The newly donated IT centre has become the venue for training of seven trainers for the TIC-Enfance (Computer Science for Kids) programme which is to be implemented in 4 regions of Senegal: Dakar, Thies, Kaolack and Ziguinchor.

Equipped with 20 new desktop computers, a video projector, printer and air-conditioner, the centre will now reach a larger number of Senegal’s children and youth and bridge the technology rift in Dakar.

The IT centre is the long envisioned outcome of a partnership between the Senegal YMCA and the NBA, and has been created within the framework of the NBA’s Basketball without Borders (BWB) programme.

BWB is the NBA’s global basketball development and community outreach programme for social change. The programme features dozens of current and former NBA players and team personnel who provide their skills as camp coaches and mentors. The first camp on African soil since the programme’s inception in 2001 occurred in early August in Dakar and was launched at an opening ceremony held on 7 August 2010. Attending the ceremony were Senegal YMCA members, local officials and popular NBA players including Dwight Howard, DeSagana Diop, Luc Mbah a Moute, Hasheem Thabeet, Ronny Turiaf, Danilo Gallinari, Willie Green and Marvin Williams. Also in attendance were NBA and WNBA legends Dikembe Mutombo, Makhtar Ndiaye, Mamadou N’diaye, Nykesha Sales and Tamika Raymond.

The ongoing partnership between the NBA and the Senegal YMCA was encouraged by the International Division of the YMCA of the USA, and the NBA chose to work with the Senegal YMCA for implementation of its 2010 NBA Cares Legacy Project. This Legacy Project, in connection with BWB, included the refurbishment of the Senegal YMCA basketball court, the establishment of a new public library and a fully equipped computer and technology centre.

By: Joseph Bernard Coly, National Communication Secretary, Senegal YMCA