For several years, The Ivory Foundation has been supporting the association Village Pilote in developing agricultural activities with a strong social and educational impact at its center located near Lac Rose, Senegal.
This partnership is driven by a shared objective: to provide vulnerable youth — particularly children and adolescents living on the streets — with concrete opportunities for social and professional reintegration through productive and skill-building activities.
The installation of a greenhouse has been a key component of this collaboration. It has helped structure a regular agricultural activity adapted to local constraints, especially regarding water access and climatic conditions. Today, the greenhouse serves not only as a production space but also as a valuable educational tool.
Over time, activities have diversified and become more professionalized. The market gardening production contributes to supplying the center’s kitchen, improving the nutritional quality of meals served to the young residents. At the same time, a specific focus has been placed on seed production, with the aim of increasing autonomy, mastering crop cycles, and promoting locally adapted practices.
Under the guidance of technical supervisors, the youth are involved in all stages of the process: sowing, crop maintenance, harvesting, seed selection, and storage. This hands-on involvement enables them to develop practical skills that can support future employment opportunities.
Beyond technical learning, the project contributes to a broader process of personal development and social reintegration. Working the land, maintaining regular routines, collaborating as a team, and seeing the value of their work all help rebuild confidence and provide a sense of purpose.
With the support of The Ivory Foundation, the project has evolved into a structured and professional initiative at the intersection of agriculture, education, and social inclusion. It highlights the potential of agroecology as a powerful lever for sustainable development and support for vulnerable populations.
