Discover Abéné
A hidden gem on the Atlantic Coast, Abéné is the last undeveloped seaside village in Senegal.
Overview
Abéné lies nestled on the Atlantic coast, just twelve kilometres from the Gambian border. Around 5,000 people make their home here, in a melting pot of different religions, cultures, and tribes. Despite their differences, the people are united in their love of their village, their music, and their traditions.
Each year, the village plays host to Abéné Festivalo – a feast of music, dance, and theatre. Visitors, musicians, and performers from around the world come to Abéné to experience this annual celebration of joy and kinship.
However, outside of festival time, life in Abéné is a simple one. Only 20% of the village has access to an electrical supply that is both patchy and prohibitively expensive.
Economy
The local economy is heavily reliant on fishing and artisanal work – seasonal work that's as dependent on luck as much as skill. Many of the village's young men leave their families to find more regular income.
Education
There is one school in Abéné. The 700 pupils in the school are bright, lively, and eager to learn. But with limited teaching supplies, it’s up to the ingenuity of the teachers to make learning come to life.
Infrastructure
The medical centre is often without the electricity needed to power the fridge and safely store medicines. With only one trained nurse and no access to the most basic medical supplies, the facility can only offer the most rudimentary care.
Abéné is rich with natural resources. Our goal is to empower and aid the village to harness this abundance and transform their community.
Our Projects
Abéne
Energy
Electricity in Abéné is unreliable. School computers gather dust, the medical centre’s ultrasound equipment is unusable, and mothers give birth in the dark. Solar panels can light up the lives of students, medical staff, and newborns. Partner with the village to bring solar panels to Abéné.
Abéne
Education
Children are keen to learn, but not all families can afford the cost of school. Without an education, children face a dim future. One scholarship can cover a child’s school uniform, school bag, books, pens and paper for a year.
Abéne
Health
Medical emergencies can strike at any moment, and when they do, the urgent or specialized response needed may exceed the capabilities of the village medical centre. The nearest ambulance is hours away, and it can take up to five hours for patients to reach the regional health centre. Join Lighting Up Lives as we work to bring ambulance and other medical supplies to Abéné.
Abéne
Sanitation
Clean water is essential to the safety and care of a woman giving birth, but the maternity ward at the village medical centre has no running water, sinks or toilet. With four babies born each week on average, sanitation is a must. With your help, we can ensure pure water from the local well gets piped to the clinic for sanitation services.
Get Involved
Your donations help us support real, transformative change in Abéné.
