On 11 December 2025, in the village of Mohan Ousmane, 15 km from Kolda, the foundation stone of the Socio‑Sanitary Complex of the Brothers of Saint John of God was laid—an undertaking of charity and service rooted in the Order’s charism of compassion.

This initiative perfectly responds to the declarations of the 2025 General Chapter to promote mental health as an emerging priority.

The ceremony was held under the spiritual authority of Monsignor Jean‑Pierre BASSENE, Bishop of the Diocese of Kolda, represented by Father Bernard D. BOIRO, Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories. It was presided over by Reverend Brother Paulinus Toh Kisan, Provincial Superior of the St. Augustine Province of Africa; Brother Etienne SENE, General Councillor in charge of the Africa Region, representing the Prior General, Brother Pascal AHODEGNON; Brother Léon Robert MBENGUE, Provincial Councillor; Brother Terrence Tanni Tita, Provincial Secretary; and Brother André SENE, Director of Dalal Xel Hospital in Thiès.

Civil authorities were represented by Mr. SAMBA BALDE, delegate of the Mayor of Kolda, Mr. MASSIRE TOURE being unable to attend. Caritas of the Diocese was represented by Father Raoul Araye MANKALY, Chaplain of Caritas and Diocesan Director of Communications; Mrs. Anne Mendy CORREA, Director of Caritas Kolda; and Mrs. Emma SARR, facilitator.

Mr. Alouise BAKHOUM, contractor, was present with his wife Yvette and their sons Martin‑Michel and Jean‑Léopold, as a sign of family and fraternal support.

The village chief, Mr. Souleiman BALDE, expressed the community’s gratitude for this long‑awaited project, which will also benefit the children of the nearby primary school. Several Brothers from the Provinces of Saint Augustine and Saint Richard Pampuri, present for jubilee celebrations, honoured the event with their fraternal presence.

This act marks a historic step in the hospital mission in Senegal, at the service of the most vulnerable, in the spirit of Saint John of God.