At KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE, our mission is clear, purposeful, and deeply rooted in the values of solidarity, culture, and human dignity. Since our foundation in 2005 in Fort-de-France, Martinique, we have worked tirelessly to build and nurture strong bonds between Senegalese nationals, Martinican residents, and people of all backgrounds living on the island. Our mission is to serve as a cultural and social bridge that fosters understanding, unity, and mutual support among diverse communities.
In a world increasingly marked by social fragmentation, migration, and cultural misunderstanding, we believe that meaningful connections among individuals from different backgrounds are not only possible but necessary. Our mission guides us in designing programs, creating spaces, and building networks that celebrate cultural heritage, encourage social cooperation, and provide support to those in need.
A Bridge Between Cultures
At the heart of our mission lies the desire to bring people together through the power of shared culture and social interaction. Martinique is a rich mosaic of identities, languages, and histories. Senegalese nationals living in Martinique bring with them deep-rooted traditions, music, values, and stories that deserve to be recognized, respected, and shared.
Yet, integration is not always easy. For many migrants, the journey of adapting to a new land while preserving their cultural identity can be complex and filled with challenges. At the same time, for locals, the presence of new cultures can be an opportunity for learning and enrichment—but only if channels for interaction are created.
That is precisely what KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE strives to do: provide these channels. We believe that by facilitating meaningful cultural exchanges—through music, food, language, art, and storytelling—we create opportunities for real human connection. Our mission is to be a welcoming space where cultural diversity is not just tolerated but actively celebrated.
Promoting Social Solidarity
Beyond cultural engagement, our mission also includes a firm commitment to social solidarity. This includes helping individuals and families navigate their lives in Martinique, especially when facing social, economic, or administrative difficulties.
We work with local partners to offer guidance in areas such as:
- Housing and legal rights
- Language acquisition
- Employment assistance
- Education and school integration
- Family support and intergenerational dialogue
- Community engagement
Our volunteers and members know firsthand the difficulties that can arise when trying to integrate into a new society—whether it is learning the customs, finding a job, or simply feeling seen and respected. That’s why our association works every day to help people overcome these obstacles, find stability, and feel part of something greater than themselves.
We do not offer charity—we offer community. A place where people help one another, lift one another up, and share responsibility for building a more cohesive society.
Building a Sense of Belonging
One of the most difficult challenges for migrants and newcomers is the loss of belonging. Moving to a new land often means leaving behind family, customs, language, and the comfort of home. The absence of a support network can lead to isolation, and sometimes even to discrimination or misunderstanding.
KEUR THIOSSANE L ORIGINE’s mission is to counteract these risks by providing a place of belonging—both symbolically and practically. Through regular gatherings, cultural events, and support initiatives, we create opportunities for members to feel at home, even when they are far from their country of origin.
Belonging is not just about being accepted; it is about being heard, seen, valued, and included. It is about sharing laughter, food, dance, stories, and tears. Our mission ensures that these moments of shared humanity are not only possible but constant.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A significant part of our mission also involves passing cultural knowledge and values down to younger generations. Many children born in Martinique to Senegalese parents grow up between two cultures, and it is essential to help them navigate and appreciate both.
We organize educational programs and intergenerational activities to ensure that youth have access to the stories, language, values, and customs of their heritage. At the same time, we encourage them to express themselves fully in their Martinican environment and contribute meaningfully to their society.
Our mission is not to look backward with nostalgia, but to look forward with purpose. We believe that youth are not only the future—they are the present. By involving them actively in our events, leadership, and community decisions, we ensure that our mission continues to evolve and remain relevant.
Encouraging Dialogue and Cooperation
One of our most important responsibilities is to create conditions for open dialogue—both within our community and with others. Misunderstanding and prejudice often come from lack of contact. That is why our mission includes building partnerships, initiating public conversations, and creating welcoming spaces where people from all walks of life can meet and learn from each other.
Whether it’s through a public concert, a cooking workshop, a language exchange, or a conference, we strive to open doors between communities. In every initiative we take, we seek to show that diversity is not a problem to be solved, but a strength to be embraced.
Our Mission in Action
Here are a few concrete ways in which our mission comes to life:
- Hosting Senegalese cultural evenings where local residents can discover traditional music, dishes, and history.
- Offering support services for new arrivals from Senegal, including translation assistance and job search help.
- Collaborating with Martinican organizations to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
- Running language workshops for Wolof, Creole, and French to strengthen communication and preserve heritage.
- Organizing storytelling and oral tradition nights where elders share ancestral knowledge with youth.
- Promoting solidarity events for members in difficulty, from shared meals to collective fundraising efforts.
Each action, big or small, reflects the mission we uphold—to unify, to uplift, and to connect.
Our Ongoing Commitment
We know that the work of building solidarity and promoting cultural respect is never finished. Our mission is not a statement—it is a living practice that guides our daily decisions, fuels our creativity, and strengthens our community. It reminds us that no one should feel invisible or alone, and that cultural difference is a gift, not a threat.
As we look toward the future, we will continue to revisit and expand our mission in response to the needs of our members and the challenges of the world around us. But the essence will remain the same: a deep belief in the power of community, culture, and solidarity.
We invite you to join us in this mission—whether you are Senegalese, Martinican, or simply someone who believes in human connection. Together, we can build a more united, respectful, and inclusive society.