At the heart of West Africa, Senegal faces major socio-economic challenges, not least high unemployment among its young people. According to the World Bank, more than a quarter of young Senegalese face this worrying reality.
This situation is prompting many young people to consider migration as a way out. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 281 million people will be living in a country other than their country of birth in 2020, 128 million more than in 1990 and more than three times as many as in 1970. However, this migration, which is often irregular, exposes people to major risks. Faced with this problem, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and propose viable and safe solutions.
Highlighting the dangers of irregular migration
To address these issues, the ‘Nouvelles Perspectives’ project – officially entitled ‘NOUVELLES PERSPECTIVES: myths and realities, counter-discourses and shared narratives for a better understanding of the risks and alternatives to irregular migration – PERSPECTIVES’ – was launched. It aims to shed light on the alternatives to irregular migration, highlighting the risks associated with this practice and presenting opportunities for living and working in local regions and the national territory. Irregular migration, often perceived as an escape route, exposes individuals to multiple dangers such as perilous travel conditions, health risks, legal vulnerability and social isolation.
This project is the result of collaboration between five associations: Cospe, Village Pilote, G2 Sénégal, Carta di Roma and the European Federation of Journalists. From February 2021 to May 2023, they worked to raise awareness among the younger generation in Senegal of the dangers of irregular migration, the stigma of return and possible alternatives.
A project with impact: 23 activities, more than 4,000 people made aware of the dangers and existing alternatives
Through 23 activities organised between 2021 and 2023, more than 4,000 people have been reached by this programme. These activities included discussions, debates, meetings with professionals and cultural events. 3 festivals were organised in Kaolack, Dakar and Ziguinchor to reach 2,400 young people, talk sessions in schools and universities to reach 600 students, and discussion forums with community networks and influential people to reach 1,400 people.
This mobilisation therefore reached a broad spectrum of society: young and old, families, journalists, local representatives, civil associations and part of the African diaspora.
Changing attitudes, the long-term objective
The project had specific short- and long-term objectives, all focused on raising awareness and changing perceptions. In the short term, the aim was to improve the quality of information on migration in Senegal, reduce the stigmatisation of return migrants and stimulate public debate based on verifiable data.
The long-term aim of this work is to change the perception of migration among young people, families, local communities, students, journalists, the media and decision-makers. The five associations hope to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of migration and encourage safer solutions for young Senegalese.
However, it is essential to take account of the reality on the ground and to continue to consult in-depth studies to assess the long-term impact of this project. This awareness-raising work is extremely important, given the challenges associated with migration in West Africa.