S1E1 QOTD | Khady Sall of SeeSDSenegal on making science accessible through local languages in Senegal

In this 1st episode of Season 1 of Questions of the Day, I interview Dr. Khady Sall, founder and executive director of SeeSDSenegal, about making science education more accessible through local languages, community participation, and hands-on learning.

Sall describes how the organization trains college students and entrepreneurs to lead workshops for children aged 5–14 in community centers. From building a model house together to exploring the science of water, she explains how familiar experiences and instruction in Wolof can help address language barriers and encourage collaborative learning.

The conversation examines early signs of growing confidence reported through student assessments and parent feedback, while acknowledging that effects on school performance remain unverified. Sall also discusses funding constraints, difficulties obtaining materials, and the challenges of communicating scientific concepts in local languages. Alongside her reflections on Africa Science Week, she shares lessons about connecting science to culture, adapting to local resources, and supporting communities to take an active role in science education.

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Fanuel Muindi

Fanuel Muindi is a former neuroscientist turned civic science archivist and documentarian. He is a professor of the practice in the Department of Communication Studies within the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University, where he leads the Civic Science Media Lab. Dr. Muindi received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and PhD in Organismal Biology from Morehouse College and Stanford University, respectively. He completed his postdoctoral training at MIT.