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 Seynabou, Garden Technician.
Seynabou joined the Andando team in 2019..
Seynabou (pronounced Say-nə-boo) Ndao joined our team in 2019. She comes from a large mixed family and is the oldest of her immediate siblings, with two sisters and three brothers. She grew up in the village of Sagatta Djioloff, in the northern region of Senegal, near Podor.
Joking around with some of her siblings, Seynabou is pictured with white head scarf.
Seynabou as a young girl, approximately six years old.
Seynabou attended both elementary and junior high school in her village where she was always among the top students. However, there was not a high school in her village, so she moved in with her aunt and uncle nearby in Louga where she excelled and completed high school.
Drawn to the sciences, Seynabou continued her education at University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar where she studied physics and chemistry. Her program included a six month internship, and she was given a list of partner businesses and nonprofits to choose from. This is how Seynabou first heard about Andando, and we were her first choice for her internship!
At university with some of her classmates (Seynabou is second from left with blue scarf).
Moving to Keur Soce was a great adventure: the way of life was different, the food was different, the ethnic groups and languages spoken in rural villages were different. But that didn’t stop Seynabou. She made quick friends with the staff and garden participants and became a great asset to the team.
After completing her internship and graduating from university, we asked if she would continue on with us as a Garden Technician --she said yes!
Testing out some equipment with fellow interns. Seynabou is center.
“What attracted me to the women is the way they integrate themselves, the familiarity. I am free, and I really enjoy working with them.
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Seynabou is incredibly social and loves spending time with people. You might find her displaying some of her gymnastics skills. She’s also a bit of a jokester and will perform comedy bits much to the amusement of others.
Seynabou loves gymnastics and was on her high school team. She has been known to give a special performance in the villages from time to time.
Building lasting relationships with the garden participants is very important to Seynabou. She is pictured here with a baby who was named after her.
Your support enables Seynabou to help her 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!