A Discussion with Simon Diouf, Computer Scientist at the Center for Pedagogical Training, Mbour, Senegal
With: Simon Diouf Berkley Center Profile
July 22, 2015
Background: As
part of the Education and Social Justice Project, undergraduate student
Sabrina Khan interviewed Simon Diouf, a computer scientist in charge of
technology courses at the Center for Pedagogical Training (CFP) in Mbour. In
this interview, conducted in July 2015, Diouf discusses his work and the role
of technology in Catholic education.
Can you introduce
yourself?
My name is Simon Diouf, and I am a computer scientist by profession, but I also completed my studies in general management and human resources. I have been at the CFP since November 2003. I am responsible for the technical and professional training at the Center. Our specialty is accounting.
What are your daily responsibilities?
Every day I teach the primary and masters students in their computer science courses.
What is the greatest challenge to teaching computer science?
Our objective is for everyone to be able to at least manipulate a computer. Now, we see that even in villages, there are new forms of technology that make computer science useful, like solar panels or tools requiring the Internet. Our objective is to invite everyone to integrate technology and to understand computers as much as possible.
What is the importance of a Catholic education for primary school children?
There is seriousness in Catholic schools. For example, our system does not experience strikes. You also must be very well-trained to teach. Muslim families know this as well. In the computer science department, for example, there are more Muslim students and teachers than Catholic students and teachers.
What are you most proud of in your work?
I am always happy if I deliver a service for someone who has come to see me about a problem they are having. For example, if a nun or priest comes to me with a computer problem, I do not ask for money. If I manage to solve the problem, that is already enough satisfaction. Because the person trusts me, they come to see me.
What role does computer science play in Senegal’s future?
We have a very important role. Everything is done on the Internet and through social networks. The interview we are doing right now is thanks to technology. If the interview gets put on a website, it’s because of new technology. It’s important to the whole world. Senegal cannot be left behind, and we are working on improving our technology.
Is there something you would like to add that we have not discussed?
Technology evolves very quickly. My hope is that I can continue to further enhance my skills and stay current with technological developments. This coursework can be maintained in Senegal like in other countries if the center has a partner like your university.
My name is Simon Diouf, and I am a computer scientist by profession, but I also completed my studies in general management and human resources. I have been at the CFP since November 2003. I am responsible for the technical and professional training at the Center. Our specialty is accounting.
What are your daily responsibilities?
Every day I teach the primary and masters students in their computer science courses.
What is the greatest challenge to teaching computer science?
Our objective is for everyone to be able to at least manipulate a computer. Now, we see that even in villages, there are new forms of technology that make computer science useful, like solar panels or tools requiring the Internet. Our objective is to invite everyone to integrate technology and to understand computers as much as possible.
What is the importance of a Catholic education for primary school children?
There is seriousness in Catholic schools. For example, our system does not experience strikes. You also must be very well-trained to teach. Muslim families know this as well. In the computer science department, for example, there are more Muslim students and teachers than Catholic students and teachers.
What are you most proud of in your work?
I am always happy if I deliver a service for someone who has come to see me about a problem they are having. For example, if a nun or priest comes to me with a computer problem, I do not ask for money. If I manage to solve the problem, that is already enough satisfaction. Because the person trusts me, they come to see me.
What role does computer science play in Senegal’s future?
We have a very important role. Everything is done on the Internet and through social networks. The interview we are doing right now is thanks to technology. If the interview gets put on a website, it’s because of new technology. It’s important to the whole world. Senegal cannot be left behind, and we are working on improving our technology.
Is there something you would like to add that we have not discussed?
Technology evolves very quickly. My hope is that I can continue to further enhance my skills and stay current with technological developments. This coursework can be maintained in Senegal like in other countries if the center has a partner like your university.
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