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