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 Thiam, Podor Program Manager.
Thiam joined the Andando team in 2018.
Hamedine Thiam, goes by Thiam (pronounced Cham), joined our team in 2018.
He is an only child and grew up in Donaye Walo in the norther Podor region of Senegal. When he was only five years old Thiam’s father died but he was fortunate to have a close family and his grandmother stepped in to help. He attended elementary school in his home village and continued on to high school in Podor.
With a real knack for mathematics, Thiam moved to Dakar and received technical training from Maurice de la Fossee with a specialty in accounting.
A photo of Faty and Thiam from their wedding in 1980. They are celebrating their 43th wedding anniversary this year.
He met and married his wife, Faty Thiam, and they have celebrated over 40 years together. They raised their seven children (4 boys and 3 girls) in Dakar where Thiam worked for various financial institutions.
A respected member of the community Thiam (pictured right) builds and maintains relationships with community leaders to ensure the long-term success of our programs.
With extensive experience in accounting Thiam excelled as a trainer in microfinance and rural development. After 34 years, he retired and returned to the Podor area. Their oldest son stayed in Dakar for work. Their other children returned with them to get married, work, and go to school. Fun fact: Thiam’s granddaughters attend the high school Andando constructed in Donaye Taredji!
Putting his skills and experience to good use he joined the Andando team to manage our Podor microloan program. Now he coordinates the Podor Region programs and provides accounting support for all of the Andando initiatives.
Thiam listens to the needs and ideas of our program participants to improve our initiatives to better serve communities.
“My passion in life is to be of service for the good of society. My hope is for Andando to continue to grow in Senegal in order to fight malnutrition, strengthen health and education, and reduce unemployment and the heavy work of women.”
Thiam brings his decades of accounting experience to help teach financial literacy skills to our women’s gardens.
When he is not working Thiam manages the family’s poultry farm and agriculture activities. He also enjoys listening to and watching soccer and wrestling.
Your support enables Thiam to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future!