The Yoff EcoCommunity Program (EcoYoff) was born during the Third International Ecocities and Ecovillages Conference held in Yoff in January, 1996. A small group of Senegalese and international volunteers formed EcoYoff in response to the declaration from this conference, which called for “the integration of traditional African wisdom into the program of global ecological reconstruction.”
In 2001, EcoYoff became a Living & Learning Center of the Global Ecovillage Network and facilitated the creation of the Senegalese Ecovillage Network (GEN Senegal), which promotes and assists holistic sustainable community development and has accredited 32 Senegalese ecovillages using environmental and community assessment forms created by GEN Senegal’s founding member villages.
EcoYoff is based in a 600-year-old traditional fishing village striving to maintain its distinctive identity in a suburb of the Capital City of Dakar. Other ecovillages are located in distinctive natural environments.
Most students live in a traditional family setting both in Yoff and in other ecovillages. EcoYoff staff negotiate and supervise these homestays with families who are well known, part of the network, and trained to host foreigners.
Food in Senegal is quite different from American cuisine. Staples include rice, fish, and vegetables. Students generally eat with their host families and food is presented on a common bowl or platter. Students typically enjoy Senegalese “teranga” (hospitality) and quickly learn the phrase “suhr-na” (I’m full).
A single warm humid rainy season from June/July to October (temperatures in the 80’s) followed by a seven-month temperate dry season, with temperatures between the low 60’s and mid 70’s.
Most students experience good health apart from occasional bouts of travelers’ diarrhea. A yellow fever immunization, and anti-malarial prophylaxis are required. Other immunizations are recommended. Local health services are excellent.
To learn more about our Senegal program site and its ecovillages, visit www.gensenegal.org
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