The objectives of KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE serve as the structural pillars upon which our association was built and continues to grow. Since our founding in 2005 in Fort-de-France, our goals have always been clear and deeply tied to our values: cultural preservation, social integration, mutual aid, education, and empowerment.
Our objectives are not theoretical. They are concrete, practical, and designed to meet the evolving needs of our members and the broader community. We aim to inspire, to include, and to act. Below, we explore each of our major objectives in depth, illustrating both their importance and the ways we pursue them.
1. Strengthen the Connection Between Senegalese and Martinican Communities
One of our primary objectives is to foster deeper and lasting ties between the Senegalese diaspora in Martinique and the local Martinican population. This means going beyond coexistence toward genuine cooperation, appreciation, and mutual growth.
We believe that communities are strongest when they are open, respectful, and actively interested in each other’s heritage. Our cultural festivals, neighborhood events, and artistic collaborations aim to break down barriers, encourage conversations, and form friendships that cross borders of nationality, language, and background.
By nurturing this relationship, we promote unity in diversity and demonstrate how shared space can lead to shared purpose.
2. Promote and Preserve Senegalese Culture
Another fundamental objective is the promotion of Senegalese heritage in Martinique. We consider culture not just a set of practices, but a living identity that deserves visibility and respect. Too often, minority cultures risk being forgotten or ignored in new settings. Our work ensures that this does not happen to the Senegalese community in Martinique.
We organize events, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight:
- Senegalese music and instruments (such as sabar and kora)
- Traditional and contemporary dance forms
- Culinary arts and communal cooking traditions
- Textile, fashion, and artisan craftwork
- Oral storytelling and proverbs
- Religious and spiritual traditions, including Islam, Sufism, and indigenous customs
Through these activities, we ensure that Senegalese culture remains alive, respected, and influential—while also inviting others to discover and learn from it.
3. Support Integration and Social Inclusion
We also recognize that while preserving culture is essential, integrating into the host society is equally important for well-being and personal success. That is why KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE actively supports the integration of Senegalese nationals into Martinican life.
We provide assistance and orientation for individuals and families in areas such as:
- Understanding local laws and administrative processes
- Accessing healthcare, education, and employment services
- Developing language skills in both French and Creole
- Navigating local customs and expectations
- Building social networks and professional opportunities
We aim to make sure every member of our community feels empowered and equipped to live with dignity and success in Martinique.
4. Encourage Intergenerational Dialogue
Our association places great value on connecting generations. We understand that youth and elders both carry knowledge, but in different forms. One of our objectives is to create structured opportunities for intergenerational learning and communication.
Older members of our community possess memories, stories, rituals, and values that are essential to our identity. The younger generation brings energy, curiosity, and adaptability. We foster exchanges between them through storytelling circles, mentorship programs, heritage workshops, and co-led projects.
By doing so, we ensure that cultural knowledge is not lost and that every generation feels valued and responsible for our collective legacy.
5. Act in Solidarity with Vulnerable Individuals
Another core objective is to provide aid and solidarity to individuals in difficulty, whether due to poverty, administrative complications, discrimination, or social isolation. Life in a new country can be challenging, and we believe no one should face those challenges alone.
We organize community support initiatives such as:
- Food and clothing distribution for families in need
- Solidarity funds for medical expenses or emergencies
- Housing assistance and advocacy
- Emotional and psychological support through peer groups
- Holiday meals and gift distributions for children and isolated seniors
We rely on the strength of collective action to respond to hardship. Our solidarity is not conditional—it is rooted in human dignity.
6. Encourage Artistic and Cultural Expression
Art is a universal language that transcends borders and fosters connection. One of our objectives is to provide platforms for artistic expression by members of our community, especially those who may not have traditional opportunities to showcase their work.
This includes supporting:
- Young musicians and dancers
- Emerging writers and poets
- Painters, sculptors, and textile artists
- Filmmakers and digital creators
- Cultural researchers and scholars
We believe that creativity is a form of liberation, and we strive to amplify the voices and talents of those who have something to say.
7. Create Collaborative and Educational Opportunities
Education is a lifelong journey, and our association aims to contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional growth of its members. This includes both formal and informal educational offerings, such as:
- Language and literacy classes
- Workshops on entrepreneurship and small business management
- Courses on financial literacy, budgeting, and savings
- Civic education and rights awareness sessions
- Skill-sharing days where members teach each other practical knowledge (sewing, cooking, digital skills, etc.)
We are especially interested in community-based education models that value peer-to-peer learning and cultural relevance.
8. Promote Gender Equality and Family Support
We believe that any effort to build a better community must include an active commitment to gender equality. Our association supports women and families in a variety of ways:
- Empowerment workshops and leadership training for women
- Parenting support and educational tools for families
- Discussions on gender roles in both Senegalese and Martinican contexts
- Awareness campaigns on domestic violence and women’s rights
We aim to create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and every person is respected, regardless of gender.
9. Strengthen Community Ties Across the Diaspora
Though we are based in Martinique, we understand that the Senegalese diaspora is global. One of our objectives is to connect with other Senegalese communities around the world to exchange ideas, share strategies, and build transnational networks of support.
Whether through digital forums, joint projects, or international conferences, we hope to remain part of a wider movement that promotes dignity, culture, and unity for all.
10. Advocate for Visibility and Representation
Lastly, KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE seeks to ensure that the voices of Senegalese nationals and their descendants in Martinique are heard in public, institutional, and cultural spaces. Representation matters—not just for dignity but for justice.
We collaborate with local institutions, schools, and cultural centers to:
- Raise awareness about the Senegalese presence in Martinique
- Include African heritage in school curricula and public education
- Advocate for fair treatment and anti-discrimination policies
- Celebrate important historical dates and figures from Senegal
Our objective is not to ask for space—but to claim our rightful place in the story of Martinique and the Caribbean as a whole.