Sharon Carter, Deputy Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Senegal and Minister of Education Serigne Mbaye Thiam, co-inaugurated a middle school in rural Simbandi Balanta on February 6.

The school, which recently opened its doors to students, is among 46 supported by USAID since 2007 through funding reimbursement agreements with the Ministry of Education to improve the opportunities for secondary students to reach school within walking distance for   thousands of girls and boys throughout Senegal.

During the inauguration, which was attended by the regional authorities and the Simbandi Balanta community Ms. Carter said the college is an example of the commitment of the American and Senegalese peoples to work together to provide children, especially girls, better access to quality education.

“This project demonstrates the shared belief of both parties that education is essential for the development of our children, because it is the basis for their future,” Ms. Carter said. “Without education, the dream of a better future is compromised not only for any child, but for whole families and the entire nation.”

Ms. Carter recalled a discussion she had with the members of the school’s management board on a trip to the area last November, and welcomed the commitment of the community in the education of their children including the maintenance for infrastructure sustainability.

“I would like to assure you of the ongoing availability of USAID to maximize the synergies for a better education and training system in line with the educational policy of the government," said Ms. Carter.

In addition to the construction of schools, USAID is also working on the quality of teaching and school management with capacity building of stakeholders.

This program supported by USAID, through flat-rate reimbursement agreements, aims to reduce the average distance between home and school by building middle schools closer to communities.  Residents of Simbandi Balanta were involved from the start in the school planning and building process, from site selection to construction, and taking responsibility for maintenance of the facilities.