foundation for independence and, for some, integration into the formal school system.

For the older students, vocational training represents a key step towards independence. Cheikh Abdoulaye Ndiaye directs the poultry farming apprenticeship program , while Samba Diao, a former talibé (student of a Koranic school), mentors the apprentices and guides them in developing their skills. These programs offer these young people real opportunities to build a future beyond the streets.

Health is also central to the care provided. Awa Diallo and Alagie Jallow conduct consultations, provide medical care, and implement preventative measures, both at the center and in the daaras where the children live. Their work sustainably improves the health and hygiene conditions of the children we support.

Baye Ndaraw Diop coordinates the microfinance program , helping families strengthen their economic autonomy — a crucial step in reducing children's vulnerability, and a way for some older talibés to develop small income-generating activities.

All these activities are supported by dozens of extraordinary international volunteers, who bring their skills, kindness and a deep respect for children.

Behind the scenes, many others ensure that our mission runs smoothly. Adama Diarra manages finances and coordinates volunteers. Momar Mbaye oversees daily operations and ensures that programs are implemented effectively. Cook Oumou Samb prepares balanced meals every day, and housekeeper Aminata Ndiaye maintains a safe, welcoming environment.

All this happens under Issa Kouyaté’s leadership. Since 2007, he has championed a vision rooted in child protection, human rights, and the search for durable solutions to end forced begging and support social reintegration.

A collective commitment that never gives up

At Maison de la Gare, being an educator means believing in every child’s potential. It means listening without judgment, accompanying without pause, and building — day after day — the conditions for a better future.

Behind every protected child, every regained smile, and every rebuilt path stands a collective commitment: a team convinced that every child deserves to be safe, heard, and guided toward a dignified life.