Ndokkale! Expansion, Celebration in Dakar

Members of the International School of Dakar’s middle and high school choirs fan up and out across the new building, ready for a rousing rendition of Bob Marley’s “one Love” (photo: S. Monahan/ISD).

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The International School of Dakar (ISD), Senegal recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of its new, purpose-built middle and high school building. ISD’S CORE values were on full display—literally and figuratively: 20-foot high banners spelling out Creativity, Open-mindedness, Responsibility, and Excellence (CORE) were unfurled above the new outdoor amphitheater. The school’s middle and high school choirs performed beautifully, a poem written for the occasion was recited, and all who helped make it happen, from the maintenance staff to ISD’s former director, were brought on stage for a standing ovation.

The grand finale saw hundreds of students, clad in ISD colors (black and gold), head onto the stage and run up into the balconies to sing Bob Marley’s “One Love” for the audience assembled below.

ISD’s new 33-room addition includes state-of-the-art science and computer labs, bright classrooms, and spacious art and music rooms. The top two floors have far-reaching views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the new building, ISD’s facilities include 15 Elementary classrooms, a library, multipurpose gymnasium/auditorium, a soccer field, and two playgrounds.

Also new this school year, the ISD campus is enjoying its own swimming pool, tennis courts, additional basketball courts, a weight room, and an improved food service area. ISD serves as a real community center for our families, with a wide variety of activities offered after school and on the weekends including use of the pool, courts, and playgrounds.

The growth of the ISD community over the last few years has been phenomenal. In 2007, there were 270 students. This year, we are at 425, a 57 percent increase. And with the completion of the new middle and high school building, the school has room to grow yet another 30 to 40 percent.

Our expansion has mirrored the development of Dakar, Senegal’s capital and largest city. With students from over 50 countries, ISD’s student body truly reflects the diverse expatriate community associated with the governments, international institutions, and private businesses that have moved to Dakar over the last decade.

It is an exciting time for ISD, and our CORE values, combined with our most recent facilities expansion, are the keys to an even brighter future.

Ms. Stinson is Admissions Coordinator and Public Relations Officer at the International School of Dakar.

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Comments

10/10/2016 - F.S. Thioune
How wonderful and congratulations. I came to Senegal years ago and visited your campus.
Best Regards,
F.S. Thioune

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03/07/2013 - Gerard Heerebout
My congratulations for the school community. Great effort, great reward. I was teaching there in 2008.
All the best to you,
Gerard Heerebout

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