A Place Where I Learned to Speak Up
Scroll to read the story ↓Eugène Bakaly, 16, lives in the Faraba neighbourhood of Kolda. He takes part in youth activities ranging from discussions on mental health and public speaking to community mobilisation, and is also an ambassador for SENJEUNES TV. For Eugène, having a place where young people can meet, learn and speak openly has changed the way he sees his own role in the community.
A place where I can express myself
An important place for me is the RESOPOPDEV office in Kolda. I go there for meetings, training sessions, awareness-raising activities and discussions with other young people. We also prepare activities together and talk about issues that matter to us, including mental health and youth participation.
I like returning because it is a place where I can interact with other young people, learn new things and share my ideas. I feel comfortable expressing myself there, but I have also learned to listen to others.
One experience that has stayed with me was a camp where we took part in activities and discussions about citizenship and living together. I really enjoyed the time spent with other young people and everything we learned together. It helped me understand the importance of listening, respect and solidarity.
Through the training sessions and discussions I have taken part in, I have learned to communicate better, speak in public, listen more carefully to others and take on more responsibility in my community. Activities on mental health have also helped me understand how important adolescents’ well-being is.
“For some adults, it is mainly a place for meetings and work. For us young people, it is also a space where we can express ourselves, interact, learn and be heard.”
A garden that could offer young people more
The public garden in Kolda is a place where young people go to meet, talk and spend time together. But poor maintenance, a lack of facilities and too few spaces suitable for activities mean that it is not always welcoming for adolescents.
Some young people avoid going there or do not stay for long. Yet having places where we can meet, interact and feel comfortable is important for our well-being and mental health.
I would like the garden to be better maintained, with more benches, better lighting, clean and safe spaces, and facilities adapted to young people. I would also like to see sports, cultural and awareness-raising activities organised there.
“This would give young people a place where they can meet, relax and express themselves freely.”
I wish adults and decision-makers knew that…
“Young people have ideas, challenges and things to say. We need to be listened to more and involved in decisions that affect us.”
Adults do not always understand that adolescents also need to be listened to, understood and supported. Young people may face difficulties that they find hard to express, particularly when it comes to mental health. We need safe spaces where we can speak freely without being judged.
Our mental health, well-being and the spaces where we live must be taken seriously.