An emblematic figure of tourism in the Kédougou region, Alpha Diallo embodies hope for many young people. His journey is punctuated by projects aimed at improving the living conditions of local populations, particularly young girls and boys excluded from the education system.
At first glance, nothing distinguishes him from the other members of the “Tako Mayo” camp of which he is the founder. Alpha Diallo is disconcertingly simple. When we got out of the vehicle, he warmly shook hands with each of us while offering his apologies. “My phone battery died and I imagine you tried to contact me to no avail. I’m really sorry,” he says. The welcome from its employees is just as warm. They all wear red t-shirts flocked with three boxes with the inscription “Guide Tako Mayo”.
A professional guide with around thirty years of experience, Alpha Diallo is trying to make his mark in tourism. With a certain success even if, he specifies, there is no shortage of difficulties.
The first guide of Dindéfélo stands out for his actions in favor of his community with the help of his partner, Susana’s family. His journey is punctuated by projects aimed at improving the living conditions of local populations. In partnership with the “Bassari” association, he created a sewing training center to help young girls excluded from public schools. The results speak for themselves. 128 girls are already trained in the professions of sewing, embroidery and market gardening. Seventeen are in training, 28 on hold. Many knock on the door of the workshop, its training center set up at the “Tako Mayo” camp. “The success of the first learners inspired other girls and their parents. All the girls who have dropped out of school want to follow training at the center,” says Idrissa Camara, trainer at the workshop.
Despite its limited means, Alpha Diallo wants to do more. The man has a particular philosophy of life: for him, wealth is in sharing. “Fortune is not measured by the numbers in my bank account but by the achievements made for the benefit of my community,” he says. Alpha Diallo always wears his heart on his sleeve, putting his skills and energy at the service of his fellow citizens. A way for him to thank all the people who helped him become who he is. “I lost my father at the age of 15 and a lot of people helped me and supported me. I have to return the favor to my younger brothers and sisters,” recalls Alpha Diallo.
Aware that not all the children in his community will have the same luck as him, he tries to give a saving helping hand. With his association, he built schools and dug wells to alleviate the work of women and young girls, particularly fetching water. “If women have time, they can engage in income-generating activities such as market gardening or small business,” says Alpha Diallo.
If the girls do not succeed at school, he takes them back to train them in sewing and embroidery, setting two conditions: no marriage before the age of 19 and the obligation to complete the training which lasts 12 months. Once registered, learners receive free room and board for the duration of the training. “Boarding helps fight against dropouts. The residents or their parents will not be able to cite difficulties in stopping the training,” he explains. A good strategy. So far, no abandonment.
A selfless journey
Established in Afia 1 or Thiabacaré since 2014, the village chief did not expect so many benefits from the creation of the camp. “The establishment of the camp in Afia 1 is a blessing for the entire village. Thanks to Alpha Diallo, our living conditions have considerably improved. We no longer go to Dindéfélo or Kédougou for treatment,” says Amadou Oury Bâ. “I lived outside the village for 25 years, including around ten years in Dakar, doing many jobs (newspaper seller, delivery man, car washer. But this is the first time I have seen a man like Alpha Diallo. He invests without counting and helps the populations a lot,” adds Hawka Touré, in his forties living in Thiabacaré.
Married to a wife and father of three children, Alpha Diallo is a generous soul. From his activity, he does everything to ensure that the benefits benefit his entire community. He extended the training to boys who had dropped out of school or who wanted to benefit from vocational training. Forty-five boys are already trained in plumbing, metal welding, electricity and car driving. “If young people have a professional qualification, they will not be tempted by irregular emigration,” explains Alpha Diallo. To give more scope to professional training in these professions, he is in the process of building a training school in Dindéfélo, the capital of the commune.
By creating the “Tako Mayo” Camp, the man made his dream of developing an economic activity that benefits local populations come true. His camp is much more than just a place to stay. The place is authentic and warm, it allows the visitor to recharge their batteries in the heart of nature while contributing to the development of the region. “I could do like my fellow guides who married white women and are currently living in Europe. But after stays in France and Spain, I understood that this was not my path,” he says.
Looking back, Alpha Diallo can be proud of his journey. It employs nine people and speaks as many languages including French, Spanish and English. “Alpha Diallo is what you would call a self-made man. With just one year in formal school, he made it on his own. With an inordinate passion for tourism since his early childhood, Alpha embodies what we call success in Senegal,” says Carim Camara. He is effusive when he talks about his friend. “It is impossible to list without error its numerous benefits for local communities. It trains hundreds of girls who left school prematurely, builds health centers and organizes free consultation days. He has restored sight to dozens of people suffering from cataracts, trained around fifty young people in the professions of the future… Better still, his car transports sick people when necessary. Alpha employs several young people from the villages. »
The mayor of Dindéfélo is also full of praise for the founder of the “Tako Mayo” camp. “Alpha Diallo is an inspiring example of what an individual’s commitment can be to improve the daily life of their community,” says Kikala Diallo. A great recognition.
By Mamadou GUEYE
