I’m Touty. I have a passion for fashion. In 2020, I already reported on how I launched my own label “Touty”. When the Corona pandemic came along, I joined forces with other creative people. Our network is called Atelier221.

My greatest challenge in the last two years was surviving the pandemic with my company intact. Others in the design industry felt the same way.

We used Atelier221 to join forces, combine our knowledge and launch a joint campaign. We wanted to provide a mask for lots of Senegalese people in the Dakar region. Over 600 creative individuals were involved, even people with physical disabilities and trainees.

Keeping jobs

We had 3 goals:

1. We wanted the face masks to give some health protection.
2. We wanted to keep jobs during the Corona crisis.
3. We wanted to boost the local economy by buying all our materials locally.

It was a success. We produced 300,000 masks. Lots of national and international organisations bought our masks, including the GIZ and UN organisations. They then distributed the masks to the local population – mostly in schools, markets and prisons.
 

Prospects to be offered by a design academy

My plans go even further. I’d like to offer young creative talents a professional future in Senegal. So I’m planning to set up a design academy. A place for training and professional development. That’s how I can help lots of young people to get high-quality vocational training. It will make it easier for them to enter the job market. I’d also like to help them see that the African continent offers them lots of opportunities. I’d especially like to appeal to those who may be considering leaving Senegal and emigrating to Europe. I don’t believe they should take this risk.

As of: 08/2022

This text is written in simple language, which makes sure that it’s easy for everyone interested to understand.