Senegal is a country well known for their legendary Griots – young men who have passed down the generational West African tradition of storytelling. Early this May, the Griots living in the rural town of Kébémer, Senegal, will have a new story to pass down for many generations to come: the arrival of two 40-foot shipping containers completing Phase 2 of the Gorgui Dieng Project: Senegal.
A year ago, MATTER traveled with Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng to his hometown of Kébémer. There, he shared his dream of expanding access to health and opportunity to the people in his home country. Upon returning from his trip, The Gorgui Dieng Project: Senegal was born. In just three short weeks, MATTER, along with our dedicated medical supply donation partners, filled a shipping container with essential medical supplies and nutrient-filled Feed My Starving Children meals, to complete phase 1 of the project.
Over the next year, MATTER’s Hospital and Clinic Team skillfully procured specific medical and agricultural equipment needed for Phase 2. Through the collaboration of many medical partners, MATTER was able to source essential life-saving medical items ranging from X-ray machines to anesthesia equipment, that will outfit Gorgui’s childhood hospital. The team also worked to source agricultural tools and equipment including rototillers, watering sprayers and even a 10-foot tractor for a farming project that will create jobs just outside of Kébémer.
Last week, two empty 40-foot containers arrived at the MATTER warehouse. Today, excitement filled the warehouse as the last of the 60,000 pounds of equipment was loaded and the container doors sealed. The containers for Phase 2 of the Gorgui Dieng Project: Senegal departed the MATTER warehouse to embark on the next leg of their journey, expanding access to health and opportunity to the NBA star’s hometown of Kébémer, Senegal.
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