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A Quick Trip to Senegal

Throughout the year, students in Mary-Catherine Irving's prefirst class have been traveling around the globe to explore other countries and cultures— all without stepping foot outside the classroom. The adventures are made possible by other McDonogh faculty and staff members who share their experiences of visiting or living in other countries. 

Upper School French teacher Matou Diallo and US History teacher John Wood visited with the class on Monday, January 31 to take the students on a quick trip to Senegal in West Africa. Students buckled into their imaginary plane to hop across the Atlantic and be guided through the country by Diallo who was born and raised in Thiès, the third-largest city in Senegal. While Wood shared artwork, toys, and instruments he picked up during visits to Senegal and Mali 25 years ago, Diallo helped provide further context about how they were made and their meaning to the people of his homeland. Wood showed students several small drums made from cans that were crafted by children. Diallo said, “When I saw these drums it took me back to my childhood.” He explained that children in his country made these drums as practice for making larger djembe drums. He explained that In his youth, he also crafted small toys from cans, similar to the cars and planes that Wood had brought to share with the children. The class eagerly peppered Diallo with questions about his home country, from the types of food they enjoyed to the holidays they celebrated. Diallo also taught the class a few phrases in Wolof, which is widely spoken in Senegal, and showed students the proper way to play the djembe.