Senegal is a very poor country, and capital funds for would-be entrepreneurs to launch businesses is not available unless the person is already employed!  The goal of the OWEN Project is to provide capital funds for locally conceived and managed, self-sustaining businesses, providing employment for men and women in order to support their extended families and communities.  

I believe that business development and employment is the most important, and dignified, avenue to support families.  I answer some important questions on the Page "FAQ" about the why of this project.   The pages "Fishing Pirogues" and "Clothing" provide detailed information, with cool photos and video.  

On the "Origins" page, I describe the events which lead me to found the OWEN project in Senegal.  Of most importance was exploring which projects might be suitable, considering the Senegalese way of doing business, the available resources, and me being an American woman many thousands of miles away.  Fishing, clothing production and "small commerce", the purchase and reselling of imported products were clear candidates.  Fishing offered the advantage of employing many tens of individuals, men and woman, in the actual fishing (men), selling (women) and maintenance (men and women).  The potential earnings are substantial.  Clothing production supports one to two individuals, but those individuals are then supporting their extended families.  This is also the case with providing seed funds for "small commerce", whereby women purchase fabrics, cosmetics or other household items abroad for resale in Dakar.  

The "Latest News" page has short posts on what has been happening on the ground (and the sea).  From repairing nets to repainting Ariane to the bummer of the captain's broken arm, and so on.