FOR ONE MORE SPEED: This is the name that we wanted to give the fundraiser promoted by the Congregation, by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Nonprofit in Italy, and by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation in the United States to raise funds to purchase a school bus for our Koungheul schools in Senegal. And we did it through this slogan: “Every little offering is useful to realize the dream of purchasing a safe means of transportation to give these children ONE MORE SPEED.”
About two years ago, when we received the request from our Senegalese Sisters, it truly seemed like an impossible mission. We wanted to believe with everyone in Providence and in the generosity of the many people who support our service for the poorest people.
We were able to make this dream a reality through a series of small and large donations that arrived through initiatives sponsored by associations or groups, personal and family events in which people decided to forego a gift and instead make donations to this project.
We were involved in an adventure whose fruits Sr. Jacqueline Flavienne Sané, director of St. Anthony of Padua School, testifies to in her letter of thanks:
An immense THANK YOU for a precious gift: the school bus is a reality thanks to you!
It is with great emotion, immense joy, and infinite gratitude that the entire community of the St. Anthony of Padua School of Koungheul sends its sincerest thanks to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and to all the benefactors who generously contributed to the purchase of a school bus for our school.
Prior to this wonderful purchase, our students traveled great distances every day under the scorching sun, with temperatures at times reaching 113 degrees. Many arrived at school exhausted, dehydrated, and sometimes late. Worse yet, some had to travel dangerous roads, being exposed each day to the risk of road accidents.
This situation worried not only the teaching staff but above all the parents, who were constantly concerned for their children’s safety. The lack of school transportation represented a significant obstacle to regular school attendance for many families, especially for those who live in the outskirts of Koungheul.
Today, thanks to your generosity, this reality belongs to the past. The arrival of this school bus marks a decisive change in our educational mission and is much more than a simple means of transportation: it is a blessing, a change in the lives of our students and their families. You have responded, spurred by a strong sense of generosity. This bus has become a powerful symbol of hope, solidarity, and brotherhood. It reminds us that, even from a distance of many miles, generous hearts can change lives.
Now the children get on a spacious bus, which is comfortable, air conditioned, and monitored by responsible adults. They arrive at school rested, safe, and ready to learn in the best conditions possible. It is an enormous relief for their parents: they are finally at ease, knowing that their children are safe.
This bus is much more than a means of transport: it is a bridge to the future, an act of compassion that restores hope, dignity, and motivation to an entire generation.
The smiles of the students, their laughter, and their amazement during their first trip on the bus will remain imprinted on our memories as a tangible sign of a profound act of solidarity.
To you, dear Sisters and benefactors, we say thank you. Thank you for believing in the importance of education. Thank you for being by our side. Thank you for casting seeds for a better future with faith and love.
May the Lord bless you and fill you with his grace.
Jacqueline Flavienne, SFP
Director of St. Anthony of Padua School, Koungheul
