Edouard Mendy becomes patron of Senegal school that inspired a project providing free education, digital learning and clean water to local communities | World News

In May 2025, Edouard Mendy was named patron of ADE School, a new role supporting education in Senegal. A 2015 visit to ADE School helped inspire the Yakar Project. Established in 2020, the organisation works to improve access to education, clean water and community support.According to the Yakar Project, its education work also includes Yakar School in Keur Massar, where children receive free education. In March 2025, the project launched a digital learning hub at the school using the PowerZ educational platform. The initiative gave students access to tablets and computers, allowing them to explore subjects such as mathematics and history through digital learning.

Yakar Project began with a 2015 visit to ADE School

The Yakar Project began with a 2015 visit to ADE School. The school is in Thiaroye, an underprivileged suburb on the outskirts of Dakar. The visit showed how education, football and community support could help improve children’s lives. Five years later, the project was established to turn this idea into action.Its name comes from the Wolof word ‘Yakar’, which means hope. The organisation aims to build a self-sustaining network of local people who can bring positive changes to their communities. Its work focuses on quality education, access to clean water, and community empowerment. It also aims to address immediate needs while helping people become more independent.

How did Mendy become associated with ADE School

In May 2025, Mendy was officially named patron of ADE School. Located in Thiaroye, the school became an important part of the story behind the Yakar Project. The organisation says the appointment deepens his commitment to Thiaroye.His involvement also reflects the project’s wider focus on education and opportunities for children. The initiative grew from the belief that education and community support can help young people build better futures.

Tablets and computers support learning at Yakar School

The Yakar Project also supports education through Yakar School in Keur Massar. The school provides free education and access to digital learning facilities. In March 2025, the project launched a digital learning hub using the PowerZ educational platform. Students received access to tablets and computers as part of the initiative.The platform allows them to explore subjects such as mathematics and history through educational games and digital activities. It also helps them develop digital skills alongside their regular studies. The project sees technology as a way to support teachers and make learning more engaging for children.

Clean water, football and local initiatives form Yakar Project’s wider work

Education is one of four main areas of work undertaken by the Yakar Project. The others are clean water, sport for development, and ChangeKeepers. The organisation is working to build sustainable water wells that provide drinking water to schools and villages across Senegal. Its sports programme uses football to encourage inclusion and provides equipment and funding for community pitches.Through ChangeKeepers, it offers grants and training to Senegalese social entrepreneurs who are developing local initiatives. The project also reports having built three wells and distributed 500 football jerseys. Its supporters include Nike, PowerZ, Pro: Direct Soccer, Afrikicks and Revibe. These programmes form part of its wider effort to strengthen communities and create opportunities across Senegal.