40 young people to become Junior Linguist Operators at Dakar 2026; deployed in mixed zones and medical areas

Youth Linguists Programme: 40 young people to support delegations at Dakar 2026

Ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (COJOJ) and the National Office for Vocational Training (ONFP) are launching the Youth Linguists Programme. The certified training programme is aimed at young people aged 21 to 35 who will become Junior Linguist Operators, helping facilitate communication between delegations, athletes, media and Games teams.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will bring together more than 200 delegations from around the world. To support this cultural and linguistic diversity, the Dakar 2026 Language Services are partnering with the National Office for Vocational Training (ONFP) to launch the Youth Linguists Programme (YLP).

The programme offers intensive, certified training in translation, interpreting and intercultural communication. A total of 40 young people will be trained before being deployed during the Games.

Training to become a Junior Linguist Operator

The Youth Linguists Programme aims to prepare a new generation of language professionals to work in an international and multicultural environment.

The training will develop skills in translation and interpreting, terminology management and intercultural communication, as well as provide an understanding of the protocols and requirements specific to Olympic events.

At the end of the programme, participants will become Junior Linguist Operators (JLOs). Their role will be to facilitate communication between athletes and their delegations, medical teams, international media and other Games stakeholders.

They will work notably in mixed zones and medical areas, alongside the conference interpreters and professional translators supporting the Games.

Who can apply for the Youth Linguists Programme?

The programme is open to young people aged 21 to 35 who are proficient in French and English, as well as at least one additional language from the following:

IT skills, a strong academic background, knowledge of the Youth Olympic Games environment and strong interpersonal skills will also be considered valuable assets.

Beyond the training itself, the programme is part of the Dakar 2026 legacy programme . It will provide participants with professional experience and valuable skills to work in an international sporting environment. The experience can also open up new opportunities in translation, interpreting and intercultural communication.

Applications open until 24 August

Interested candidates can apply through the dedicated ONFP SIGOF – Youth Linguists Programme platform. The application deadline is Monday 24 August 2026.

The first Olympic sporting event in Africa

From 31 October to 13 November 2026, Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly will host the competitions of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. With 25 sports on the programme and delegations from around the world, the Games will be a unique sporting, cultural and human celebration for Senegal and the African continent.

By joining the Youth Linguists Programme, selected participants will play a direct role in the success of this historic event, helping athletes, delegations and Games stakeholders communicate across languages and cultures.

Official ticketing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is now open. Book your tickets and be part of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil.

History is waiting in Dakar 🏅. Tickets for Dakar 2026 are now available. Take your place and experience the Youth Olympic Games live. Secure your seat here 🎫