How a Westport Nonprofit Is Transforming Education for Kids in Senegal

"Our generation helping the next generation." That's the theme of the Diamono Project, a nonprofit group of local volunteers raising funds to provide supplies for a school in Senegal, West Africa.

Anaelle Ndoye of Westport leads the local Diamono Project team, and she stopped by Townsquare Sunday to explain what the project is all about, and to share details about an upcoming fundraiser.

How the Diamono Project Began

Ndoye explained that her parents are from Senegal, and while visiting when she was a teenager, she decided to help a local school there.

"For me, I've always been raised that education is one of the pillars of life, and after observing some of the poor conditions these students were learning in, I felt we could do better for them," she said.

Get our free mobile app

What the Fundraiser Supports in Senegal

Ndoye said her group has supplied school supplies and clothing for students, and raised enough money to provide electricity for their building. The project's goal this year is to raise enough money to provide a better water source for the school.

"We've been assisting a group of students for nine years, and they're recently graduated from high school," Ndoye said. "We're now looking for ways to help them attend universities, and support them with that."

Ndoye heaped praise on her parents for pointing her and her brother in the right direction.

"They've always told us, you help people where you can," she said. "That's the way to co-exist in this world, and make the world a better place."

Details on the Murder-Mystery Dinner

For the third year in a row, the Diamono Project is sponsoring a murder-mystery dinner to raise money for the school in Senegal. "Murder on the Dance Floor" is being held September 27 at The Whaler's Inn, located at 500 Hathaway Road in New Bedford.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

"We have an amazing group of actors from Theatre Rats (Fall River) coming in, and they put on a show for everyone," Ndoye said. "There is great food, photo booths and much more. When the audience comes in, they have to put on their detective caps!"

How to Get Tickets or Donate

Tickets are $45 and are available on the Diamono Project website. Please click on the news and events tab. Ndoye said 100 percent of the profits will go to help students in Senegal.

The Diamono Project also welcomes donations.

If you would like your nonprofit group featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.