Meet Garrison, Executive Director

Garrison joined the Andando team in 2021.

Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce you to another member of our team who works hard to build resilient, thriving communities in Senegal. We think they are pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Garrison, Executive Director

Garrison holding a band trophy with this parents.

Garrison Harward joined the Andando team in 2021 as our Agriculture Officer. He grew up in the small town of Ojai, California and caught the gardening bug early from his Mom and Grandpa. When he wasn’t digging in the dirt Garrison spent most of his time in marching band, choir, and theater groups. The thrill of performing led him to California State University Chico where he studied theater and met his wife Hannah; they just celebrated 13 years together.

Hannah and Garrison at their wedding.

While Garrison is our newest state-side addition to the Andando Team he first met Andando 10 years ago during his service in the Peace Corps in the Fatick region of Senegal. 

During his time there (2010-2012), Garrison lived in the rural community of Dassilame Serere (approx. 40 miles SW of Keur Socé) where he worked with farmers on a variety of agricultural projects.  The Serer people are an ethnic minority in Senegal. One of the last projects Garrison worked on with his community was a water and sanitation project funded by Andando and during a recent visit back there he was thrilled to see that the infrastructure they built is still functioning and providing a real benefit for the community.

In the village of Dassilame Serer, Garrison made many life-long friends during his service with the Peace Corp.

“The Serer people are an ethnic minority in Senegal and getting to learn about their history and culture along with their incredible language is one of the greatest gifts I took away from my service.”

— Garrison

After returning home to the United States, Garrison and Hannah moved to New York City where Garrison worked as a Head Production Electrician working in Fashion lighting and has worked for almost every major brand in the industry along with countless theater productions including the initial run of Hamilton.

Garrison (pictured right) also was a Head Production Electrician working in Fashion lighting and has worked for almost every major brand in the industry along with countless theater productions including the initial run of Hamilton. He is pictured here with fellow team members.

One of Garrisons’ proudest accomplishments is founding a free community farm on his block in Brooklyn, growing free, nutrient dense, organic food for the community. He is passionate about helping farmers (both on his block and in Senegal) to sustainably improve the land while increasing production and the nutritional benefit of the food.

Garrison was recently featured as the New Yorker of the Week. Click on the image above to watch a short video.

In 2022 Garrison accepted the position of Executive Director when the current director, Lewis Kiker, moved up onto the Andando board. In his spare time you can usually find Garrison playing Petangue (similar to bocce ball) or snuggling his dog, Gabby.

Garrison presenting at the annual Auction Fundraiser in October 2022.

Garrison provides practical, hands-on, training and support to all of our Garden Technicians in Senegal.

Your support enables Garrison to help families in rural Senegal. Thank you for investing in their future.

We are excited and honored to introduce you to more of our team and share their hope for the future with you. Thank you for your support!

Click here to meet other staff.

A Garden: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The women of Belel Kelle village have transformed the land from a desert to a lush and thriving garden.

It is always very satisfying to see a beautiful green garden spring seemingly out of nowhere. It’s easy to see the initial benefit, but it can be difficult to understand the other positives that a garden brings to a community. Every once in a while, however, we get a glimpse into the deeper value these gardens bring to their communities.

Belel Kelle is one of our newest gardens, near Senegal’s northern border with Mauritania. One of the hottest regions of the country, it’s hard to believe that anything could grow here. To say that people here are tough is an understatement.

One of the hottest regions in the country, this thermometer shows the ground temperature at over 120 degrees F.

Most make their living as nomadic herders, traveling with their livestock for much of the year. Having a garden in a fixed location is new for the village, but the women here took to it with determination, and in less than a year their garden is yielding harvests that rival established gardens with many more years of experience. It’s so successful that many of the women are choosing to stay in the village year-round rather than leaving with the men to tend the livestock!

The women of Bele Kelle took to the garden with determination, and in less than a year their garden is yielding harvests that rival established gardens with many more years of experience.

“Because there are no resources during the dry season, the majority of the population moves to feed their cattle, but this year, because of the garden, many children stay with their mothers to continue their studies. The school is full of students compared to last year! The garden has brought a big change in this village of Belel Kelle.”

— Omar, Garden Technician

Children now stay in school rather than leaving the village with their families to tend the livestock.

We never know what changes a garden will bring or how communities will use the resources they create from it. Students staying in school is a huge benefit that we never anticipated but are thrilled to see. The people of Belel Kelle are doing a great job, and we are proud to give them the resources to forge their own path to a more prosperous future.

BEFORE: It’s hard to believe that anything could grow here - this is Belel Kelle garden before.

AFTER: In less than a year the garden is yielding harvests that rival established gardens with many more years of experience.

From the Director - April 2022

During a break between classes, students wave from the second story of Keur Soce High School where six classrooms are completed and fully furnished.

We are so encouraged by the community’s response to Keur Soce High School and look forward to another year of investment in this program. Over the past year and a half, we have completed six full classrooms, brought in desks and other equipment, and seen the building fill up with new teachers and eager students.

Madame Marone and her students in one of the new classrooms at Keur Soce High School.  She teaches Geography and French to the freshman and sophomore classes.

The school has gone from non-existent in 2020 to an enrollment of nearly 400 students, with many more coming in the next year as we continue to expand the school. There has long been a large demand for this increased access to education, and we are excited to be partnering to make it happen.

Exterior of Keur Soce High School - six classrooms are completed with over 400 students enrolled and many more coming in the next school year.

This has the potential to be an absolute game-changer not only for students in the Keur Soce area, but also for families moving forward who will see their children go on to bigger and better things with this huge step up in opportunity. The school will continue to grow and will be more and more supported by the State, and we really look forward to seeing the generational change this institution will make. “Jerejef!” – Thank you!

Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

Meet Francois, Garden Technician

Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce you to another member of our team who works on the ground in Senegal every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think they are pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the ninth in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Francois, Garden Technician.

Francois joined the Andando team as a Garden Technician in 2015..

Francois Manga, who goes by Fara, joined the Andando team in 2015 as one of our Garden Technicians.  He was born in Thies, a large community 184 kilometers (approx. 112 miles) northwest of Keur Socé.  He comes from a big family, and enjoyed an advanced education.  He studied in Ziguinchor, which is in the southern part of Senegal (below The Gambia), often referred to as the Casamance Region. 

Keeping up with his nieces and nephews, Francois is lively and energetic.

Before joining us he had extensive experience in gardens, working in the Mbour Garden, the Beersheba Cooperative, and finally as an intern in the Keur Moussa Monastery Garden.  We first met Francois when we bought mango, lemon, and guava trees from Keur Moussa Garden for inclusion in our own gardens.  Once he completed his internship there, he joined the Andando team.

In addition to providing training in the gardens, Francois also assists with local farmers participating in the microloan program.

“When you give, you have to give wholeheartedly. When you work, you have to give everything to succeed.

I enjoy learning how to manage the gardens and handle problems as they arise. I have enjoyed working for Andando very much and am very proud to be part of the team.”
”

— Francois Manga, Garden Technician

A quick learner, Francois started with one garden and is now managing three.  He works directly with nearly 350 women, training them and giving them support so their gardens can  flourish.  When asked, he says his favorite produce is beetroot!

Chatting with garden participants at their produce stands in town, where they sell their extra produce increasing their household income by 25%.

An avid futbol (soccer) fan, you will find him cheering on the Senegal Lyons (who recently won the Africa Cup of Nations tournament for the very first time) as well as Manchester United. 

Francois with his Boy Scout Troop (he is fourth from the right, back row.)

He was a member of the local Boy Scouts and loves to play with and teach his nieces and nephews; he cares deeply for his family.

Your support enables Francois to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future!

We are excited and honored to introduce you to more of our team and share their hope for the future with you. Thank you for your support!

Click here to meet other staff.

“Before I could not have a big farm. Now I can!”

Mamadou Senghor with his wife and some of the multiple generations that live in their home.

Mamadou Senghor is a father, grandfather, and farmer in Fas Toucouleur.  His village is 3 miles from the main road and historically has limited access to electricity and running water.  As the eldest son, he is responsible for the care of everyone in his household. (In Senegal it is common for multiple generations to live together on a family-owned piece of land.)

In one of Mamadou’s fields, he grows corn, millet, and peanuts.

A long-time farmer, Mamadou struggled, as many in this area do, to get the supplies needed at the start of the planting season.  Because of this he could not use his fields to their full potential, which limited the amount of food he could grow for his family and the amount of income he could gain from the sale of cash crops, such as peanuts.

“Before I could not have a big farm. But since Andando helped me, I have increased my farm. Before I had maybe 1 hector (2 1/2 acres), and now I have 6 hectors (approx 15 acres). I have something to give to my family to eat and something to sell. We solve our economic problems and pay back the loan.”

— Mamadou Senghor, Farmer

Khady, Mamadou’s wife, proudly standing outside her new kitchen.

Having a robust and diverse farm gives Mamadou security for his family.  He uses the extra income to replace the huts on their property (comprised of clay walls,  thatched roofs, and dirt floors) with more durable buildings.  Raised off the ground with concrete floor and walls, and topped with a metal roof, his family no longer suffers during the rainy season.

Mamadou shows the remaining clay hut; all the rest have been replaced with concrete structures with metal roofs.

Having a robust and diverse farm gives Mamadou security for his family.  He uses the extra income to replace the huts on their property (comprised of clay walls,  thatched roofs, and dirt floors) with more durable buildings.  Raised off the ground with concrete floor and walls, and topped with a metal roof, his family no longer suffers during the rainy season.

“I thank the supporters of Andando and pray for them...because we know how much you help us, and how you have lifted us up.”

— Mamadou

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There are many more farmers like Mamadou who would benefit from a little boost to improve the quality of life for their families. You can make a difference, donate today.

Enjoy a Fataya (Senegalese Hand Pie)

A weary traveler purchasing fataya (Senegalese hand pie) from a street vendor.

Street vendors are a welcome sight for the weary traveler. You can get a quick snack, something to drink, fresh fruit, and even sunglasses from the comfort of your bus or upon reaching your final destination.

Fataya are a common offering from vendors. A savory street food, these delicious hand-pies are commonly filled with seasoned fish, onions, along with generous herbs and spices. Easily modified to fit your tastes, you can substitute chicken or even seasoned chickpeas for the fish. For the more brave eaters, top with kaani sauce (a hot pepper sauce often made with Scotch Bonnet peppers).

Photo Credit: Jolof Cooking

Fataya Recipe:

Dough

• 2-3 cups flour

• 1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 cup oil

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup water

Filling:

• 2 TBS oil + additional oil for frying

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• 1 pound ground meat (white fish, chicken, or substitute vegetarian option)

• 1-2 Maggi cube (or sub bullion to taste)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 TBS parsley, fresh

• 1 TBS basil, fresh

• 1 TBS cilantro, fresh

• 2 TBS green onion, finely chopped

• jalapeno, chopped (optional)

• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the 1 1/2 cups flour and remaining dough ingredients in bowl.

2. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can, and kneaduntil you have a smooth dough (adding more flour as needed - approx 8-10 min).

3. Set dough aside and let rest, covered.

4. In a large skillet or pan heat oil, add onion and meat - stirring frequently until meat is nearly cooked.

5. Add remaining ingredients and continue to cook until meat is cooked all the way through.

6. Roll dough into 3 inch round circles (approx 1/8 inch thick). Spoon a small portion of filling onto middle of dough, you want to leave enough dough to close the circle.

7. Fold the dough over to form a half circle and seal by pressing on edge with a fork.

8. Fry in extra oil until the outside is golden brown.

Enjoy!

Meet Omar, Garden Technician

Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce you to another member of our team who works on the ground in Senegal every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think they are pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the eighth in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Omar, Garden Technician.

Omar joined the Andando team as a Garden Technician in 2017..

Omar Ba is the oldest in his family, with one brother and two sisters. He grew up in Keur Guiran, a community just next to Keur Soce.

After completing high school, Omar would walk past the Andando market gardens on his way to work or running errands. He was very interested in what he saw:

“I passed by the gardens often and was very impressed with what was happening. I wanted to be a part of it.”

— Omar Ba, Garden Technician

By providing hands-on training, Omar supports the women working in the gardens with practical and accessible skills and knowledge.

He visited the gardens more often and developed a relationship with the Andando staff. In 2017 he joined our team as a Garden Technician and was one of the first technicians to relocate to the northern region of Podor when we launched gardens there in 2019.

“I enjoy the challenge of learning agriculture in the new region and new context. I am very interested in passing my knowledge onto the women that are working, and when this happens, I consider it a major success.”

— Omar

Sharing in the joy of a bountiful harvest, Omar cultivates unity in his gardens.

When he’s not working you will find Omar on the futbol (soccer) field. While everyone in Senegal seems to be exceptional players Omar tells us, “I am definitely the best futbol player on the Andando staff, and I am even the most talented moto driver on the staff – you can call me ‘Moniteur de Moto’ - The Moto Instructor!”

Nicknamed “Moniteur de Moto” (which translates to Motorcycle Instructor), Omar is the self-proclaimed Most Talented Moto Driver on the Andando staff.

Omar just recently married his fiance, Awa Diallo, in June. A celebration that the entire Andando staff had been looking forward to!

Awa and Omar celebrating on their wedding day, June 2021.

Your support enables Omar to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future.

We are excited and honored to introduce you to more of our team and share their hope for the future with you. Thank you for your support!

Click here to meet other staff.

From the Director - Thank You!

Surveying a new garden site with Boubou, Senegal Country Director.

Visiting Senegal last month, I was able to see firsthand the impact that you all have made this past year. Despite the challenges, we made huge strides in our efforts with the establishment of new gardens, increased capacity at many schools, and broadened access to healthcare.

Racky (pictured center) is President of the Lamarame Market Garden, one of four gardens participating in our aquaculture trial project (see page two for more).

Last month, you heard the story of Racky (pictured above) and I had the chance to visit with her again. It is astonishing to see her strength and resilience, and there are hundreds more stories like hers. These folks are paving their own path toward a better future, and we are so fortunate to be a part of it. 

In 2022, we plan to build on these successes with five new community gardens, more classrooms to empower young students, and building a healthier population. Your contribution makes these programs possible, and the Senegalese send along a BIG “Jerejef!” – Thank you!

Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

Senegal's National Dish Added to UNESCO's Culture Heritage List

Enjoying delicious Thiebu Jen (Rice with Fish) with the Andando team in Keur Soce. Named the National Dish of Senegal, it is often eaten for lunch in the traditional bowl-style pictured here.

On Wednesday the United Nation’s cultural agency, UNESCO, added Senegal’s national dish Thiebu Jen, to its cultural heritage list (reported by AfricaNews.com).

This delicious dish (pronounced chebbu jen) is one of the most common meals you might eat when you travel to Senegal. Made with seasoned rice (often called Jollaf rice), vegetables, and stuffed fish there is something for everyone.

Click for more from AfricaNews.com

“If UNESCO decided to make it, it is a source of pride. It is also a way to pay tribute to our mothers who ensured that this rice was well prepared. It is a way of paying tribute to them. ”

— AfricaNews.com Interview

Recipes in Senegal are traditionally passed down from mother to daughter but anyone can make this delicious dish and enjoy a little taste of Senegal.

[Photo credit Yummy Medley]

This recipe from Lois at Yummy Medley is very close to the versions we have enjoyed with our team in Senegal and is easily adaptable for a variety of dietary needs. Enjoy!

Farming Fish...in the Desert?

Readying the basins for the fish, part of a trial aquaculture project in four of our well- established gardens.

During our latest trip to Senegal, Garrison and Lewis worked with our Senegal staff to add yet another exciting element to four of our gardens near Keur Soce - Aquaculture!  In a partnership with the Auburn University, that started in 2019, we are embarking on a trial fish farming project to raise Tilapia and Clarias Catfish in the gardens. 

Filling the two large basins that will be home to Tilapia and Clarias Catfish in the gardens.

Fish are an essential part of daily life in Senegal and while dried fish are readily available throughout the country, fresh fish can sometimes be scarce in inland areas.  Producing fish locally is a wonderful addition to food security and our nutrition objectives.

Adjusting the flow rate of the drain in the bottom of the basin.

Digging the pipline that will take water from the fish basin to the garden watering basin.

But where does one get baby fish in Senegal?  Well, as with most things, you gotta know a guy.  Fish farming isn’t commonplace yet in Senegal but it does exist and there is a small network of fish producers around the country.  Our coordinator from Auburn gave us a list of phone numbers and that’s all we needed. 

Transporting fish in the back of a truck to the garden.

Weighing one of the catfish to track growth.

Naturally none of those contacts had any fish available but believe in the magic of Senegal and our Country Director Boubou!  He connected the dots from one person to the next until just a few days later, as if by magic it seemed, we were driving into town with 500 fingerlings in the back of the truck!  We introduced the fish into the basins to the general amazement from everyone, ourselves included. 

The significance of what this could mean for the gardens wasn’t lost on anyone and both the technicians and the women in the gardens were eager and attentive as we explained the project. 

Testing and maintaining an appropriate pH level will ensure a healthy living environment for the fish.

Women of the Lamarame Market Garden

We left everything in their capable hands and a month later we are happy to report that the fish are doing great!  This is only the beginning.  We’ll keep you updated as the fish grow and we see the many benefits they bring. 

Recipe: Banana Fritters

Looking for something different to serve this week at your holiday gatherings? Consider West African Banana Fritters.

Bananas are in season in Senegal! Garden participants in Podor showcase their harvest of delicious, organic bananas.

Locals in Senegal enjoy bananas in a variety of ways, one of the more common is in fritter form. Enjoy this recipe during the holidays or any time of the year.

West African Banana Fritters

Ingredients:

• 3 bananas (the more ripe, the sweeter your fritters will turn out)

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 cups all-purpose flour (adjust for desired thickness of batter)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3 tsp baking powder

• 1/8 - 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust for ripeness of banana)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)

• oil (for deep frying)

• powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Mash bananas with a fork in a large bowl.

2. Add remaining wet ingredients to bananas and combine well.

3. In a separate bowl combine all dry ingredients and add to banana mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.

4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot pour 1/4 cup batter in the oil (if you prefer a thicker batter you may need to drop batter in oil with a spoon). Flip fritter when it starts to brown on the bottom (bubbles may start to appear on the surface of the fritter).

5. Place on a paper towel lined plate and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Khoyan, President of the Market Garden in Keur Pathe Malick, prepares fritters which she sells in the market of her village.

Market Gardens boost household income of garden participants and provide food security to entire communities as well. Click here to learn more about our market gardens.

Recipe adapted from Food.com and Allrecipes.com

Advancing Education = a Better Future [Video]

When we first started construction on the Keur Soce High School we spoke with incoming freshman, Fatimata, about what this means for her.. Click here to watch the full video.

“When I heard that they were building classes here, specifically for high school, I was so happy. I didn’t want to leave my village [to attend school], I wanted to stay here, I wanted to learn here and succeed here. I love science subjects... I would like to be in a health center like a doctor.
I want to help people, to cure people.
”

— Fatimata Ba, Freshman Keur Soce High School

From the Director - October 2021

A bountiful and varied harvest of eggplant, melons, turnips, peppers, and greens provide nutrious food to hundreds of families.

It was only about eight years ago that we started our first two gardens in Keur Socé, Senegal. What began as a bit of an experiment for us, spurred on by the ambitious women’s cooperatives as to what their potential might be, launched a program that has changed the lives of thousands of people across Senegal.

We knew this had potential, seeing so many people with the skills and knowledge but without access to year-round water and other primary inputs. But we are continually blown away by what this has become – a massive boost to both tangible income and unquantifiable gains in women’s health, students’ ability to learn and grow, and renewed hope for the future for all those involved.

By the end of this year, we will have 33 gardens in operation with around 3,000 active participants. It is hard to capture just what this has done for these communities, with literally hundreds of thousands of dollars produced and circulated in local economies. One incredible milestone is that we recently reached over 500,000 pounds of produce grown in our gardens in the last couple years alone.

Outside a family home in the village of Fas Toucouleur.

This equates to a stronger, more resilient community, with dynamic economic activity, and a healthier population able to thrive where they are. We are proud of what we have built through your continued efforts, and we hope you can take joy in knowing the difference you have made. There are so many more communities we can reach, and we look forward to many more years of success.

“Jéréjëf!” – Thank You!
Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

Host an Auction Watch Party

You can help us create a sense of community AND increase your impact by hosting a Watch Party for our live-streaming auction.

“Watch Parties are a meaningful way to come together as a community and focus on a shared mission, it’s fun and joyful!
”

— Cindy, Party Host 2020 & 2021

A party can be just your household, or can include friends and family. Register your party with us by October 15th and we’ll provide a complimentary Party Box to help make things festive. Contact crystal@andando.org for more information.

Download our Watch Party Info Sheet. Or Contact Crystal@andando.org for more information.

Microloans in Action- Interview with Samba Mbaye

Each year over 100 local farmers participate in our microloan program. They each receive small (about $150 USD) interest-free loans that they use to improve their farms, increase their yields and revenue, and ultimately provide a better life for themselves and their families. We are honored to introduce you to Samba Mbaye, who has benefited from this program. He would like to share in his own words what this program means to him, his family, and his larger community.

Samba working in his millet and peanut fields.

My name is Samba Mbaye, I have a wife and six children including three boys and three girls, I am a farmer and at the same time I assume the function of city councilor in Keur Socé.

Personally, I have received micro-loans from Andando. I use these funds to buy fertilizer to enrich my millet and peanut fields because I keep seeds very often. I have been able to fertilize four hectares (approx. 10 acres) of fields thanks to the accompaniment and support of the Andando staff who reinforced my motivation to profit from this unused field perimeter to hope for a good production.

Samba with his wife and children in their home.

The funding had a big impact on me. All of Andando’s actions impact on me. The loans have positively benefitted my family, because after the harvest we manage to preserve food (peanuts and millet) until the next winter. Andando supports us at a very important time in the life of the farmer because at this time it is difficult to access financial assistance.

Farmers at the annual microloan distribution.

Andando's actions impact my community because they really feel his support in many areas because Andando is open to everyone, he has no borders with anyone. It helps all the vulnerable layers of my community (women, children, farmers, etc.).

Eating a family meal around a communal bowl.

The support of farmers has an impact on the community, because after harvest farmers can sell to their community so they have something to eat, this contributes to nutrition, and food security, and has an impact on the economy as well. Andando’s projects have an impact on all communities, because Andando provides service to the whole community.

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There are many more farmers like Samba who would benefit from a little boost to improve the quality of life for their families. You can make a difference, donate today.

From the Director - July 2021

Early last month, we distributed nearly 100 microloans to farmers in the Keur Socé area. Our microloan program is one of the earliest programs we initiated in Senegal. Over ten years old (!) it has grown to be one of our more successful – and popular programs! – having reached well over 1,500 people!

Some of the farmers who received microloans at our June distribution.

This year’s recipients will take advantage of early pricing for crop inputs ahead of the rainy season. At just over $100 each, these interest-free loans help farmers in a big way to avoid exploitative lending practices that can eat up most of their profit at the end of the harvest season. The farmers keep more of what they grow in their own pocket, and build toward a better future.

A farmer with his son seeding their peanut field in anticipation of the rainy season.

“The funding had a big impact on me and my family. After the harvest we manage to preserve food (peanuts and millet) until the next winter. Andando supports us at a very important time in the life of the farmer because at this time it is difficult to access financial assistance.”

— Samba Mbaye – farmer and past microloan recipient in Keur Socé

With a 100% payback rate over the last several years, loans are recirculated in the community again and again, keeping the money and the growth local. This program embodies our philosophy of helping people help themselves, and meeting them where they are. We are proud of our team for safely and efficiently coordinating this program along with local authorities. Now we hope for rain and wish the farmers a happy and healthy growing season!

“Jéréjëf!” – Thank You!
Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

Meet Abdou, Garden Technician

Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce you to another member of our team who works on the ground in Senegal every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think they are pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the sixth in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Abdou, Garden Technician.

Abdou joined the Andando team as a Garden Technician in 2018.

Abdou Salam Ba joined the Andando team in 2018 as one of our Garden Technicians. He was born and raised in Fas Toucouleur with histhree brothers and two sisters. He met his wife Diawo, who is from a neighboring village, and together they raised eight children. They currently live in Fas Toucouleur with their children and 12 grandchildren.

An early family photo of Abdou with his wife, Diawo, and their four eldest children.

Growing up Abdou learned all about farming the way most children in the region do, from his parents. From a young age he developed a real knack and a deep appreciation for agriculture, animal husbandry, and household governance.

Abdou planting trees with a Peace Corps Volunteer.

After completing his schooling he went on to work with the Department of Water and Forestry. Through the years, Abdou continued his training with a variety of other agriculture organizations including the Peace Corps.

Transplanting young trees in his orchard, Abdou developed and maintains an impressive and productive family garden.

He developed maintains an impressive orchard on his own family plot and continues to work with Peace Corps Volunteers in the area.

Abdou filing planting sheaths with one his daughters at his family plot.

When his own children got old enough, he started passing down his knowledge to them, including his son, Mandaw (who joined our team in 2012 and manages all the area garden technicians, including Abdou.)

Abdou (right) teaching his son Mandaw (left) on their family farm.

Abdou (right) with his son, Mandaw (left), in the Fax Toucouleur Garden in 2019.

“Administratively, I am under the responsibility of my son but he always comes to me when he encounters difficulties and I always continue to strengthen his capacities.

When a person feels comfortable in their job, they will have the love and passion to work at any time of the day. We must have a love of work because only work can allow the individual to meet his needs and raise his status to the highest point.””

— Abdou Salam Ba

A magnificent mango tree, one of many food producing trees in Abdou’s orchard.

In his free time Abdou enjoys watching documentaries and listening to music, particularly from Mali and Guinea. He is also passionate about environmental issues and enjoys helping his neighbors and others in the area improve their soil for cultivation. He is known to make house calls when someone is experiencing particularly challenging instances of pests or other problems.

Abdou enjoys sharing his knowledge so everyone benefits. He is the Garden Technician at the Fas Toucouleur Women’s Garden Collective.

Your support enables Abdou to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future.

Daiwo (Aobdou’s wife) holding one of their grandchildren, also named Abdou after his grandfather. (Abdou Jr is the son of Mandaw, Andando Lead Garden Technician in Keur Soce.)

We are excited and honored to introduce you to more of our team and share their hope for the future with you. Thank you for your support!

Click here to meet other staff.

We Need Your Help - Now Accepting Auction Donations

Do you have a special skill or item/product? Help fund life-changing programs in Senegal by donating an auction item for our fall fundraiser.

Items that do well are memorable or one-of-a-kind such as hand-made items, experiences, services, vacations (or stay-cations), etc.

Brew Your Own Beer with Founder Kevin has been a popular auction item for many years. What special skill or item/product can you share?

Need some ideas? These items have done well in the past:

• Baked Goods or Flowers Delivered Monthly

• Massages

• Instructional DIY (Brew Your Own Beer, Paint Party, etc.)

• Services such as lawn care, cleaning, painting, etc.

• Sports events or performances

Contact crystal@andando.org for more information.

It’s “Canning” Season in Senegal!

While we may be just starting the gardening season in the Pacific Northwest, and other parts of the United States, it’s “canning” season in Senegal!

The gardens often produce more food than the families can eat and sell and garden participants are creative in how they maximize their harvests.

Ndouima Sall has a plot in the Mboyo Garden.

“Since the garden has been in Mboyo, we are so happy, and we have a good production, especially of turnips.”

— Ndiouma Sall - Mboyo Garden

When gardens produce more than can be consumed, the women quickly set to preserving the excess so it will be available later.

“We have to process it in order to keep it. So we take the turnips, wash them, and transform them, putting them into bottles so they can stay for six months. And during the six months they wont perish.”

— Ndiouma Sall - Mboyo Garden

Racky Niane also has a plot in the Mboyo Garden. She explains the how preserving the turnips not only extends their shelf-life, but also adds additional forms of income for the women and their families.

“After we transform it we can sell it. A big bottle, which hold a kilogram (2 1/4 pounds), sells for 500cfa (about $1 USD). There is a smaller one, a half kilo, it sells for 250cfa. And finally a 250g bottle, sells for 125cfa.

We can use everything, we are not losing, even if we have an overproduction. We know how to keep it so we can use it in the future. ”

— Racky Naine - Mboyo Garden

Racky Niane, of the Mboyo Garden

The women of the Mboyo Garden are very happy for the help you have brought to their community. With your support more communities will benefit from increased food and financial security.

Fueling Future Leaders - Interview with Mbaye Ndiaye

This year was an unusual school year for students all over the world, and our partner schools in Senegal were no exception.  Students in rural Senegal faced even more food insecurity this year due to Covid. 

Students enjoying their breakfast outside of their classroom with Andando Project Manager, Camara (pictured in green shirt and green mask).

“We believe that to truly learn children must have proper nutrition to fuel their bodies and their brains. If they are hungry it’s very difficult for them to concentrate and learn.”

— Linda Tedisch - Altrusa Albany, International Chair

Thanks to a special grant from Altrusa International, Altrusa Albany, and additional support by Vibrant Village, over 1,500 students could count on getting a free, nutritious breakfast at school so they could focus on their studies.

“Altrusa International of Albany's main focus is the support of literacy and one of the ways to support literacy is to make sure the children's basic needs are met. We believe that to truly learn children must have proper nutrition to fuel their bodies and their brains. If they are hungry it's very difficult for them to concentrate and learn; helping support a nutrition program helps to meet that goal.

Being able to do that in another country helps us to extend help to the International Community . We feel honored to be able to partner with Andando in this mission.”

-Linda Tedisch, International Chair Altrusa Albany

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We sat down with school PTA leader, Mbaye Ndiaye, to get his take on how the nutritional program impacts students in his community.

My name is Mbaye Ndiaye, I am the deputy of the Association of Parents of Pupils in the community of Mbouma. I am a married farmer with a wife and I have eight children.

Following a fire which destroyed the temporary straw classrooms, Andando built us new brick and mortar classrooms in Mbouma. Since then, the school has experienced a great leap forward, a considerable advancement.

Exterior of a block of classrooms.

Andando has supported the school system in Mbouma by building these two new classrooms and adding a nutritional program since the resumption of school following the lifting of restrictions with the pandemic of Covid-19.

During the resumption of classes, Andando brought breakfast to all the students until the day of their final exams, including the teachers and examiners – everyone was well taken care of.

What Andando has done is enormous!

Before when we did not have the schools, gardens, and health posts, we lived in difficulty, poverty, and precariousness. Students had to travel far to neighboring villages to attend school. As soon as Andando built classrooms, our children were excited to stay in our village and complete their schooling, Andando made this possible.

Schools provide hope for a brighter future for the students attending them as well as the larger community.

It is good to have these basic social infrastructures because it improves the living conditions of everyone in the community. Since Andando came to our village, we have witnessed a lot of positive change: education and teaching have improved, fruits and vegetables are no longer difficult to access, and health care is closer to the people.

Gardens increase food security for hundreds of families by providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, year round.

Everything that was difficult before is easy to have now.

My family personally has benefited because we can enroll our children in school. I have a lot of hope because having a school allows my children to learn in very favorable conditions. For my community, the health post helps us to have good health and better access to care. When we have good health, we have time to work and go to school.

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Thank you for making this possible for Mbaye and his community. There are many other parents like him, who want to provide their children with quality education for their future. You can join with them to make this happen, consider making a donation today! “Jerejef!” from us and from the people of Senegal!