The aim was to organise an information session on European cooperation and academic mobility programmes, in particular the Erasmus+ programme. And what better choice than one of Senegal's most prestigious institutions, the Université Gaston Berger (UGB) in Saint-Louis?

The Erasmus+ Day was chaired by the European Union's Ambassador to Senegal, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Pisani, and the Vice-Rector of the Université Gaston Berger, Professor Mamadou Abdoul Diop.

The event began with a speech by the EU Ambassador, who emphasised the importance of matching training to the world of work  to reduce the unemployment rate. The Ambassador also spoke of the projects underway in northern Senegal, particularly those in the field of education, namely the “Global Gateway” strategy, which is the EU's contribution to reducing the global investment deficit, with some 150 billion euros of investment devoted to strengthening cooperation with African partners.

The Vice-Rector went on to talk about the partnership between the University of Saint-Louis, the European Union Delegation and the diplomatic corps of member countries.

The National Erasmus Focal Point, Professor Mamadou Sy, then gave a speech on the evolution of the Erasmus+ programme in Senegal, and on the steps still to be taken to ensure effective mobility in order to boost the research sector.

In addition to this, Ms Ilaria Mirra, Erasmus+ Coordinator at the EU Delegation in Senegal, gave a detailed presentation about the cooperation and academic mobility opportunities available between Senegal and Europe.

Mr. Laurent Viguié, Chargé d'affaires and Head of Culture at the French Embassy in Senegal, presented the France-Senegal scholarship programme, a programme of excellence designed to finance Master's scholarships and research stays in France.

The Ireland-Africa Fellowship Programme was also presented by the Irish Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Derek Hannon.

Ms. Ania Marquez Garcia, Lecturer at the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) in Senegal, in turn outlined the opportunities for studying in Germany with a scholarship for a master's degree, doctorate or post-doctorate.

Additionally, diplomatic representatives shared testimonials about their Erasmus experiences.

Her Excellency Mrs. Carmen Hagenaars, Ambassador of the Netherlands, and Mr. Christopher Marques, Chargé d'affaires of the Portuguese Embassy, told the audience how their university experiences impacted their careers and personal lives.

Professor Adama Faye gave a brilliant presentation on the Erasmus+ experience of the Gaston Berger University (UGB), and more specifically of the Arts and Human Sciences training and research unit, where she is in charge of cooperation. She spoke about the UGB's dynamism in international university exchanges, especially with Spain.

The final panel brought together former scholarship holders from the European Union and the African Union in a forum known as the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF). Vice-Chairman Alexandre Zoumman presented the forum, which makes a major contribution to the networking of its members (over 2,600 to date) and to facilitating their professional integration. He also gave an account of his mobility in Senegal in 2018 in the field of Plant and microbial biotechnology.

Next, Professor Mamadou Diop, a teacher-researcher at UGB and member of ASAF, gave an account of his mobility in Lilles, France, in 2012 (Master's degree in Education Sciences). This enabled him to become a university professor after years of teaching in secondary schools.

Finally, ASAF's co-ambassador in Senegal and regional coordinator for West Africa, Ms. Marième Wade, gave a brief summary of the background that prompted her to apply for a foreign scholarship, due to the difficult conditions of study in Senegal (Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar). She also talked about her mobility in León, Spain, in 2015 (Master in Business Law) and her return to Senegal, which many might find difficult to understand at times. Ms. Wade also stressed the need for African scholarship holders to return to their home countries at the end of the program, to give other generations of students the chance to benefit from these opportunities.

The day ended with speeches by the Ambassador of the European Union to Senegal and the Vice-Rector of Gaston Berger University, who praised the quality of the exchanges and the students' desire to learn.

 

Senegal, Dakar, 18^th December 2024
Marième Wade, coambassador.senegal@asaf.africa
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team