The m/v Africa Mercy is currently stationed in Dakar, Senegal. The primary people groups in Senegal are the Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Maninka and Jola. Wolof is the largest with population of over 6 million people. Wolof is also the primary language spoken here. In country briefings on the ship, crew are learning more about the culture, religion, relationships, languages. The primary religion is Islam, Some unique aspects of Islam here involves brotherhoods and the marabout (spiritual leader) - importance of peace, high mosque attendance, and Touba - a holy city. The percent of the population who are evangelical Christians is less than 1%. There are many living, studying, and working here from other countries in West Africa, so in the churches often it is people from elsewhere not from Senegal attending. There is a great emphasis on peace and you see that from their greetings "How are you?" - "Jaam nga am" - which means "Have you peace?" and your response is "Jaam rek, Yow nag" which means "Peace only and you?"
During the Africa Mercy’s 10-month stay in the port of Dakar, Republic of Senegal, Mercy Ships plans to provide 1,200 to 1,700 life-changing surgeries (maxillofacial, burns reconstructive, pediatric orthopedics, women's health, general which emphasis on children, and ophthalmic) onboard, to treat over 4,000 at a land-based dental clinic as well as providing healthcare training to 1,000 to 1,500 local health care professionals through mentoring and courses, both in Dakar and in each of the regions. The ship is partnering with the Ministry of Health and Social Action to reach those from the interior who need the surgical services the ship has planned and can offer. The first time a Mercy Ship came to Senegal was in 1993/1994 with the m/v Anastasis.
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