Charles Boucaud, aged 88, was born in Rennes. After a rich life both professionally and personally, the man developed a certain philosophy and a certain humor, which led him to reconsider his vision of life.
In his book, he shares his childhood memories in Rennes during World War II, from 1940 to 1945, while drawing a parallel with the covid-19 pandemic.
“I was 4 years old in 1940, I lived 20 meters from the German headquarters. A period that left its mark on my mind but also allowed me to meet my first Senegalese people,” explains the author, who peppers his speech with a nice touch of humor. After starting his career as an electrician-plumber, having worked as a business manager and going through two divorces, Charles Boucaud seized the opportunity to join a company in Senegal.
Eighteen years in Senegal
“I left for Dakar in 1977 to take up a position as a construction manager. I spent eighteen years in Senegal, where I met my wife, whom I have been married to for thirty years, before returning to France in 1994,” he adds. But the ties with Africa remain strong and the couple created an association to help the inhabitants of the village of Keur Kara Mokho, where his wife spent her adolescence.
“It is a small village of 220 inhabitants, it has neither school nor health center. We decided to help them in order to equip them with agricultural equipment so that they can sell their products and equip the village with a school, health center, electricity and drinking water,” he concludes.
Practical
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