Caught between two countries and two ways of life, Grace Gabrielle Princia Dooko found herself facing a destiny beyond her control. When she arrived in Senegal five years ago, she had to overcome obstacles such as language barriers, financial difficulties and the challenge of finding her footing and to flourish in life – first as a model, then as a radio journalist. Today, her views on marriage, identity and nationality have evolved to the point where she is contemplating making Senegal her permanent home. This portrait explores how successful integration and an open-minded attitude have reshaped her personal and professional trajectory, and why Senegal has become so much more than just her adopted country.

Modelling is her passion. She walks the red carpet with refined poise and natural elegance. Her slender figure moves with confidence, each step seeming to be part of a masterful choreography. Her deep, luminous complexion captures the spotlight, her skin appearing warm and soft under the flashbulbs. Grace Gabrielle Princia Dooko wore a spectacular emerald green dress – a marvel of design, with a flowing silhouette and dramatic, voluminous sleeves that exude grace with every step. The invisible hem of the garment is accentuated by a colour gradient that transitions from emerald green to pale yellow on the left side, providing a beautiful contrast to the main body of the outfit.

Vertical gold and silver stripes extend down the fabric, sparkling like steps and adding an eye-catching metallic texture that reflects the light. A dark, textured pattern at the base of the stripes completes the look, adding depth and dimension. Her hair is elegantly styled into an updo that reveals her facial features. Her makeup is understated yet refined, with nude lips, defined eyelids, and an even complexion that highlights her features. She walks with an upright posture and a fluid gait, her chest slightly lifted and her shoulders relaxed. Her gaze drifts just off-camera, conveying an air of calm and confidence as she prepares to capture the attention of both cameras and spectators. The atmosphere on the red carpet is glamorous and effervescent: spotlights create luminous halos, guests capture every moment, and the minimalist décor accentuates the brightness of the dress’s colour.

It all started in 2019…

That year, the young Cameroonian arrived in Senegal. It was her parents’ decision, and she did not object. ‘The school I wanted to attend was in Senegal, too. So when my parents suggested Senegal as the place for me to pursue my higher education, I didn’t hesitate.” However, as soon as she settled in, she began to encounter challenges. The first was the language barrier: ‘It was difficult to adapt at first. But with the support of those around me and my own determination, I adapted very quickly.’ She also faced financial difficulties. ‘Financially, I really struggled, especially with the high cost of living, which was higher than in Cameroon, particularly with regard to housing, food and transport.’ Faced with this difficult situation, she found a solution in modelling. ‘I started looking for ways to keep busy and earn an income to support myself and help my family out occasionally. I was far from my parents for five years. It was a hard blow for a teenager who had just finished secondary school and left her country,” she explains.

Modelling for fashion designers is her passion, and she is doing well. “This job has enabled me to earn a good living, support myself and, most importantly, avoid being a burden on my parents back home,” says the young woman, pausing briefly to recall those difficult times. Despite the financial hardship, she was struck by the Senegalese concept of teranga (loosely translated from Wolof language as ‘hospitality’). She laughs and continues, ‘When we talk about Senegal, we talk about hospitality – and that’s exactly what I saw and experienced. My older brother had been living in Dakar for a long time, and he helped me settle in a lot.” However, from her very first days in Senegal, she noticed differences. In Cameroon, people generally get up early to open their shops, but in Dakar, shops sometimes don’t open until 10 a.m., especially on Sundays. The same goes for greetings. ‘In Senegal, greetings are very particular. I noticed that people greet everyone, even strangers. The same applies to sharing meals. In Cameroon, we’re not used to eating from the same dish, except in special circumstances such as ceremonies,” says Princia.

Success galore!

Following her modelling achievements, she enjoyed further success. In 2021, she passed the entrance exam for the Centre d’Etudes des Sciences et Techniques de l’Information (CESTI)’s radio journalism course. She is a lively and curious young journalist with a refreshing on-air presence. Her warm, confident voice is clear and precise, capturing the listener’s attention from the very first seconds. With just the right depth and a slightly velvety quality, she delivers information at a controlled pace that keeps audiences engaged. She exudes a calm energy and insatiable curiosity in the world of journalism, approaching facts with rigour and humanity. She has already gained a great deal of experience. Princia recounts: “One of the best experiences was when I was in the countryside. It was a wonderful discovery and a beautiful experience. The worst experience happened in my second year of my bachelor’s degree at CESTI. It was a Thursday morning and I was running late for school, so I took the local car rapide, or ‘fast bus’. As I was about to get off, the driver suddenly accelerated, even though I was already at the door and ready to disembark. I fell and ripped my trousers. It was a terrible day.

She has also acquired important values. “Coming to Senegal first brought me closer to God through prayer. It has taught me patience, adaptability, perseverance, independence and the importance of being open to others.” In her host country, she has found a second family. She has many acquaintances, but very few close friends. However, she says that among those friends, “there are some who have really become like family to me”. She sees migration as a challenging yet enriching experience. “It has allowed me to adapt to a new environment that was very different from my own, become more autonomous and independent, and, above all, learn to see things from a different perspective. It has changed my view of the world and my life plan.” For her, being a foreign student in Senegal means having opportunities, discovering a welcoming culture, and building a rich, diverse network of contacts. The greatest outcome of her move to Senegal is her marriage: “I never thought I would marry a Senegalese man.

At one point, I even swore I would never do so. I preferred to marry someone from Central Africa… Then, one Sunday at church, I fell in love with a Senegalese man – my future husband. Now I have a completely different view of marriage and Senegalese men. In fact, I am ready to apply for Senegalese nationality. I am determined to follow this path that has transformed me”.