My Vacation Time

Pierre Faye - Posted on January 30, 2009

Vacation time is the long-awaited moment for many school boys and girls be able to travel and stay with extended family members. Children long to go in places like Dakar, the capital of Senegal, to discover what life is like in a big city. In this story, Cecile tells about her activities and the best things she remembered during her vacation time. Vacation time is exciting and fun for the children.

“My name is Cecile. I am 7 years old and I am in second grade. My father, Damien, is a teacher and my mom a housekeeper. I live in Tattaguine. I am going to tell you about my vacation time in Rufisque, [a costal town south of Dakar].”

Let me tell you about the three months I spent on vacation. I went to Rufisque right after we finished our last class evaluation in July.

I was sent there by my parents to stay with close family. I liked my stay in Rufisque because I found there other children. They were four [kids], so I was not alone.

When I woke up in the morning, after taking breakfast, I went to a vacation class. I came back home at noon. Then, we had lunch around 1 p.m. We would sit around a big bowl and we eat a delicious meal prepared by my aunt.

After we finished eating, I washed the dishes and swept the place where we sat eating.

In the afternoon, I went to the beach. I loved so much the courses and the beach. I went many times to the beach in the afternoons, accompanied by the children of my block.

We played many games in the seaside. But, I was afraid to go in the sea. I am afraid because I cannot swim. I am always frightened by the waves. They are so big.

I stayed three months. And then I came back with nice clothes my family had bought for me. I will put these nice outfits on for the school’s opening day.

I went to school on the day I came [home], with my father to pay for the registration fees and I saw my teacher. His name is Mr. Faye.

My father had bought for me school supplies. I am happy to get all I need.

My father said I have a chance because he works and he has a salary.

I can’t wait to be back in I school. I am ready to go to school and play with my friends.

Anytime the bell rings for break, we run to the school’s yard to play “sol gourde” [fill the bottle in English].

[In this game] you must fill a bottle with sand while other children throw things on you to prevent you from doing it. If you succeed to fill the bottle by avoiding being touched by the things thrown on you, you win.

I will never forget my time in Rufisque. Therefore I will work hard in class so that my parents willingly give me the same opportunity to go on vacation away from Tattaguine.”

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