IServe

Dakar

SAMU social InternationalThe name comes from SAMU ( service d'aide médicale urgente,

"emergency medical assistance")

The organization was founded in 1993 by Xavier Emanuelli in France, and expanded to international work in 1998.

SAMU social is focused specifically on providing care and medical aid to homeless people.

An important part of their service includes going into the places where homeless population live to better understand the conditions on the street and to provide transportation to a shelter for care. The ambulance that is used for this outreach is staffed with a doctor and a social worker.

SAMU social in Dakar

Is located in Mammel in a house owned and operated by the organization.

The shelter provides all necessary services to homeless

boys. Homeless boys is a particular problem in Dakar and it is the population on which the organization felt they could have

the most impact.

The shelter is clean, spacious and well staffed 24 hours a day.

Simple, but nutritious meals are prepared in the shelter. The boys and the staff always eat together – Senegalese style – to enhance the feeling that this is a home.

SAMU social in Dakar makes sure the boys receive care for their medical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs. Simple academic instruction is given, however, due to the trauma experienced in street life, an emphasis is placed on physical and emotional healing.

The shelter houses anywhere from 5 to 15 boys at any given time. About ½ of the boys return to the street after they’ve eaten and rested. The policy of SAMU social is that the boys stay only by choice. No one is forced to stay, but any who want to stay are cared for and placed in a more permanent home situation.

The focus of our work at SAMU social will be to plan activities with the boys living at the shelter and to constantly be there to form bonds with them.

Our planned activities can include games, musical performances, sports, and art. The main consideration is that the activities involve both ISD students and the boys living at the shelter. Our goal is to help them feel comfortable and accepted by people outside of their normal culture and to expand their vision of their lives.

Here’s where you use your brain rather than you heart:

•Consistency is absolutely essential in this relationship•Are you ready and willing to commit to visiting the shelter on a consistent basis?•How often are you willing to commit to go?•Are you willing to plan and lead activities if the school can offer support as far as transport and supplies?•Think about what you have to give and what you have to gain.

These are the people for whom you may be the difference.

What’s next?

IF you’re interested in getting more information I’ll be having informational meetings next week during lunch time.

WWF – WednesdayRoom 26

Bring your lunch, bring your questions, bring your benevolence

IServe

Dakar