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 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!