St. Anthony from Padua Elementary School (Koungheul) Answering a need to promote girls’ education in Africa, the Sisters constructed a new elementary school in Koungheul to provide a well-equipped facility & safe learning environment for children to continue with their educational studies. Opened in October 2000, the school enables girls to attend school, promotes the education and advancement of women, and helps girls become independent and active contributors to the economic development of their country. Unlike other institutions in Senegal, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor chose to locate this ministry in a town such as Koungheul in order to meet the needs of the families living in the remote inner villages and in the bush around Koungheul and at the same time to empower the town itself. The school is open from Monday to Saturday, and serves over 200 children through six classes taught by 6 accredited teachers. As a means of accommodating students who are not native to the Koungheul area, a dormitory was built near the school. It includes bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room and a study room. Needs: Besides the employee’s salaries, we must feed the students and care for all the needs connected to their growth. Funding to support all the expenses of the school.