About Us

About Us

Our Founders

The “La Pirogue” organisation was born of mutual respect, cooperation, and collective compassion. Pierre, Cyrielle and Koume, our three founders, although from diverse backgrounds, share a passion for social justice and the improvement of living conditions of the talibé children. These are their stories and their motivations that led them to dedicate their lives to this mission.

Pierre BUISSERET

FOUNDER

Pierre, 39, restauranteur in his native Belgium, decided to make a significant change in his life after having spent 15 years as head-chef and restaurant owner.
A year ago, he chose to dedicate himself to humanitarian work and arrived in Saint-Louis, Senegal, to join the AFE association (Action Femme Enfant).

After a few months in this remarkable city, he was deeply touched by the young talibé children he encountered every day on the streets. As a result of this experience, he joined forces with Cyrielle and Koume and founded “La Pirogue”.

Pierre BUISSERET

FOUNDER

Pierre, 39, restauranteur in his native Belgium, decided to make a significant change in his life after having spent 15 years as head-chef and restaurant owner.
A year ago, he chose to dedicate himself to humanitarian work and arrived in Saint-Louis, Senegal, to join the AFE association (Action Femme Enfant).

After a few months in this remarkable city, he was deeply touched by the young talibé children he encountered every day on the streets. As a result of this experience, he joined forces with Cyrielle and Koume and founded “La Pirogue”.

Cyrielle ANTOINE

CO-FOUNDER

Cyrielle, 30, originally a teacher in Belgium, has 10 years’ experience working with children with special educational needs in primary education. She has worked with children who are visually impaired/blind or deaf/hard of hearing, as well as children with multiple disabilities.

Having long held an interest in Senegal, and particularly in the plight of the talibé children, she decided to visit Pierre in Saint-Louis, Senegal. Once there, she was deeply moved by the children's daily experience. She felt that she wanted to do what she could to support them and has been working towards this ever since!

Cyrielle ANTOINE

CO-FOUNDER

Cyrielle, 30, originally a teacher in Belgium, has 10 years’ experience working with children with special educational needs in primary education. She has worked with children who are visually impaired/blind or deaf/hard of hearing, as well as children with multiple disabilities.

Having long held an interest in Senegal, and particularly in the plight of the talibé children, she decided to visit Pierre in Saint-Louis, Senegal. Once there, she was deeply moved by the children's daily experience. She felt that she wanted to do what she could to support them and has been working towards this ever since!

Koume AMADOU

CO-FOUNDER

Born in Saint-Louis, Senegal, he lives in Pikine.

A qualified youth worker, he spent several years working for the well-being of children at AEMO (Action Éducative en Milieu Ouvert) in Saint-Louis. This experience allowed him to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge in caring for children in general, and more specifically those in conflict with the law and/or at risk.

Koume AMADOU

CO-FOUNDER

Born in Saint-Louis, Senegal, he lives in Pikine.

A qualified youth worker, he spent several years working for the well-being of children at AEMO (Action Éducative en Milieu Ouvert) in Saint-Louis. This experience allowed him to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge in caring for children in general, and more specifically those in conflict with the law and/or at risk.

Our Story

The La Pirogue association was born from a poignant encounter and an urgent need to take action. It's a story of an awakening to the tragic situation of the talibé children, a story of compassion and solidarity that has transformed into an ongoing mission to provide them with a better future.

2022

OUR BEGINNING

It all began in 2022 when our founder, whilst volunteering in Senegal, was deeply moved by the living conditions of the talibé children. Seeing such young children, barefoot, begging in the streets of Saint-Louis, sparked a reflection: why do we simply accept that so many children are deprived of their childhood and their dignity?

2023

LAUNCHING LA PIROGUE

After several months of planning, La Pirogue’s doors were officially opened in 2023. We began with very modest initiatives such as providing meals and clothing to talibé children in the most affected areas of Saint-Louis. This marked the beginning of our long-term commitment to improving the lives of these vulnerable children.

2024

LA PIROGUE TODAY

Today, La Pirogue continues to grow and to support talibé children through various initiatives. We offer healthcare services, food, education, and psychological support to help these children overcome the trauma they have experienced. Our efforts are now supported by a team of dedicated volunteers and committed donors worldwide.

LA PIROGUE TOMORROW

As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our vision: we want a Senegal where every child can grow up safe, with dignity, and with access to education and healthcare. We are committed to continuing to raise awareness, taking action, and transforming the lives of the talibé children, until this harmful practice is eradicated.
We hope to open new centres, strengthen our educational programs, and reach even more children.

We need your support

Make a difference. Support the talibé children

How can I get involved?

Donate

Contributions go towards meals, healthcare and an education for the talibé children.

Sponsor A Child Now

Avec 30 € par mois, vous pouvez parrainer un enfant talibé et lui garantir des repas, des soins et une éducation tout au long de l’année

Volunteer

Experience our work firsthand and make a difference to the lives of the talibé children.