Photo Essay - Basse Motorcycle Workshop

Welcome to Basse's Motorcycle Workshop. Here is where Basse's population brings their motorcycles for tune ups or repairs. Basse is somewhat unique in that a large portion of its population uses motorcycles as their primary means of transportation. I was recently able to interview a young apprentice or "apperanti" named Mohammadou Jallow. Mohammadou grew up in Basse along with most of his extended family. At the age of 16, due to lack of funds, he was forced to drop out of school and start working as a motorcycle mechanic's apprentice. For the last 3 years Mohammadou and 4 other apprentices have been working under the close supervision and tutelage of the master mechanic. Currently, he uses his salary to help his family pay for living costs and his siblings' school fees. His dream is to save up enough money and open his own motorcycle repair shop.

Mohammadou Jallow - Motorcycle Apprentice

Apprentices at the motorcycle workshop.

Mr. Jallow taking a break and brewing some attaya.

Mohammadou's close friend and fellow apprentice, Demba.