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.”
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.”
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!