Sunu Thiossane Youth Organisation :
Our history and mission

«Who Are We?»

Educational organization and cultural exchange since 2011

Founded in 2011 in Dakar, Sunu Thiossane is an organization dedicated to the development of Senegalese and African youth. Our mission is to empower young people by giving them access to quality education while cultivating their cultural, artistic and technological talents.

For over a decade, our experienced team of educators has accompanied students on their academic and artistic journeys with a strong commitment to inclusivity. We offer English immersion programs, cultural exchanges and STEAM activities to young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Dakar and other parts of Senegal.

In response to the growing importance of technology, we have integrated digital literacy into our curriculum through courses and workshops in programming, coding and digital literacy. By equipping the younger generation with these essential skills, we're unlocking their full potential and helping to build a better future for Africa.

2011
Year of creation
450+
Accompanied young people
12
Years of commitment
ONLINE ADMISSION CONTACT US
Sunu Thiossane

Our STEAM Educational Programs
and Cultural Exchanges

Comprehensive programs for holistic youth development

English immersion

English is integrated into all our programs: summer camps, after-school programs, Saturday programs and academic activities.

Participants develop their skills in :

  • Reading and comprehension
  • Writing and editing
  • Oral expression and conversation
  • Listening comprehension

This command of English opens up international opportunities and access to global educational resources.

Learning across continents

Our cultural exchange programs give young people the opportunity to discover other cultures and develop a global vision of the world.

These experiences include :

  • International educational trips (Canada, Kenya, Rwanda, Japan)
  • Cultural and linguistic immersion
  • Meetings with young people from all over the world
  • Discovering different educational systems
  • Participation in international collaborative projects

These exchanges transform young people's perspectives and boost their confidence and ambition.

STEAM UP

The STEAM UP program combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to prepare young people for today's digital world.

Through hands-on workshops, young people develop :

  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Programming and robotics skills
  • Mastery of technological tools
  • Ability to work as part of a team on complex projects

These skills are essential for success in an increasingly technological world.

University access and career services

Sunu Thiossane supports young people in their transition to higher education and the professional world.

We offer :

  • Personalized university guidance
  • Preparing for entrance exams
  • Assistance in finding scholarships
  • Academic and professional mentoring
  • Workshops on professional skills
  • Alumni and professional network

Our aim is to give every young person access to higher education and a career in line with their potential.

A long-term commitment: 12 years of support

Sunu Thiossane is committed to providing each child with a complete 12-year education, from the age of 6 right up to the baccalaureate.

This course is structured around two main pillars:

  • Xam Sa Bópp (6-12 years) - Know who you are«: personal development, cultural arts, African history, self-confidence
  • Geum Sa Bópp (13-18 years) - Believe in yourself«: global citizenship, healthy lifestyle choices, academic and professional success

This ongoing support ensures the holistic and sustainable development of each young person.

Our DNA: What makes us unique

What makes us unique

🎯

Our mission

Lighting the way for the next generation of African visionaries and leaders by giving them access to quality English-language education, strong African cultural awareness, technological and digital skills.

🌟

Our vision

Build an African youth that is proud of its heritage, open to the world and capable of becoming an agent of change in Africa and beyond. Xam Sa Bópp (Know who you are) and Geum Sa Bópp (Believe in yourself).

✓
Social inclusion

Equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background

✓
Intercultural dialogue

Opening up to other cultures while promoting African identity

✓
Hands-on learning

Learning by doing, through concrete projects and real-life experiences

✓
Ongoing support

Long-term follow-up of children and young people over 12 years

✓
Bilingual education

Quality education tailored to local realities and young people's aspirations

✓
Youth programs

Leadership, mentoring and community projects to develop skills

✓
Cultural exchanges

Opening up to the world, international travel and partnerships

✓
Agroecology

Reconnecting young people with the land, food and environmental issues

Our history: From 2011 to today

More than a decade of commitment to African youth

🎨

First intensive summer arts program

Launch of the first intensive summer arts program at the prestigious Brooklyn Arts Exchange in New York, welcoming 40 students for a transformative experience.

📜

Department of Education License

Obtained a prestigious license from the Brooklyn, New York Department of Education, enabling us to extend our programs to more educational institutions.

🏫

Program at MS 352

Launch of an educational impact program at MS 352 - Metropolitan Corporate Academy High School, marking our expansion into the New York school system.

🌍

First summer camp in Dakar

Expansion of operations in Dakar, Senegal, with the first summer camp organized at the Senegalese American Bilingual School, anchoring our presence in Africa.

🎭

There's No Place Like Senegal" production"

Presentation of an original theatrical production celebrating the richness of Senegalese culture and heritage, reaching hundreds of spectators in New York.

📅

Saturday program in Harlem

In partnership with the Senegalese Association of America, launch of a Saturday program in the vibrant Harlem neighborhood, strengthening our community ties.

☀️

Second annual summer camp

Organization of the second annual summer camp in Dakar, Senegal, strengthening our commitment in the region and reaching out to more young Senegalese.

🤝

Truce Harlem Children's Zone program

Extension of the Saturday program at Truce Harlem Children's Zone, offering an immersive cultural and educational experience for young people in the community.

🌟

Third annual summer camp

Continuing our tradition with the third annual summer camp in Dakar, Senegal, consolidating our impact with young people in the region.

🎨

Sunu-Arts program at MS 353

Launch of the Sunu-Arts in Education program at MS 353, focusing on arts education and academic enrichment for New York students.

🎓

First annual course with Baruch (CUNY)

Establishment of the first annual internship program in partnership with Baruch College, offering valuable professional opportunities to participating students.

🎬

Larabilaran: Le Talibe Et Moi" production"

Production of a remarkable theatrical work transcending cultural and artistic boundaries, addressing important social issues in Senegal.

🏕️

Fifth annual summer camp

Organization of the fifth annual summer camp at SOS VILLAGE DES ENFANTS in Dakar, Senegal, reaching dozens of underprivileged youngsters.

📚

Year-round arts education program

Expansion of programs into an annual format with after-school and Saturday programs in Dakar, ensuring continuous follow-up of young people.

✈️

Cultural exchange for young people in the United States

Organization of a major cultural exchange in the United States in partnership with USAID, Virginia Tech University and Arts Tech for our young Senegalese.

🌍

Regional expansion

Strengthened collaboration with partner schools in Senegal and Gambia, extending our impact across West Africa.

🎉

Exceptional growth

From 40 students in 2011 to over 450 today. Celebrating the first graduating class of our full 12-year program.

💻

Hybrid classrooms and online activities

Integration of comprehensive online activities with hybrid classrooms, enabling educational continuity in all circumstances for our students.

Long-term programs for young people aged 8-18

A complete educational pathway from early childhood to adulthood

1

Xam Sa Bópp

6 to 12 years - «Know who you are»

This first phase is designed to help children discover themselves and build a solid identity.

  • ✓ Personal and social development activities
  • ✓ Cultural arts programs
  • ✓ Workshops on African history and heritage
  • ✓ Confidence-building activities
2

Geum Sa Bópp

13 to 18 years - «Believe in yourself»

This second phase is a veritable rite of passage to adulthood.

  • ✓ Open-mindedness and global citizenship
  • ✓ Healthy and ethical lifestyle choices
  • ✓ Academic and university success
  • ✓ Career guidance

Our Values: Innovation, Commitment and Excellence

Features that set Sunu Thiossane apart

🌍

Africa-centric approach

An education unique in Senegal that promotes African cultural identity while preparing students for a globalized world

🗣️

English program

In a predominantly French-speaking country, we offer complete immersion in English

📅

12-year commitment

Comprehensive educational support from age 6 to 18, guaranteeing holistic development

🔗

Unique combination

African culture, quality education, technology and international exchanges in a single program

Cultural exchanges, STEAM and more

Cultural exchanges on 4 continents. English immersion from age 6. Innovative STEAM workshops. Support towards university. Find out more about each of our educational programs and find the one that matches your child's aspirations.

Discover our programs Contact us