A two-week trip to Africa proved to be life changing for the members of a local humanitarian group. The organization A3D, African Development through Drum and Dance, took their first group trip to Senegal, a republic in West Africa, from Jan. 15 to Jan. 29.

The goal of the trip was to present 10 computers to a nonprofit school, and 10 sewing machines to a woman’s facility.

“Mission accomplished,” said the group’s president, Mamadou Diop, a Salem resident and Senegal native.

 The 14 members who journeyed to Senegal are mostly North Shore residents, who meet regularly at the A Quest Actor’s Studio in Salem, owned by member Debra Crosby, also a Salem resident.

Group members said the tremendous amount of recognition and gratitude they encountered in Africa was much more than they ever imagined. 

Michelle Zampino of Marblehead was astonished by the appreciation.

“We as a nonprofit organization wished we could have given more than just 10 computers and ten sewing machines,” she said, “but it was almost like we donated 100 computers and sewing machines.”

Crosby said a crowd of about 1,200 children surrounded them as they arrived with the computers. The children blissfully welcomed them with song, and the group was moved.

“The people radiate a brilliant spirit and joy,” Crosby said. “It was a heartwarming experience.”

“We felt like celebrities,” said Dottie Doucette of Peabody. A3D was given a national reception, was featured on the Senegalese national news, and appeared in four national newspapers.

The group raised $5,000 for the computers they donated to a nonprofit school called the A.E.D.E.C. that provides an education to underprivileged children. Crosby said the school created a computer room in A3D’s honor, and the students named each computer after a member. A3D is now preparing to send packages containing software that will help the children to develop computer skills.

The sewing machines were donated to the Manediarra Bousso Facility, a center run and organized by woman. At the Manediarra Bousso Facility, women assist other woman in need, and also provide job-training skills so they can attain economic independence. The facility also cares for and educates thousands of orphans.

“We found a way to be happy by making other people happy,” said Diop, who is a famous musician in his native land.

   The money to purchase the computers and sewing machines was raised from Salem’s CultureFest, hosted by A3D last July. CultureFest is a festival designed to showcase different cultures through music, style, art and entertainment.

Crosby explained the computers were purchased in Africa because the cost of shipping alone would have equaled the cost of three, and they wanted to get the most for their money. For the same reason, group members each paid their own airfare and lodging expenses.

While in Africa the group was invited to the holy city of Touba where they had the honor of meeting Sheikh Mbacke, a holy man who can be compared to the Pope.

“We got to meet the people that others wait their whole lives to meet,” she said.

Diop is very well known in the nation. Those running for president tried to contact the group looking for support for the Jan. 28 elections. “They wanted to use us for publicity,” Diop said. “Politics is not what we are about. We are humanitarians.”

Crosby found herself amazed by the culture’s hospitality: “They have so little, but would still give you the shirt off their back.”

A3D was officially established in 2005. According to Crosby, the group works hard in order to get a lot accomplished without politics. “We are like a family, and dedicated to making a difference,” she explained.

They are always looking for new members and corporate sponsors. A3D credit Mayor Kim Driscoll and state Rep. John Keenan for support.

 “We are just ordinary people who went on an extraordinary trip,” Crosby said.

A3D is looking forward to hosting Salem’s CultureFest for the second time in July, which has been extended to two days this year. A long-term goal of the group is to create a multicultural center in Salem. They wish to carry on their mission and hopefully travel to Africa again in the future.

Crosby said A3D will continue to follow their motto, “think locally, act globally.” 

For more information on A3D, or how to get involved in Salem’s CultureFest, call 978-922-1220 or visit www.A3Dinc.org.

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