Filed under: News, Politics, Race and Civil Rights
When Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade (pictured above) pledged in January to help survivors of the Haitian earthquake that took more than 250,000 lives, you could practically feel much of the world roll its collective eyes.
It's true that Haiti and Senegal share a common link, since both had been colonized by the French. But more troubling was their shared poverty. Both nations are among the poorest in the world.
But Wade stuck to his promise. This week, 163 Haitian students landed in Dakar and were welcomed by dancers, singers and drummers to accept the offer of free housing and scholarships from the Senegalese.
More Haitian students from the devastated island nation are expected to arrive in Senegal shortly.
Wade has endured some criticism at home for his grand gesture. Some have argued against giving scholarships to the Haitian students when some young Senegalese struggle to find university slots or employment.
Wade also had to scale back his original offer of free tracts of land for the Haitian students to simply free housing.
I understand the feelings of resentment on the part of the Senegalese. But I trust they will be short lived.
Senegal has taught the world a lesson in how to share its meager reserves with people who are more unfortunate.
It leaves me with the sense that if Senegal can bring Haitian students to its shores, why aren't we hearing more about what affluent countries are doing to help?