Young Life began in Senegal in 2009. Because of external pressure and tension within the country, ministry in Senegal has not been easy. Despite the challenges, in 2023, Young Life leaders knew 17,485 kids by name, and on average about 6,600 kids attend club and 7,000 at Campaigners.
The Republic of Senegal, which lies in French-speaking West Africa, has an estimated population of 16.7 million people. Forty-five percent of the population is under the age of 18. Islam, which was initially introduced to Senegal in the 8th and 9th centuries, is practiced by approximately 95% of this population. The Christian community, at less than 4% of the population, includes Roman Catholics and diverse Protestant denominations. In Senegal, very few people have heard the hope of Jesus.
Young Life began in Senegal in 2009. It has been challenging for followers of Jesus to make inroads in Senegal, but Young Life now has a firm foundation and is growing rapidly. Young Life has been asked to leave a number of locations where they were, but because of staff's determination, the mission has gained favor within these communities over time. Leaders are not just building relationships with kids, but also people in their communities in order to gain trust. Antoine, a key leader, continues to build his team and now there are 76 ministries, where 453 volunteer leaders know over 17,000 kids by name!
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Growth (2023) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kids Known by Name |
|
6,658 | 19,570 | 17,485 | -10% | ||
Avg. Kids at Clubs | 3,303 |
|
2,482 | 4,820 | 6,678 | 38% | |
Avg. Kids in Campaigners | 2,181 |
|
3,246 | 5,067 | 7,747 | 52% | |
Number of Ministries | 65 |
|
76 | 76 | 76 | 0% | |
National Staff | 4 |
|
6 | 6 | 7 | 17% | |
DGL | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | |||
Kids & Leaders to Camp | 2,030 | 499 | 0 | 1,811 | 654 | -63% |
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