A note from the PC/Senegal Country Director

Dear Peace Corps Senegal Family:

Perhaps sometimes I overuse the term family in referring to our relations and work together, but never have I felt so strongly that family is the right word to use for Peace Corps Senegal Volunteers, Trainees and Staff this week. We have all pulled together in the wake of the devastating news of the death of our friend and colleague Lamine N'Dongo. I was touched by the efforts of Volunteers from around the country to express their sympathy with Lamine's family. And I know that his family was touched deeply by the sentiments we expressed in the visits of two large delegations from our Peace Corps Senegal family Monday night and last night.

I want to thank everyone who was part of dealing with this terrible tragedy in the most humane way we could manage. From those who informed the family to those who were at the site of the accident and prepared and transported Lamine's body, to everyone who visited Lamine's family, and those who called and wrote: thank you. Thank you also to the emergency workers in Tambacounda who assisted effectively and with compassion.

Looking forward, we will be putting in place a fund for the care and schooling of Lamine's children and we will have a ceremony at the new Peace Corps building in Lamine's honor. As we are determining the best means to provide for Lamine's children, anyone who wishes can make a donation, which Molly will keep until we open an account. Returned Volunteers in the U.S. are now organizing a fund, as well, and we are coordinating with them.

Lamine was a brave, kind and tireless soul. He was a friend to us all and dedicated to the safety of all Peace Corps Volunteers. We shall miss him deeply.

Word of Lamine's passing stunned Peace Corps friends from around the world. I wanted to share with you some of those notes that I have received.

-Chris