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 tenth in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Badiane, Garden Technician.
Badiane joined the Andando team in 2016..
Baba Khady Badiane, who goes by Badiane (pronounced Bye-jon) joined our team in 2016. He comes from a large family and grew up in Guindor, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Keur Soce.
Unfortunately, Badiane had to stop attending school after junior high because his family did not have the means to continue sending him. This did not deter Badiane however, he proactively sought out every opportunity to continue learning and advancing himself.
Badiane has started several of our gardens from the ground up, and is a vital resource to the communities we serve.
He started working with another NGO (non governmental organization) in Senegal, called APROFES. It was here that he received formal training in agriculture techniques and seed saving. While this work was voluntary and did not provide Badiane an actual income, the knowledge he gained from the experience propelled his career in agriculture forward. He also received a diploma from USAID in food preservation and drying which is especially helpful when there is an abundance of crops.
Badiane holding packets of local heirloom seeds as part of a new seed saving program.
Badiane joined our team as our second Garden Technician and has been responsible for starting many of our gardens in the Keur Soce region. He is excited to lead a new seed saving program in the gardens.
“Agriculture is a really nice job. If you are on it, you will see results. Really you will have good health. Also you will solve almost all your problems.”
- Badiane, Garden Technician
Standing outside his home, Badiane is pictured with some of the members of his family in the village of Guindor.
Badiane is the father of nine children, the oldest is 20 and the youngest is three years old. They live together in Guindor, which is about 20 minutes by moto (scooter) from the Andando headquarters in Keur Soce.
When he is not working Badiane manages the family chickens and sheep. He also loves futbol (soccer) and was a very good goalie when he played in school.
Your support enables Badiane to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future!