The programs built by you create real change in communities, just ask those who are impacted! This is Dieynaba Ba, a mother and a pillar in the community. She has worked at Andando’s Ngor Marone Market Garden for nearly three years. She has benefitted from a boost in her income, and her family has seen a huge rise in their nutritional options at home. Last week, we sat down with her to hear her thoughts on the program.
Madame Dieynaba Ba in the Ngor Marone Market Garden
“I have learned many things in the garden of Andando, namely: solidarity, entrepreneurship, transparency, and management of affairs when working in a group. I also learned many farming techniques through our garden technician Mandaw Ba, who is always at our disposal. Since I have learned these techniques firsthand, I could work by applying these techniques by myself and be independent.
“I would say that without Andando, I could not know all this. Andando made me self-sufficient economically and socially. It has really improved and strengthened my dignity because in the past, I was wandering all the time to extend my hand to people to feed my children and grandchildren. However, this has now become just a memory.
Watering lettuce that will soon be sold at the market
“Andando has taught me to work to eat, to give to the poor, and to make savings to prepare the future. Thanks to Andando, I now manage to contribute a minimum of 100f or 200f (about 25 cents) to help my children at school. Before the arrival of Andando, it was difficult for me. With Andando, women have become autonomous, hunger is being defeated. Further, the garden is my place of activity and convergence with others.
“Because of our success, we are now thinking about plans for the future of the garden. We want to expand the irrigation system with more basins to improve our yields. We also want to have small-scale fish-farming in the basins if we can accomplish it.
The thriving Ngor Marone Market Garden
“With Andando, I have the confidence to devote my working time to the garden and my family life. We are dedicated because we see the dedication that Andando has to us and the ways they have invested in us. We are now thinking to ensure the sustainability of our activities so that this treasure is in our hands. Andando has been such a blessing to us and this community, and I hope they can widen their help to other communities.”