A Nurse’s journey: Bridging cultures and care in Senegal and The Gambia with Kanji.codevelopment
- Fátima
- May 24
- 3 min read
Published on May 24, 2025
Hello, I’m Fatima Doukoure, a generalist nurse with knowlage in mental health, drugs, internal medicine, oncology, palliative care and elderly care born in Barcelona to Senegalese parents.
My journey is one of duality—rooted in the vibrant energy of Catalonia and the rich cultural heritage of Senegal. As a nurse of African descent working in Spain, I’ve navigated unique challenges and opportunities that have shaped my mission to serve both my adopted home and my ancestral community.
Today, I’m excited to share how my background fuels Kanji codevelopment’s vision and our work to transform healthcare through cultural exchange and collaboration.
Embracing cultural diversity in nursing
Growing up in Barcelona with Senegalese roots taught me early on the value of cultural diversity.
In my work as a nurse, I’ve seen how understanding a patient’s cultural background can transform care.
Mental health, in particular, demands sensitivity to cultural nuances—whether it’s addressing stigma in African communities or adapting therapeutic approaches to resonate with diverse patients in Spain.
My bilingualism and bicultural identity allow me to connect with patients in ways that transcend language, fostering trust and understanding.
Yet, being a nurse of African origin in Spain comes with challenges.
Navigating a healthcare system shaped by different cultural norms requires constant adaptation. As a naturalized Spaniard, I’ve faced bureaucratic hurdles and societal biases, but these experiences have only deepened my commitment to advocating for inclusive care. They’ve also inspired me to bridge my two worlds—bringing modern clinical practices to Senegal and The Gambia while integrating African healing traditions into my work.
Learning from The Gambia and Senegal -
Kanji codevelopment
Living and working in The Gambia has been a profound teacher.
In places like Tanka Tanka, I’ve witnessed the resilience of communities with limited resources and the power of traditional African healing practices.
These experiences have reshaped my approach to nursing. For instance, I’ve learned how community-based mental health support, rooted in local traditions, can complement clinical techniques. By blending these approaches, we can create care models that are both effective and culturally resonant.
In Senegal, working with the rural areas of Casamance has shown me the gaps in healthcare access and the urgent need for mental health training. These communities are rich in culture but often lack resources to address psychological well-being.
My goal is to share evidence-based practices while honoring African techniques, such as storytelling and community dialogue, which have long supported mental health in these regions. Updating and integrating these practices into modern care is a cornerstone of Kanji’s mission.
Kanji. Codevelopment: A vision for impact
At Kanji.codevelopment, our projects—like the upcoming Kanji Experience in July 2025 in Firdausi, N’Dofane, and Tanka Tanka—focus on medical care, mental health training, and cultural exchange. These initiatives are personal to me. They’re a way to give back to my Senegalese and Gambian communities while leveraging my training as a nurse in Spain.
Our short-term goals include training local health workers in mental health first aid and providing free medical clinics. Long-term, we aim to establish sustainable health systems.
These projects are about more than healthcare—they’re about codevelopment. By fostering collaboration between global and local communities, we’re building systems that empower everyone involved. My experiences in Spain and Africa have shown me that true change comes from mutual learning and respect.
How you can join us
The journey to healthier communities in Senegal and The Gambia starts with
collective action. Here’s how you can get involved:
Follow our journey: Subscribe to our blog and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for updates on Kanji Experiences and our community impact.
Support our mission: Your donations fund free clinics and training programs for local health workers. Visit our Support page at cokanji.com to contribute.
Join our events: Be part of Kanji Experience 2025! Email us at kanji.codevelopment@gmail.com for details on how to participate.
Spread the word: Share this post and our mission with your network to amplify our reach.
Looking ahead: building a legacy of care
As we grow Kanji.codevelopment, my vision is to create a future where healthcare reflects the diversity and strength of the communities it serves.
In 2025, we’ll expand our mental health programs and women’s cooperatives, ensuring that care is accessible and culturally relevant. By 2026, the Kanji Health Summit will unite voices from across the globe to reimagine healthcare in Africa.
Together, we can make healthcare a right, not a privilege.
Join us at cokanji.com to support our mission and follow our journey toward a healthier, more connected world.
Ready to make a difference? Subscribe to our blog and explore cokanji.com today.
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