The baobab construction

The baobab is a common and well-known tree in Africa and especially in Senegal.
“It’s Your Turn” compares itself to the baobab tree.

How does it work?

The baobab tree has a thick and sturdy tree stalk, the concept of “It’s Your Turn”. Below the ground, the baobab has its roots. These roots are the departments with their employees. Each root helps the tree grow. All the nutrients and supplies reach the roots from the ground and go through the trunk (concept) to the branches.

The baobab has very characteristic branches; a few thick ones with many small branches. The thick branches are the permanent activities. The small branches are the actions, events and projects. Sometimes one of the small branches breaks off while another one grows back.

Who are the roots?

The tree has been planted in 2007 but these days it is starting to grow more intensively. Nyaki Serné, the director of “It’s Your Turn”, is the "root parent". She is responsible for the whole organisation and is the fixed point for the entire foundation.

The root YOUR Education (the integration of “It’s Your Turn” in the higher education and the involvement, supporting and broadcasting of students) is directly connected to the stalk and is the responsibility of Sanne and Pandora. The root YOUR Travel (organisation student, teacher and network-travels) is a part of this section.  Annette (teacher) and Augusto (teacher) are the coaches of this department.

Laurean is together with Jim (Senegalese and the father of Nyaki) responsible for the root Your Trade. In collaboration with Mark Hofman (coordinator education) of INHolland, they identify the possibilities of importing Senegalese products. Additionally, Laurean and Jim are responsible for the activities on site, including the construction of the new Education Centre. They are a vital root in the growth of the baobab.

Nancy, Joey and Duncan are in charge of the root YOUR Production (actions and events). This year, they will mainly focus on the organisation of “It’s YOUR Party” (prom INHolland) and the network auction YOUR Connecting.

The root YOUR Music (cooperation between Dutch and Senegalese musicians) is led by the artist Serrio B.A.A.Z. and his personal assistant Jack. They will release an album under the name “It's Your Turn Tape”.

Each root is holding its own apprenticeship but is connected to the stalk. The roots take nutrients and go through the trunk to the top where they all are distributed. The apprenticeship departments are non-profit and all the output are for the benefit of the projects of “It’s Your Turn”.