GB-DSS | Give Back in Dakar, Senegal

18/08/2025

About the Project

GB-DSS: Give Back Dakar is one of our most meaningful international initiatives. Rooted in the story of L'Étoile de la Rue, it ensures that the young people and communities in Dakar, where Saliou's journey began, remain an active part of the story and the movement it represents.

Birame, Saliou's brother, plays a major role in his life and in the journey captured by the documentary. Through him, our foundation has built an organic collaboration: while the WDC team focuses on completing the film and Saliou continues his career in the US, we are working closely with Birame to set up a sustainable Give Back project in Dakar.

This initiative will start with a special merchandise collection under the We Don't Care and L'Étoile de la Rue names. Designed by We Don't Care and produced locally in Dakar by manufacturers, screen printers, and clothing makers from the community, the collection will be distributed free of charge at important places such as the courts where Saliou once played. This way, it not only inspires young people with the story, but also supports local makers and gives back directly to the neighborhoods that shaped the journey.

The long-term vision goes further: distributing basketballs, and eventually renovating or building new courts. Anchored in Dakar through Birame's knowledge and networks, GB-DSS aims to inspire and empower youth while creating tangible opportunities for growth through sports and creativity.

Current Status

With Birame's support, we have already started building a local network in Dakar. The first outlines for the merchandise collection are being developed, and conversations with local makers have begun. Initial costs have been covered by our foundation to test feasibility and build a realistic plan from within the community.

The next phase is to scale this initiative into a larger Give Back program. We are preparing to reach out to international partners and funding organizations that align with our vision, such as UNESCO and other foundations dedicated to youth, culture, and sports development in Africa.

What Do We Still Need?

  • Funding Support: To expand from the first merchandise collection to broader initiatives like basketball distribution and court renovations.

  • International Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations committed to youth, culture, and sports development in Africa.

  • Local Anchoring: Continued cooperation with Birame to ensure the project remains rooted in Dakar's communities and directly responds to their needs.

Get Involved

Would you like to support GB-04: Give Back Dakar as a partner, sponsor, or donor? Your involvement can help us inspire and empower young people in Senegal through creativity, sports, and community-driven initiatives.

Please contact us at info@wedontcarefoundation.com, with "GB-04 Dakar" in the subject line.

At We Don't Care Foundation, we believe this project has the power not only to give back to the community where Saliou's story began, but also to reshape how international support connects with African youth—by keeping creativity, sports, and local leadership at the center.

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