# Yakar: el Poder de la Esperanza | Khaly Thioune | TEDxULPGC Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMy2TbGKI9o Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/kMy2TbGKI9o Generated: 2025-12-09T17:15:15.465+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Khaly Thioune argues that true hope ("Yakar") lies in confronting the invisible borders of fear, prejudice, and lack of education, rather than simply migrating to Europe, emphasizing that overcoming these internal and societal barriers is essential for true transformation and mutual enrichment, as demonstrated by the successful educational and community projects he supports in Africa. **Key Points:** - Thioune challenges the common narrative of fear surrounding borders, stating that everyone carries invisible borders of fear, prejudice (like racism), and lack of education that must be confronted first. - The speaker details his personal experience of migrating from Senegal to France, noting the financial cost (35 euros for the ticket, 32 euros for the week's food, totaling 67 euros) and the initial sense of being an outsider. - He contrasts the European mindset, which often views Africans as poor or only capable of begging, with the reality of projects in Senegal, such as the community association 'Asociación Afrocanarias Diakhase' (02:04). - The projects involve educating local women in practical skills like food preparation (02:05, 08:05) and managing resources like digging wells (10:20), demonstrating self-sufficiency and enrichment. - Thioune asserts that true enrichment comes from mutual learning: when Africans teach Europeans about the reality of their struggles and potential, and when Europeans share knowledge, both sides grow. - He concludes that the real challenge is not just crossing physical borders but overcoming the internal borders of mistrust and fear, which prevents people from realizing their potential for mutual growth. ![Screenshot at 02:04: The speaker introduces the visual aid showing the 'Asociación Afrocanarias Diakhase' logo and a group of women gathered, representing the community-based projects in Africa focused on empowerment and education.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-02-04.png) **Context:** Khaly Thioune delivers a TEDx talk at TEDxULPGC (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) reflecting on his journey as an African immigrant who traveled from Senegal to France and eventually to the Canary Islands. His talk centers on the concept of 'Yakar' (Hope in Wolof), arguing that hope requires confronting the invisible borders imposed by fear, racism, and ignorance, both within the immigrant community and in the receiving society, emphasizing that true progress comes from education and mutual cultural exchange rather than just physical relocation. ## Detailed Analysis Khaly Thioune begins by questioning why people focus on physical borders without acknowledging the invisible borders—fear, prejudice, and lack of education—that people carry. He recounts his own journey, mentioning the cost of his initial travel from Senegal to France (67 euros total for the ticket and first week's food). Upon arrival, he felt the weight of stereotypes, where people often assumed Africans were poor or only capable of begging. Thioune argues that confronting these internal borders is more important than crossing physical ones. He then transitions to showcasing the positive work being done in his home country through the 'Asociación Afrocanarias Diakhase' (02:04), which empowers local women through education and practical skills, such as food preparation (02:05) and building infrastructure like wells (10:20). He stresses that true enrichment happens when Africans share their realities and knowledge with Europeans, and vice versa, leading to mutual growth. He concludes that the ultimate goal is to break down these internal barriers of distrust so that people can realize their full potential, regardless of nationality or perceived status. ### The Problem of Borders - People fear invisible borders (fear, racism, ignorance) more than physical ones - We mark borders without realizing it, leading to a state of being 'lost' or fearful. ### Personal Journey and Stereotypes - Thioune traveled from Senegal to France and then to Gran Canaria, spending 67 euros for initial survival; he faced stereotypes assuming poverty and begging. ### Community Action in Africa - Showcasing the 'Asociación Afrocanarias Diakhase' (02:04) which educates women in skills like cooking and resource management (e.g., building wells for livestock, 10:20). ### The True Meaning of Hope (Yakar) - Hope is not just about escaping hardship; it is about confronting internal barriers and engaging in mutual education and cooperation. ### Conclusion and Call to Action - Real development comes from reciprocal learning—Africans teaching Europeans about their reality and Europeans sharing knowledge—to break down mistrust and foster universal growth. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The introductory slide for the TEDx event hosted by ULPGC, sponsored by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Chair of Medical Technologies.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-00-04.png) ![Screenshot at 00:14: Speaker Khaly Thioune on stage at TEDxULPGC, holding notes and speaking about borders.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-00-14.png) ![Screenshot at 02:04: A slide showing a group of African women participating in a community project organized by 'Asociación Afrocanarias Diakhase'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-02-04.png) ![Screenshot at 08:05: A split screen showing a group of European tourists visiting a water point project in Africa \(left\) and women working indoors in a food preparation setting \(right\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-08-05.png) ![Screenshot at 10:20: A man in a red shirt and blue helmet is shown filling a concrete trough with water via a yellow hose for a herd of white cattle in a dry landscape, illustrating community development projects.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/kMy2TbGKI9o/00-10-20.png)