Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce to 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 fourth in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Gorgui, Garden Technician in Podor.
Gorgui joined the Andando team as a Garden Technician in 2017.
Alassane Ba, who goes by Gorgui (pronounced Gore-gee) joined the Andando team in 2017 as one of our Garden Technicians. He grew up in a small village near Keur Soce and is childhood friends of another on our team, Mandaw.
Working as a team, Gorgui (left) is pictured here with Mandaw (center) and a local toolmaker (right), holding brand new tools for the garden cooperatives.
After completing school, Gorgui became interested in market gardening. He gained some hands-on experience before approaching a local Master Farmer for permission to train under them. With these skills Gorgui was a perfect fit to join our intern program, after which he came on to our staff full-time.
Technicians are a vital part of our team, because they work directly with the garden participants and leadership to ensure each garden is a success.
“Gardening is one of the trades that I enjoy the most, it gives happiness, that is why I embraced this profession.”
While Gorgui takes his work very seriously, he also knows how to have a good time and is known as a bit of a jokester with fellow staff.
In this family picture (taken in July 2019) Gorgui is with his wife, Sebe, and their two sons, Amadou and Cheikh. Since then they have welcomed their first daughter, Fatou (pictured below).
Sebe with seven-month-old daughter, Fatou.
When he’s not working you will find Gorgui enjoying sports, specifically “Lamb” (Wolof for Senegalese wrestling.) This sport has strong connections to traditional wrestling in Senegal and deep cultural meaning for the athletes and the fans alike.
Your support enables Gorgui to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future.
Gorgui with members of his extended family.
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!