“Jahkarlo” means in Wolof “face to face” and reflects our association’s ethos to work with our partners on an equal footing and look the pressing issues we tackle straight into the face.
Senegal, with over 17 million inhabitants, is one of the African states with the best development prospects. Although Senegal is recognized for its security, hospitality, as well as economic, cultural, and political leadership role in West Africa, the country is not without challenges.
In Dakar, Senegal’s capital and economic centre, overcrowding and difficult living conditions have divided the city with obvious imbalances. There are residential areas with dilapidated houses, or places on the margins of society where basic living conditions are not always guaranteed. The exodus to the cities has created a real abandonment of rural areas which are increasingly faced with socio-economic dilemmas and climate-related challenges.
JAHKARLO originated out of the need to counterbalance the diverse set of interrelated challenges in Senegal. Since its foundation in 2007, Jahkarlo has been committed to the realization of a wide range of development cooperation projects that can enrich the people who participate through socio-cultural encounters and exchange.
The fields of intervention cover environmental protection , the promotion of craftmanship , responsible and solidarity tourism , artistic and cultural preservation, and agro-ecological education. Our attempt is to propose activities that can create positive changes, small or large, as long as they are lasting and sustainable.
The JAHKARLO Association conceives itself as a meeting place for different cultures and sensitivities by organizing activities for mutual enhancement. Through those we promote new forms of cooperation capable of enhancing the natural, artistic and cultural riches of the country.
The Association is configured as a social enterprise: an entity that lives by virtue of adherence to its values of integrity, determination, inclusion, mutual growth and sustainability . In our activities, we strive to always keep our environmental and social purpose front and center.
Since its foundation Jahkarlo has been committed to the realization of a wide range of development cooperation projects. in the fields of environmental protection , agro-ecological education, artistic and cultural preservation, the promotion of craftmanship, and responsible and solidarity tourism .
A space to develop and promote the philosophy of permaculture and sustainable farming. Trainings, workshops, awareness meetings on the preservation of the environment and ecological agriculture, are all activities related to this space.
Composed of the large amphitheater, a space of 500 square meters designed to host events of national and international importance; administrative offices; from a recording studio to support young artists; from multipurpose rooms to develop artistic paths, cultural exchanges, specific trainings, exhibitions.
A space composed of an accommodation facility built in harmony with the environment that surrounds it, with a capacity of 25/30 people. It will be the place for visitors: tourists, interns, associates, friends, etc. – all those who from near or far want to collaborate with the JAHKARLO association.
A small shop directly attached to the other parts of the center where ecological farmers can sell their local produce, and artisans display and sell their handicrafts and art pieces.