Students from Paul VI College, in Diourbel – Senegal
History and News
After the Didier Marie College in Saint-Louis, in Northern Senegal, the Brothers FICP took over the Baol College in 1978.
The College opened its doors on October 6th, 1978. A very Modest Start: a Single Class with a Total of 45 Students and Two Teachers who would share all the Teaching Work; Brother Pierre David (of Venerated Memory) was at the Head of the Launch of that long-awaited Diocesan Work.
The College opened under the Name “Collège Privé du Baol”. The Archives tell us that Pope Paul VI died on August 6th, 1978, Two Months before its opening. So, why not, after other Colleges in the area, such as Pius XII in Kaolack and John XXIII in Tambacounda, a Paul VI College in Diourbel?
After Brother Pierre David, the First Pioneer in Diourbel, the 2nd year (on the left) 3 Brothers joined: Alain Dugas, Jean-Paul Peuzé, Joël Petit and a Lay Missionary Jean-Yves Thomas; and the 3rd year (on the right) Brothers Hervé Asse and Alain Sevestre arrived.
Such was the desire, the Plan on the Ground. But the Diocesan Authorities and the Christian Faithful (a small number) undoubtedly feared that such a Name in Diourbel would be perceived as a provocation. The Name “Collège du Baol” was chosen.
Baol College, 1990s
Things remained unchanged until the arrival of Brother Philippe Launay in 1984. In June 1985, National Godfather Day was celebrated in Diourbel. At that Ceremony, a Conference was given by the Apostolic Nuncio to Dakar, Archbishop Dossena, on the Life and Works of Pope Paul VI. Following that Event, Steps were taken, at the request of Parents and Teachers, to formalize the Name Change. A Week later, the Newspaper Le Soleil ran the Headline: “Diourbel, the Catholic College becomes Paul VI College.” A Juniorate Center was built for Young Aspirants and Students who came from Rural Schools far from the Center of Diourbel.
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The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Dossena, and Brother Philippe Launay
Since then, the Paul VI College has flourished, bringing Joy to the Children and Young People of Baol and beyond. Many French Brothers and Volunteers have passed through its Doors, from the Early Days of Cooperation to the Gradual Replacement by African Brothers. Over the years, the Paul VI Junior High School has been Full from Sixth to Ninth Grade.
The Tam-Tam Orchestra of the Young Mennaisians
However, the College faced Floodings Every Year during the Rainy Season. It became too Small and experienced declining Student Numbers despite Population Growth. We had to knock on Every Door to secure a Good Living and Working Environment. It was with that in mind that we initiated Several Meetings with the Diocesan Director, in conjunction with Some Partners in Germany (AGNES BENZ, Partner GROUPS, etc.), to secure Funding and Renovate the School. The Project was accepted by the Donors and Fully Funded.
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The First Walls of the Construction Site. The Construction Site before all the Finishing Touches.
On July 19th, 2024, the Earthworks began. Today, Two Blocks of 9 Classrooms each are operational. The Student Numbers have experienced a Significant Increase… From 275 Students a Few Years Ago, we are at 540 this year with the opening of the Second Cycle last Fall (7/10/2025) to the delight of the Local Church and the Children.
 First Building delivered in October 2025 |
 Second Building intended for the Second Cycle, Interior View |
 The Students’ Chairs during the Count |
 First Building, View of the Inner Courtyard |
 New Teachers’ Room |
The Site would be Inaugurated on March 18th, 2026!Brother Alexis KOFFI KOMBATE, Director of St. Paul VI College-High School, with the support of the Archives |