Bottle Drop: Holiday Match & 12 Days of Give-mas

BottleDrop’s Holiday Match will take place from November 15 – December 1. During this time BottleDrop will match 20% of our Blue Bag credits and online donations. The match will be done on a first come, first served basis, up to $12,000 in total match dollars.

Need bags? Send us a message and we’ll put some in the mail for you: crystal@andando.org or 541.224.7990

From Nov 15- Dec 1 BottleDrop will match 20% of our Blue Bag credits and online donations.

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Social Media Contest:

A second part of the fun is the 12 Days of Give-mas social media contest. From November 15 – December 23, make as many social media posts showcasing your Holiday Give efforts. This can be on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. See more details on how to participate below.

Then, from December 12 – 23, BottleDrop will pick one lucky nonprofit at random *each day* and issue a $250 credit to that account – for a total of $3,000 in social media prizes. BottleDrop will notify winners by commenting on the fundraiser’s post.

12 Days of Give-mas Guidelines:

• Posts must be public and tag BottleDrop and Andando (so we can see them!)

• You can post on on Facebook , Instagram, and/or Twitter.

• Please tag us in whatever social channel you make the post - @oregonbottledrop and @TheAndandoFoundation on Facebook, @oregonbottledrop and @andandofoundation on Instagram or @ORBottleDrop and @theandando on Twitter.

• Posts must include the hashtag #HolidayGive2020. Feel free to use other hashtags to further your reach!

• Posts can be made by the official nonprofit page or by one of our supporters.

• Posts must clearly identify the nonprofit organization in order to be considered for a prize.

• Posts must include a photo or video that helps showcase your efforts. Whether you’re collecting containers, filling up Blue Bags, dropping Blue Bags, or just having fun – it’s a great way to show others how they can get involved and help support Andando with their bottles and cans. Be creative and have fun!
  
  Fine Print:
  By tagging Oregon BottleDrop in social media posts, participants agree to allow their content, such as photos, videos, or text, to be used and shared by BottleDrop for promotional purposes.
  

Video: How to use Door Drop

What is BottleDrop?
BottleDrop is a clean convenient way to return your bottles and cans and claim the deposit. There are two ways you can help Andando through BottleDrop:

1. Fill blue fundraising bags with cans and bottles. Drop off at your local BottleDrop location. Andando will receive the funds from your bags.

2. Already have a BottleDrop account? You can transfer funds directly from your account to Andando online.
   Need bags? Send us a message and we’ll put some in the mail for you: crystal@andando.org or 541.224.7990

Health Posts and Gardens in Action [Video]

We recently sat down to talk with local health workers and garden participants. They shared with us in this video how they think the projects are going in their communities. Click here to watch the full video. You can also read the transcript below.

“Andando has helped us to build many health posts... also they give us some of the basic tools and medicines. We had another building that was for vaccinations, but we could not use it - but now we can because Andando renovated it.”

— Umu Barry, Head Nurse, Keur Soce Health Clinic

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Video Transcript:

Hey guys, I am Boubou Sy, I am the Country Director of Andando.  For those who don’t know me, I have been with Andando for a very long time, since the beginning. 

I came here (Keur Soce) in 2006, and since we have been working, and helping, and also for Andando to set here.

-Boubou Sy, Andando Country Director

Andando has achieved a lot for our village, and we really thank Andando from the bottom of our hearts.

Since Andando came to Mbadhiou, we have peace. Since they arrive we have no more worries and we thank you.

-Woury Sow, Mbadhiou Peulh – Garden Member

I am a mother of ten children including six boys and four girls.  Thanks to Andando, I have a job doing small business – I became a women entrepreneur in the field of commerce.  Before, I had not occupation, now with Andando, I grow and sell vegetables.

-Khady Sow, Mbadhiou Peulh – Garden Member

Thanks to Andando, our community lives well.  The local economy is developing because all the women in the garden without exception have the capacity to earn maybe $5 a day, this did not exist before.

We thank God, because we cultivate all the varieties of vegetables which we use in our meals.

-Woury Sow

In the past, I had a huge problem providing for the needs of the family. Now, since the garden is installed, I take good care of my family and myself.

The important thing is that if we create gardens for other communities, they will become self-sufficient in terms of food security.

-Khady Sow

We hope this program can grow to other communities as I inform them that if they will have an organization like Andando they will believe in the work and they will have the esteem of others wherever they are. They will be independent and have confidence in themselves.

-Woury So

The health sector, if you see they had only one health post.  It was not working, but Andando has been helping them by building many health posts around.  I think now they are really enjoying.

-Boubou Sy

Before Andando came here, the population of Sama and the other surrounding villages were depending on us here, but we have a lot of difficulties as far as just caring for them with the lack of health post. But we thank the Lord, since Andando came here, all of those problems are almost solved.

-Nene Sy, Midwife – Sama Toucouleur Health Post

They have helped us to build many health posts. Sometimes they build and sometimes they renovate the buildings that we have to make them functional. And also they give us some of the basic tools and medicines.  We had another building that was for vaccinations, but we could not use it - but now we can because Andando renovated it.

-Umu Barry, Head Nurse – Keur Soce Clinic

When Andando came here and assist us with this very nice health post, it did not cost us as Andando has taken care of everything. They brought the material and all the medicines, and that is the support we needed. Since that time, this health post has been working very well and we have really started to see the difference it can make in our community. We are so happy for that, that we no longer have any problem since Andando came here.

-Nene Sy

Andando is our first partner and is a very dedicated partner. We have seen all that Andando has does for us we thank Andando for that and we praise the lord for Andando.

-Umu Barry

Now when you tell them Andando, you see everybody, they are you know, they are lively because, even the word Andando they pronounce it with joy with happiness because they have known that really what Andando helped them to do.  They are very determined, and now they are very, when you talk about Andando they are so happy because they know that where Andando take them from and where they are now, this is what we can do.

-Boubou Sy

Meet Camara, Andando’s Project Manager, Keur Soce

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team on the ground in Senegal, working every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think this team is pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the third in a series introducing the people that make it all possible.(Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Camara, our Keur Soce Project Manager.

Camara joined the Andando team as our Keur Soce Project Manager in 2016.

Camara presenting at a team meeting.

Mamadou Camara, who also goes by Camara (pronounced Ka-mara), started with Andando in 2016.  Though Camara was born and raised in Kaolack (a larger town 13 miles from our offices in Keur Soce) most of his extended family is in Guena, Mali.  He is the middle child with eight siblings.

After high school, Camara attended Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis (northern region of Senegal) where he studied Business.  Earning a professional license in Project Management he went on to manage a real estate agency. Prior to joining Andando, Camara organized a community development project using microfinance (much like our microloan program).  This included providing trainings in financial education, life skills, and entrepreneurship. 

With this broad and extensive expertise, Camara was the perfect choice to fill the role of our Project Manager in Keur Soce where he oversees all of our projects including our nutritional program in schools and working with health post workers. 

Camara (right) with Mandaw (left) distributing soap and other sanitation supplies to a local health post.

Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with local leadership ensures our programs have the local support needed to be successful. Pictured left to right (Camara, Boubou, Deputy Governor, Mandaw)

He works with Mandaw (Lead Garden Technician) to keep the microloan and community garden programs running smoothly. He is also responsible for collaborating with the village chiefs, mayors and the sub-prefect.  Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with these leaders is vital because we need the permission and blessing of local authorities in order to initiate our programs in their communities.

Part of Camara’s responsibilities include overseeing the education and nutrition programs, which have increased students’ test scores.

Camara and his wife, Mariama Keita, have two children: a five-year-old daughter, Fanta; and their son, Omar, who just turned two years old earlier this month. Family is incredible important to Camara:

“Africa has sociologically its own definition of the family. Each person comes from a family, and we are committed to helping our families, to meet their needs at all levels because in Africa it is beautiful to work, however everything will be returned to the benefit of the family.”

— Camara

Camara with his wife, Mariama, and their two children, Omar and Fanta.

When he’s not working you will find Camara enjoying sports or listening to music. He especially likes Salif Keita, a musician from Mali. Your support enables Camara 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!

(Click here to see others in this series.)

Project Updates & Meeting the President of Senegal

Senegal has opened its borders for travel once again! One of our founders, Fiona, was able to make our first country visit since the start of the pandemic. (International travel is currently permitted so long as the traveler produced a negative Covid-19 test.)

Visiting the school in Agnam (in the Podor region), a potential site for future development.

As soon as the regional lock down on travel was lifted, our team sprung into action. Three of four new gardens have been completed since June, one more is halfway done, two classroom projects and a health post have been started, all while maintaining the ongoing work. Fiona says, “Our staff are superstars!”

Visiting with the midwives and medical staff of the health post in Biddy.

In addition to spending some quality time with our team, Fiona also toured some new sites for future development in both the Podor and Keur Soce regions. Both regions were lush and green from the recent rains.

Members of the Keur Ngor community using sandbags to protect their garden from run off and flooding caused by excessive rains.

Some parts of Senegal have received as much as 8 inches of rain overnight which resulted in some localized flooding. Fortunately, our areas were not significantly impacted and communities have used sandbags to protect gardens and other areas from flooding.

Inside an elementary school classroom under construction in Donaye Tarédj.

The most unexpected thing that happened during the trip was a surprise visit from the President of Senegal, Macky Sall. The Mayor of Keur Soce was informed that the President would be stopping by Keur Soce on his way to see a government-financed rice project just outside of town. Mayor Malick Ndiegane said he could choose four people to meet the President and two should be from Andando!

We had the honor of meeting President Macky Sall in his recent visit to a government-financed rice project near our base in Keur Soce. One of our founders, Fiona, is pictured here with President Sall.

Boubou Sy (Andando Country Director) and Fiona represented Andando. President Sall asked about what we did, how often we were in Senegal, how long we had been there, etc. He spoke with us for quite some time and we were able to congratulated him on his government’s steps toward development. It was a huge honor to meet the President, a very successful trip.

Fiona and some of our staff demonstrating the variety of trees we are growing as part of our reforestation project.

Your support enables our staff to continue to build these strong connections in the community. Thank you for investing in their future!

AmazonSmile Now Available on App

Did you know that you can now use AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app? Once activated orders made using the Amazon app on iPhone & Android phones will result in a donation made to Andando. Orders made on tablets and computers still need to be made using www.smile.amazon.com

All you have to do is activate it with your mobile app. Below are some quick instructions on how to set it up. (Scroll down for more detailed instructions with screen shots.)

Turn on AmazonSmile

Open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone. More detailed instructions below.

New to AmazonSmile?

If you are new to AmazonSmile, or need instructions on how to select Andando as your favorite charity, click here for more information and instructions.

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Detailed Instructions to Turn on AmazonSmile in the App

1. Open the app and tap on the More icon (☰), lower right on the main menu bar.

2. Scroll down and tap ‘Settings.’

3. Tap ‘AmazonSmile.’

4. This will take you to a screen where your charity of choice is listed. If you haven’t already activiated your device you will see “NOT generating donations - OFF”. Tap ‘Turn on AmazonSmile’ to activate.

5. Tap ‘Continue.’

6. Tap ‘Got It.’

7. Tap ‘Turn on AmazonSmile’ to confirm.

8. And you’re all set. You will need to confirm on each device twice a year. Amazon will send you reminders.

Planting Seeds for the Future

Volunteers from the community along with Andando staff after a very successful seed planting session.

Together with the help from members of the community, we have nearly realized our reforestation goal. Last year we started an ambitious goal of 50,000 trees that will be used as live fencing, shade trees, and for food production. Over 40,000 trees have been planted so far!

Over 40,000 trees have been started as part of our reforestation project.

Initially the seeds are planted in plastic sleeves that allow for proper watering and then they are grown under the cover of the greenhouse constructed on-site at our headquarters in Keur Soce.

Inside the greenhouse, Mandaw is holding one of the first trees we planted.

The greenhouse is covered with a special screen that protects the young plants from the scorching sun as well as from birds that would eat the seedlings before they could get established.

Trees inside the greenhouse are thriving (some are almost touching the ceiling) and are ready to be transplanted.

With the coming of the rainy season we have been able to start some trees directly in the ground, rather than having to start them as seeds, then later transplant them.

The Mayor of Keur Soce joined us for a ceremonial tree planting in honor of Senegal’s Arbor Day.

Recently, we celebrated Senegal’s Arbor Day with the blessing of the Mayor of Keur Soce and the Deputy Mayor who joined us in the ceremonial planting of two trees. In the environmental field trees symbolically are sources of vitality and sustainable development. The Mayor thanked Andando for our development actions within his community, especially the honor that he is granted through the planting of trees and watering them because “together these two elements are the source of life.”

The Mayor of Keur Soce along with his Deputy and the Andando staff ceremonially planting a tree in honor of Senegal’s Arbor Day.

We are grateful to have the support and collaboration with local authorities which enables our sustainable work. Your support allows our team in Senegal to continue to nurture these relationships and invest in the future of the communities we serve.

Senegal and Covid-19

With a land mass similar to Oregon and nearly 16 million inhabitants, Senegal has been able to keep their Covid-19 numbers relatively low.

At the writing of this Senegal is reporting 12,446 cases of Covid-19 and 258 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. With a land area similar to Oregon and nearly 16 million inhabitants they have been able to keep their numbers relatively low.

Interregional travel has been drastically restricted over the last several months, but is slowly starting to open up. International travel is restricted to only residents of Senegal. (See updated information from the US Embassy in Senegal.)

We recently met with a team of traveling health educators near Keur Soce. This “Coronavirus Advice Car” travels around to various communities providing education so the population can protect themselves from Covid-19.

When visiting the rural villages, residents told them how Andando is supporting them during this time. They congratulated us on our fight against Covid-19 and our country director, Boubou, thanked them for their presence and advice saying “Know that you and us are sharing the fight.” Before their departure our team shared some face masks with them.

We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to keep our staff and communities safe.

Click here to see what our team is doing to help those most vulnerable and ways you can help.

Meet Mandaw, Andando’s Lead Garden Technician

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team on the ground in Senegal, working every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think this team is pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the second in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Mandaw, our Lead Garden Technician.

Mandaw joined the Andando team as our first Garden Technician in 2012.

“I am very happy to work to help my compatriots. As a Senegalese, I must do my best through my knowledge to support them in the field. I really want the Senegalese to know about the importance of organic vegetables. When the person does not know the basis of his economy, he has no knowledge of himself.”

— Mandaw, Lead Garden Technician

Like most of our Garden Technicians, Mandaw uses a scooter (or moto) to travel between the garden sites and provide support to the women’s garden collectives.

Mamadou Ba, or Mandaw (pronounced Mon-dow) to his friends, has been working with Andando since 2012. Born and raised in Fas Toucouleur (a village three miles from our offices in Keur Soce), Mandaw is well-known and respected in the community.

Growing up, Mandaw learned horticulture and arboriculture from his father, who is a Master Farmer through the Peace Corps program. He worked with his father for 10 years before he joined Andando as our very first Garden Technician.

Mandaw with his father, Abdou Salam Ba, in the Fas Toucouleur Community Garden. (Abdou joined the Andando team in 2018.)

Mandaw brought with him years of experience and knowledge of local and traditional methods of agriculture including grafting techniques, treatment and prospecting of soil and plants, and natural methods of pest control.

Checking on the seedling nursery, Mandaw teaches those new to gardening how to propagate and rotate crops.

Working directly with the women in the community gardens, Mandaw teaches skills such as how to construct a small nursery and germinate seeds, proper care and transplanting of seedlings, pest control and disease treatment, and how to make safe and effective fertilizer to boost crop production.

Teaching sustainable garden techniques gives participants the knowledge to become self-reliant.

Over the years the number of our community gardens has increased, and it became necessary to bring on additional Garden Technicians. Mandaw moved into the role of Lead Garden Technician, training new staff and overseeing the entire community garden program.

Mandaw (center) oversees the entire community garden program including training new Garden Technicians and supporting Agriculture Interns from Dakar University.

Mandaw with some of his extended family. In Senegal it is common for multiple generations to live together on a family-owned piece of land.

The oldest of eight, Mandaw lives with his relatives on a family-owned piece of land. He and his wife, Souadou, welcomed their first child, Abdou, last year.

Mandaw and his wife, Souadou, welcomed their first child, Abdou (named after Mandaw’s father), last year.

When he is not working Mandaw enjoys listening to music and will often be the first to get up and start dancing. Your support enables Mandaw to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future!

Andando staff show off their dance moves along with the women of the Ndioufene Community Garden celebrating its opening. Mandaw is pictured on the left.

Update (Feb 9, 2023): Congratulations to Mandaw and his wife, Souadou, who recently welcomed their second child, Boubou! (Pictured left to right: Boubou Sy (Country Director) holding baby Boubou, Soudadou and Mandaw.)

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!

Click here to meet other staff.

From the Director - July 2020

Earlier this spring, we asked you to join with us in mobilizing emergency aid, and you responded in an impressive way! In two rounds of distributions, we were able to deliver over 100,000 pounds of rice, thousands of packs of soap and supplies, and several thousand masks!!

In the northern region of Podor, delivering emergency supplies of rice, soap, and masks. Many communities have been cut off from supplies due to travel restrictions related to Covid-19.

These efforts helped over 2,000 families! The communities’ responses have been those of deep gratitude, and expressing the profound appreciation for a partnership that is able to adapt quickly in challenging times.

Once the supplies reach the villages they are distributed to those most in need.

Food security has long been an issue in Senegal. The large portion of those we work with get by on daily earnings derived from small market activities, to go with the occasional boost such as those during harvest times.

Community members sharing their thanks with the Andando staff (wearing green shirts).

The emergency supplies you provided not only met emergent needs caused by the pandemic, but also will hold families over long enough to gain a foothold until the next harvest season. When life finally does get back to normal, we know that these communities will continue to be transformed. It’s not too late to help with this effort—your gift today will strengthen families’ resilience.

“Jéréjëf!” – Thank You!
Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

New Garden Construction is Underway

Construction has started on three new gardens! For three months Senegal placed a ban on interregional travel to curb the spread of coronavirus. As of the end of June this ban was lifted, which means our team can restart garden construction that was halted in the spring.

Delivery of construction material at the Mbaylar garden.

The new gardens are being installed in Mbaylar and Batara Wolof (both about six miles from our hub in Keur Soce); and Mboyo Walo (in the northern region of Podor). Combined they will serve over 300 families and their larger communities will also benefit from access to fresh, local produce.

Masons pour the foundation of one of the watering basins. There are a total of five in each garden.

Bricks are formed on location. These bricks will form the walls of the pump house building.

Communities with gardens have been much more resilient during the coronavirus due to a steady supply of fruits and vegetables.  We are excited to partner with these communities to help strengthen them for the future. 

Excavating and framing the solar pump house. This structure will hold the solar panels and above ground water reservoir.

MORE PICTURES COMING SOON!

Microloans, Horses, and Goats

Some of the farmers that received microloans at this year’s distribution in June.

Over 100 local farmers received microloans to expand their crops which will increase their financial security.

Modou showing us his field where he used the purchase of a horse to increase his crop yield.

We touched base with one of last year’s recipients, Modou Sakho. He used his loan to buy a horse which increased his crop yield. The additional crops bolstered his family food rations and he sold the extra. With the additional funds he bought goats which he will be able to breed for meat as well as to generate income.

““Que Andando amoul morom. (Andando has no equal.)“

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— Modou Sakho, Microloan Recipient

Farmers and their family members working the fields.

Microloans have been a boost to the economy of rural Senegal. Without access to credit, it is very difficult to make investments for the future. Over the last 12+ years over 1,200 loans have been distributed with a payback rate of over 98%!

Korité - A Celebration of the End of Ramadan

For many, today marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.  (For more on Ramadan, click here.)  Islam is the largest religion in Senegal and many of our staff and partners have been observing Ramadan for the past 30 days.

Mandaw (Andando Lead Garden Technician) with the other members of his household. In Senegal it is common for multiple generations to live together.

Eid al-Fitr (or Korité in Senegal) is the celebration of the end of Ramadan - an important holiday – it  can last for several days!  Families normally travel back to their villages to spend this holiday with their extended family, or at the very least visit with their neighbors and exchange greetings and small gifts.

As with any celebration in Senegal there will be new vibrant clothing and delicious food, what is unusual about this year is that revelers will be practicing social distancing. (More on Eid al-Fitr during the time of coronavirus here.)

Bread is a common staple for breaking the fast and bakeries in the capital city of Dakar have been offering free delivery to help stop of the spread of coronavirus.

Travel restrictions are still in effect in Senegal. This includes its borders as well as inter-regional travel. And while we are cautiously optimistic that these measures are helping curb the spread of coronavirus it is also making it difficult for rural families to access staples such as rice and soap.

Participants in the garden collectives have been working hard to maximize their production which are now the sole source of produce for many communities. Village chiefs, mayors, and residents have expressed their gratitude for the gardens.

Sorting the emergency supplies to distribute to hundreds of families in rural communities.

Thanks to your support, an emergency distribution of these hard to get supplies such as rice, soap, and face masks were delivered to hundreds of families. (Click here to see more on the distribution.)

“If it were not due to the Andando provision we would have nothing to cook.”

— Member of Ouro Madiw Village

Thank you for making this time a little brighter for the families we serve. To all our friends in Senegal, “Korité Mubarack” - Wishing you a blessed Korité!

Emergency Supplies Distributed

Supplies have reached the villages! Thanks to your support and the hard work of our team in Senegal, all the supplies have been distributed to families in need.

Representatives from the villages collecting the supplies to take back to their communities.

We knew the need was great, but once the deliveries were made, we were overwhelmed by the response. The gratitude expressed by people such as Awa Ndiaye are testament to the profound assistance that you helped provide during this difficult time.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is not the first time you have come to help us during a period of crisis.”

— Awa Ndiaye

Awa Ndiaye picking up supplies for her community. She is a member of the Garden Ngor Marone

Access to motorized transportation is limited so donkey and horse carts were used to transport the supplies to the villages.

A recent poll showed seven out of every eight Senegalese have seen a reduction in income during this time, and over a third of people in rural areas have been forced to reduce meal sizes or eliminate meals altogether.

Because of you, hundreds of families like Awa’s received emergency distributions of food and sanitation supplies. Thank you!

Distribution in Action:

Andando staff Mandaw (in green) and Camara (in blue tunic) pictured with the Mayor of Keur Soce.

Our team worked hard with local leadership to get supplies into our region amid strict travel restrictions. We are fortunate to enjoy reciprocal, strong, trusting relationships with the village chiefs and region mayor. This proved helpful in organizing the logistics of moving large quantities of supplies into these rural communities.

A truck full of supplies for distribution in the rural villages.

Once the supplies arrived in region, our staff sorted them into piles, each assigned to a different community. These are the supplies for Keur Soce region.

Our team in the Podor region staging supplies to distribute to communities we serve in the northern part of Senegal.

We also worked with local tailors to produce reusable fabric masks. 2,000 masks were distributed to the communities along with the supplies of rice, oil, and soap. By using local businesses we also helped support the local economy.

Even before we started working on getting food supplies into the area, we worked with local medical staff to design and distribute hand washing stations for each of the gardens.

Diya (pictured left in green Andando shirt) is a health worker in the village of Ngor. She is instrumental in teaching proper hand washing techniques to the community.

Between the two regions of Podor and Keur Soce, we serve over 40,000 people spread across 36 villages. You can provide ongoing support during these uncertain times. Click here to learn more.

Coronavirus Response Update

Many of the families we serve rely upon their market sales to sustain themselves. Due to government safety measures, many markets are closed, depriving many of the income and resources needed to protect and sustain their families.

Thank you to everyone who has already responded to provide emergency supplies for families in rural Senegal. Because of you, we distributed supplies of rice, soap, and face masks to hundreds of families.

“If it were not due to the Andando provision we would have nothing to cook.”

— Member of Ouro Madiw Village

However the need is still great, many of those we serve rely upon their market sales to sustain their families. With transportation severely limited, many markets are closed and communities are cut off from the food and supplies they need to stay safe and fed.

Will you join us by providing face masks, soap, rice, and other emergency supplies to families?

• $25 can supply one family with enough rice for a month

• $45 can provide reusable face masks for all of the women in one community garden

• $100 can provide soap, cleaning supplies, and education for 50 families

Our current programs are helping over 40,000 people in Senegal. We need your help to provide additional support during these uncertain times. Click here to learn more.

If you prefer to write a check, please make payable to:
Andando, PO Box 542, Jefferson, OR 97352

Help Rural Families Respond to Coronavirus

We are inspired by the resilience of those we serve. Every day, women return to the gardens to keep their families and communities fed. Every day, they have been working hard to overcome poverty and provide financial security for their families. But now the progress they have made is being threatened by conornavirus.

Food security is always an issue in Senegal, but it’s made even worse in these uncertain times. While the gardens continue to produce fruits and vegetables, other items such as rice, cooking oil, and soap are more difficult to get in rural communities.

Hand washing stations in each garden help protect hundreds of families.

In an effort to minimize the spread of coronavirus Senegal has closed schools and markets, banned gatherings, issued curfews, and limited transportation between regions in-country. This not only makes it difficult to earn an income but also makes access to basic items limited, thus driving the prices up for communities that are already vulnerable.

We are committed to ensuring that families have access to food and sanitation supplies and we need your help to do it. Will you join us by providing face masks, soap, rice, and other emergency supplies to families?

• $25 can supply one family with enough rice for a month

• $45 can provide reusable face masks for all of the women in one community garden

• $100 can provide soap, cleaning supplies, and education for 50 families

Our current programs are helping over 40,000 people in Senegal. We need your help to provide additional support during these uncertain times.

If you prefer to write a check, please make payable to:
Andando, PO Box 542, Jefferson, OR 97352

From the Director- April 2020

In the face of a worldwide issue, it is still inspiring to see how our global community is coming together to support each other. The health and safety of our staff and program participants is foremost, but beyond that, it is encouraging to see the ways people have responded to the situation and have risen up to meet needs. Even with schools closed in Senegal and most activities shut down, people still must go about their daily lives and feed their families.

On a visit to Andando partner schools (before the coronavirus closures) students wrote “thank you” on their chalkboards and paper as a way to express their deep gratitude.

One phenomenal example of this is in our gardens, where work continues to take place while implementing government guidelines to keep people safe.

Food security is always an issue in Senegal, but it’s made even worse in these uncertain times. The women are responding and recently had their largest harvest on record – over 40,000 pounds of produce in just one month!!

Weighing the harvest at Dioundou Garden in Podor. Collectively the gardens recently had their largest harvest on record - over 40,000 pounds of produce in just one month!!

This shows not only what they are capable of when given the right tools to thrive, but also is a testament to their resiliency and determination to keep going. When life does finally get back to normal, we know that these communities will continue to be transformed. We thank you for being a part of it.

“Jéréjëf!” – Thank You!
Lewis Kiker, Executive Director

Update: Coronavirus and its impact in Senegal

Dear Andando Family,

With so much changing around the world on a daily basis, it is refreshing to see how people and communities are coming together to support one another. Keeping our staff and the participants in our programs safe is the highest priority for Andando.

In an effort to minimize the spread of coronavirus, Senegal has closed schools, banned religious and social gatherings, issued curfews, and limited transportation both at the border and in-country.

Diya (pictured left in green Andando shirt) is a health worker in the village of Ngor and is instrumental in teaching proper hand washing techniques to the community.

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In response, our staff collaborated with local health workers to provide hand washing stations in all gardens. They are also closely monitoring the recommendations from the government and making sure those in rural communities have access to the information and resources needed to stay safe and healthy

Village chiefs and mayors have expressed their gratitude for the Andando gardens, which are now the sole source of produce for many communities.

Customers come directly to the gardens from local villages to purchase their produce.

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We will continue to keep you updated both on the situation as it unfolds in Senegal, and with bright and inspiring stories of families and children who you have touched with your support!

Follow us on Facebook @TheAndandoFoundation

Senegal Celebrates 60 Years of Independence

Happy Independence Day!

Sixty years ago Senegal peacefully gained its independence from France. We asked our staff to share what a typical Independence Day celebration looks like:

“Unlike the USA, the Senegalese do not organize barbecues. Normally, students will have vacation from March 21 to April 06, it’s youth week!”

— Boubou, Andando Country Director

“We celebrate this holiday in all fourteen regions of the country which has a population of 16 million inhabitants. It is a festival which is traditionally celebrated with a parade including groups such as the military and veterans, civil organizations, working class, crafts, students, and groups doing choreography such as majorettes and martial arts. ”

— Camara, Andando Keur Soce Region Program Manager

Andando staff with members of the women’s garden collective preparing for the region parade. The sign reads “The women of the commune of Keur Soce thank Andando .”

Last year the whole Andando team participated in the parade in Keur Soce along with our partners in the community gardens.

This year, all gatherings and events have been cancelled in response to coronavirus. Families instead will still be celebrating in their homes, with loved ones. (Read more about Senegal’s Independence here.)

To our friends in Senegal, we are celebrating along with you. Happy Independence Day!

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Update: COVID-19 and how it is impacting our Senegal team

Dear Andando Family,

With so much changing around the world on a daily basis, it is refreshing to see how people and communities are coming together to support one another. Keeping our staff and the participants in our programs safe is the highest priority for Andando.

Senegal has closed schools and banned all large gatherings, and our team is responding accordingly.

Local nurses and midwives educate their communities in health and sanitation.

We are adjusting our activities and following the advice of the authorities, while still trying to support the families and children of rural Senegal. We are taking some additional steps such as setting up more hand-washing stations at each of our gardens. We have moved as much work remote as we can, and are limiting travel whenever possible.

Your words of support and all the efforts you all are doing during this time are appreciated as well. We will continue to share news and information on our social media channels and share the bright and inspiring stories of families and children who you have touched with your support!

Be blessed and stay safe.
-From all of us at Andando

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Earlier this week we shared on Facebook how researchers from Senegal and the UK have partnered to develop a handheld rapid test kit. The kits will be made in Senegal and distributed directly to other African nations. Senegal is also leading the way by sharing mobile and suitcase labs with 35 other African nations. If you missed it, you can view the short video below.

Meet Andando’s Country Director, Boubou!

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team on the ground in Senegal, working every day to build resilient, thriving communities. We think this team is pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. This is the first in a series introducing the people that make it all possible. (Click here to see others in the series.)

It’s fitting to start with our very first staff member, Boubou Sy (pronounced Boo-boo See), who has a long history with Andando (even before we were officially formed)!

Boubou has been working with Andando in some capacity for over 15 years.

Born and raised in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar, Boubou was a bright young boy who excelled in school and continued on to university to become a teacher.

Andando’s founders, Kevin and Fiona Kiker, first met Boubou while he was a university student volunteering at a center for refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia. That was 20 years ago! Boubou’s passion for helping others made them fast friends. They stayed in touch over the years, and the Kikers made a point to visit Boubou each time they returned to Senegal.

Boubou in his first classroom at the school in Keur Soce. He is now a teacher at the Ousmane Sembene High School in Dakar.

After graduating Boubou found a position in Keur Soce (some 130 miles away from Dakar). When he wasn’t busy teaching or grading papers, Boubou would spend time with local business owners and leaders. These relationships provided the initial foundation on which Andando was formed. Boubou volunteered part-time with Andando by coordinating our first microloan program. He was a one-man-show: interviewing potential recipients, vetting their business plan, distributing funds, making routine checkups, and collecting the loan payments for redistribution.

Boubou with Scott Kelley marking the location for water pipes to be installed in Keur Soce, 2008.

Slowly these projects grew. As more donations came in, water pipes were laid, wells were dug, and over time Boubou, and Andando, became known and trusted in the community. In 2007, Boubou was hired as Andando’s Country Director.

Boubou understands the importance of building strong relationships with members of the community. He takes time to meet with local officials to build and maintain trust and collaboration with Andando. Here he is pictured with the Deputy Governor and community leaders, along with Andando Program Director, Camara; and Executive Director, Lewis Kiker.

While in Keur Soce Boubou met his future wife, Amy Marone, and when his teaching term concluded they moved back to Dakar and started a family.

Boubou and Amy at their wedding in 2009, (Pictured left to right: Fiona Kiker, Crystal Kelley, Amy Marone, Boubou Sy, Scott Kelley, and Carrie Hazelton.)

Boubou and Amy have four children (names and pictures below), who are fortunate to have both parents as teachers: Boubou high school, and Amy junior high.

Boubou and Amy with their four children: their son, Ibrahima, and daughters Youmaissy, and twins Hawa Élisabeth Steady, and Aissatou Fiona Kiker.

Your support enables our staff to help their fellow citizens. 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!

Click here to meet other staff.