tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621366839909823812024-03-19T14:53:27.688-07:00AndandoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-43963046152385129062011-08-09T14:42:00.000-07:002011-08-09T14:44:12.515-07:00We're movingWe're moving this blog to our website.
<br />You can find it at <a href="http://www.andando.org/blog">www.andando.org/blog</a>
<br />
<br />See you there!
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-59725826666643888242011-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:20:54.510-07:00Books, Trees And HatsOur tag line reads 'alleviating poverty through micro development', and although micro lending is a strong focus for achieving this goal, Andando wants to be open to appying alternative solutions depending on a country's culture, economy and stage in development.<br /><br /><br /><br />In Paraguay, we noted that in many rural communities, the education system is severely lacking in basic resources. Education is a basic building block in alleviating poverty, so Andando has provided some small grants to have introduce lending libraries in three different communities.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd7tIJOd8f7M9EDetHDJ2_J45zJOkOODIi6xZt9HOHIXDYId7uz-r9rIWx6vPD5m3nvSqCD6_Zbk5PaxPt5AsqeGyMZKoZTPP6JtmpYPAMQYl9Hxb7eypIVut7Rm7YMEoEuY00tPsm2s/s1600/100_0891.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631524798196618722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd7tIJOd8f7M9EDetHDJ2_J45zJOkOODIi6xZt9HOHIXDYId7uz-r9rIWx6vPD5m3nvSqCD6_Zbk5PaxPt5AsqeGyMZKoZTPP6JtmpYPAMQYl9Hxb7eypIVut7Rm7YMEoEuY00tPsm2s/s320/100_0891.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Each of these grants allows the school to buy some books which it agrees to lend to the students. These books are checked out, giving the entire family access to the materials. In the past, books were so scarce that students could only use the books while at school.<br /><br />One of the interesting micro loan projects in Paraguay is a vivero or tree nursery. Two young ladies have started this business with $150 loan. Ground has been cleared, seeds have been planted, and little trees and other ornamentals are sprouting! In less than a year, this crop will be ready for sale. An agreement has already been reached with the local municipality to purchase trees to plant around the nearby town.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631525558843602146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tHOVh8WAdzwq1zsNGgurK3PfFiDrakF2JYivOddosOjJ6pEWYreS7QglFeskrJ6cP-TUePKSjR0yq6aIpTJtnIq9NwVpHEDUXe3hDDEFm0DaEljc7piuVQts7HB8BOsLe0YPCqFS7qM/s320/100_0828.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The community of Embuscado is famous for it's production of straw hats. A women's cooperative was looking for ways to market their hats further afield. Andando made a buying agreement with these ladies and we are selling their hats along with our artisan goods from Africa. They will shortly be available on our online store. In the first week we had these, we sold over 50 of these hats at a summer festival! They come in many sizes and colors, also children's sizes. Meanwhile you can purchase them directly from us via email . We are also looking for other stores, organizations that may be interested in partnering with this great co-op.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7woJwBeBXS57guf46i28DirtQjhHQSZBx54VanrNqHtnz6_BAb4TDnVWlTKGLuHM64Xqg2pm1A0OwqsNVhelcgI5eJfi_UAp1Oh9lxi83KAPI9Jwtqy2GIBbJNaKB4FRMEXSSDrI2NI/s1600/100_0931.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631526627049066162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7woJwBeBXS57guf46i28DirtQjhHQSZBx54VanrNqHtnz6_BAb4TDnVWlTKGLuHM64Xqg2pm1A0OwqsNVhelcgI5eJfi_UAp1Oh9lxi83KAPI9Jwtqy2GIBbJNaKB4FRMEXSSDrI2NI/s320/100_0931.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_6e8pb22bQiMSWlj-oC21AuCbMB9lgt90i-DPv7EhxFTgxCbMZmgJqo-P7JPMLDn2rXdf0lPX-2c43o2f1fr4SYaHtX1xZPuVQURBrGWccnJEv_K9vh865o9Zf4d8MEoGpasJZWygbU/s1600/100_0920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631526425224298594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_6e8pb22bQiMSWlj-oC21AuCbMB9lgt90i-DPv7EhxFTgxCbMZmgJqo-P7JPMLDn2rXdf0lPX-2c43o2f1fr4SYaHtX1xZPuVQURBrGWccnJEv_K9vh865o9Zf4d8MEoGpasJZWygbU/s320/100_0920.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All of these ventures have been made possible through the partnership of several awesome Peace Corps volunteers. Thanks to you all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-30588616097000550432011-03-31T19:42:00.000-07:002011-03-31T20:03:51.811-07:00World on a Wall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6MYGCzLZHqgULE0S8AnN3lqRpKOotMR2TWAwxIzP5NeHieyo74hXPqskAsqAznZ_WzpgSf4l9-x2BwVIqhD6AGmAVZ4hg3fZ3yPmVaOtD6xilMOVTyuo2GLjFHHUpi4fyd1_EugF6UQ/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590444032814294658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6MYGCzLZHqgULE0S8AnN3lqRpKOotMR2TWAwxIzP5NeHieyo74hXPqskAsqAznZ_WzpgSf4l9-x2BwVIqhD6AGmAVZ4hg3fZ3yPmVaOtD6xilMOVTyuo2GLjFHHUpi4fyd1_EugF6UQ/s320/IMG_4873.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfmyY3bpXyNc0Vf-sA8goC-3KonCT_61rIKQJ6NVJWC0lakmsp2KzjsqhfQi10hNiux3vdJZOToO4VS31Y6EMrLcDMGX9O-I2ARLj8f4o_ci3uctueuVh5clsFM2kuTcg81hTGuaebFw/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590443092040443858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfmyY3bpXyNc0Vf-sA8goC-3KonCT_61rIKQJ6NVJWC0lakmsp2KzjsqhfQi10hNiux3vdJZOToO4VS31Y6EMrLcDMGX9O-I2ARLj8f4o_ci3uctueuVh5clsFM2kuTcg81hTGuaebFw/s320/IMG_4547.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Schools in Senegal have very few resources. Usually a class might share one textbook and much of the instruction is done by copying what the teacher writes on the chalkboard.</div><br /><div>Andando has done a few humanitarian projects in schools and we came up with this idea of teaching the kids about the larger world beyond their village -painting the world on a wall!</div><br /><div>We drew the borders of all the countries in Africa, and in the bottom left of the wall, an enlarged map of Senegal, with the main cities.</div><br /><div>There are now two schools in Senegal with a new mural on their walls. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The first photo is from the vilage of Keur Soce, south of Kaolack, and the second one is at a school in Yoff, part of Dakar , the capital of Senegal.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The extra bonus is that the whole community has the opportunity to enjoy the map.</div><br /><div>Extra special thanks to Lewis and Ruby for heading up this rather daunting project. They made it look easy. (It wasn't!)</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-47954926467455817322011-03-30T09:05:00.000-07:002011-03-30T09:19:03.650-07:00Women's Empowerment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zK_5Ma4fE2EHVOO93ShZsmLMiK_gHrSZ-k9LWwXtbCPghO-Ngf4IUbdo4wOs4IQ7p02rF7ww8g6acggxHzFy5C3iWKHc2zWU-SFnk_y45RLf0_l_cyZM0agz65VOL9VlbiE5rJirXEY/s1600/100_8206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589908181938909058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zK_5Ma4fE2EHVOO93ShZsmLMiK_gHrSZ-k9LWwXtbCPghO-Ngf4IUbdo4wOs4IQ7p02rF7ww8g6acggxHzFy5C3iWKHc2zWU-SFnk_y45RLf0_l_cyZM0agz65VOL9VlbiE5rJirXEY/s320/100_8206.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA4q-iej3cGzCc25LbZYhREY6KWVwXoskW8NXU1PoUgYsJeqlcHwL7uUjXDBtg8pDzDb1nDMSaPQ7Em5feK8xrXqtnOSrE5NNgwsf6fnNbBm6_DPJ5RHdPjYFQveVj9TFDbuQSLzWWcI/s1600/100_8195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589907840475235250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA4q-iej3cGzCc25LbZYhREY6KWVwXoskW8NXU1PoUgYsJeqlcHwL7uUjXDBtg8pDzDb1nDMSaPQ7Em5feK8xrXqtnOSrE5NNgwsf6fnNbBm6_DPJ5RHdPjYFQveVj9TFDbuQSLzWWcI/s320/100_8195.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdANSkhlgXm_Ce6-FGVUrzrxi29Zt-_q94CaO4UgdBOEZJvXRBAz79PAPhBgCeoOlhVvFJoEO3IbcdqXtOm2tGFJtZ_6LRKoRVTysp1qi0GcKYSZnJQ_0HubB4LfkReK5rvYS2Tfs5byM/s1600/100_8188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589907319069618402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdANSkhlgXm_Ce6-FGVUrzrxi29Zt-_q94CaO4UgdBOEZJvXRBAz79PAPhBgCeoOlhVvFJoEO3IbcdqXtOm2tGFJtZ_6LRKoRVTysp1qi0GcKYSZnJQ_0HubB4LfkReK5rvYS2Tfs5byM/s320/100_8188.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>In Liberia, a country recovering from years of civil war, unemployment is extremely high and there are very few opportunites, especially for women.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last summer, our partner in Liberia approached us with a proposal to start a training program for women. Andando agreed to fund a six months training program for women . 600 women enrolled in two locations near the capial, Monrovia.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The women have been receiving instruction in hairdressing, sewing, cooking and soapmaking. The six months program is now ending and many women are now doing internships with the hope that this will lead to permanent employment for some of them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Andando hopes this effort will lead to a brighter future for these women as they work to support themselves and their families.</div><br /><div>Well done ladies!</div><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-50364875915335645272011-03-28T09:07:00.000-07:002011-03-28T09:17:25.405-07:00Omar Kebe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8lNjPSzSmcszC7gFdxGKGAZLGf4u_8GrVB_RC8WVPMiUjs5U1FT_wA1zQjOHC1tHUhqv3NvjBX7KFA5fTPOJ3cWPiE40WCkdEiSq1WFsavsKWzpd4P8gZbpd6BGR3PIpzOFFwBGPaOM/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589165481573532754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8lNjPSzSmcszC7gFdxGKGAZLGf4u_8GrVB_RC8WVPMiUjs5U1FT_wA1zQjOHC1tHUhqv3NvjBX7KFA5fTPOJ3cWPiE40WCkdEiSq1WFsavsKWzpd4P8gZbpd6BGR3PIpzOFFwBGPaOM/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Last time we were in Keur Soce, Senegal, we spent the day looking at projects, doing interviews and video.</div><br /><div>And everywhere we went , this young man seemed to appear a few minutes later. He was very sweet and polite and every time we spoke- maybe half a dozen times that day- he would say, in English. "my name is Omar Kebe. My father's name is Al-haji Kebe." over and over. Turns out this was the sum of his English vocabulary, but he really wanted to practise. </div><br /><div>So this blog post is for you Omar. We enjoyed meeting you and won't soon forget you( or your name. Or your father's name.)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-57830454724057078152011-03-26T19:35:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:59:10.968-07:00a Garden in the Desert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHUREwS4AbAOxI5xfOA6stFcCQLu4ide5TA5yP7hyphenhyphenFAzXjZEKf8vPEc4RqJAOPS4-6ICuTP2BuuksCtb4C8EVqQ3u6EfUajwRrohHjGF648k9qTHO7V9Uc7zhiUSP8MYE7nsynLBgHyw/s1600/IMG_5167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588587621847167906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHUREwS4AbAOxI5xfOA6stFcCQLu4ide5TA5yP7hyphenhyphenFAzXjZEKf8vPEc4RqJAOPS4-6ICuTP2BuuksCtb4C8EVqQ3u6EfUajwRrohHjGF648k9qTHO7V9Uc7zhiUSP8MYE7nsynLBgHyw/s320/IMG_5167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fv7J2DaGaIRyh1_1dDIDNXKJMLkMkNL3As5zVlx-8pj3tfmDanjcJ963xHDLlsli1Yxee3iL9R1rFNwxpKTeOBp07XhapUmlwDMfSnOzJghUYQtEHQzRYqhpoz04eLK6JMtwjAa6jjs/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588586388345068626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fv7J2DaGaIRyh1_1dDIDNXKJMLkMkNL3As5zVlx-8pj3tfmDanjcJ963xHDLlsli1Yxee3iL9R1rFNwxpKTeOBp07XhapUmlwDMfSnOzJghUYQtEHQzRYqhpoz04eLK6JMtwjAa6jjs/s320/IMG_5143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ss-x_wbC7JPIwfx7-3TFnfepT5LXqaRcl5viUCEtMEZssw6mwCmD-896fsmdeQsWRE9NQPVZ73f68FksiEO6UZFJHtqMz4weuy9AZ0paYQ1KRN6Nw-fvPDLydysvUE0BDu1oMJ5UCsg/s1600/IMG_5348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588583798093173170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ss-x_wbC7JPIwfx7-3TFnfepT5LXqaRcl5viUCEtMEZssw6mwCmD-896fsmdeQsWRE9NQPVZ73f68FksiEO6UZFJHtqMz4weuy9AZ0paYQ1KRN6Nw-fvPDLydysvUE0BDu1oMJ5UCsg/s320/IMG_5348.JPG" border="0" /></a> After our first round of loans was repaid in Keur Soce last year, some of the women got together and discussed some ways they could pool together their profits in a way that would benefit their families and community.</div><br /><br /><div>The result is an amazing two hectare garden with lettuce, corn, okra, carrots,peppers,tomatoes, cucumber and about 50 cashew trees. </div><br /><br /><div>180 women are involved in this garden. They have divided themselves into 18 groups of ten. Each group tends it's own area and they have morning and evening shifts for watering. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All of the water for this garden is provided by a well that Andando had dug previously. The women expect this garden to provide income from market sales, improve family nutrition, with enough funds left over to buy a pump for the well so they will no longer have to draw water by hand.</div><div> </div><div>The women also told us that one of the unexpected benefits they have experienced from this garden is that they have discovered a new spirit of unity and cooperation with each other.</div><div> </div><div>This wonderful garden is an example of what a community can do independently when given a small helping hand. </div><div>Andando means "walking together" in Wolof the principal language of Senegal. We are so proud to walk together with these strong women!</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-30347739294656991742011-03-05T22:51:00.000-08:002011-03-05T22:58:36.791-08:00bad bloggersWe are officially bad bloggers around here....but that's because we've been busy.<br />We went to Africa in January- three countries in ten days . Check our website and click on news for a few glimpses of that trip. <a href="http://www.andando.org/">www.andando.org</a><br />And we're leaving again tomorrow! Lots of good things happening. and we will try to do better when we return.<br />For now, please look at this blog and see what these two great folk have been doing on behalf of Andando in Senegal. <a href="http://www.lewisandruby.blogspot.com/">www.lewisandruby.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />AND stay tuned for a brand spanking new website within the next month or so!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-91341923353170195602010-08-19T17:09:00.000-07:002010-08-19T17:30:28.185-07:00summer in Senegal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PfZB9ica0SAgmrwnxU3_fsRLy38emfZqdHB-vZkJw4aOVNZW6SUrgz2WNIBq6QOhJvhC5SjgrJv1btdnrdUzxNAn4s28ZR-eLbN0LbuVYqSX-1L_-PU6JXYicv22NyEG5nRJgbz27GI/s1600/100_7452.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507281807776451890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PfZB9ica0SAgmrwnxU3_fsRLy38emfZqdHB-vZkJw4aOVNZW6SUrgz2WNIBq6QOhJvhC5SjgrJv1btdnrdUzxNAn4s28ZR-eLbN0LbuVYqSX-1L_-PU6JXYicv22NyEG5nRJgbz27GI/s320/100_7452.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUVy1z9CJFhxBA7TtemIQp9b88lLp7LZoXTU7UHbMUR69Ab5WE34H6YSS5uWAq-jvUwgT3Sdg4BrBsdIjX0s3iggJ5GGRMFCisWG87d5HA_NXRay3yGNWdcCrPuu6Y9grmtWnWYvCJcA/s1600/100_7458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507281554191083778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUVy1z9CJFhxBA7TtemIQp9b88lLp7LZoXTU7UHbMUR69Ab5WE34H6YSS5uWAq-jvUwgT3Sdg4BrBsdIjX0s3iggJ5GGRMFCisWG87d5HA_NXRay3yGNWdcCrPuu6Y9grmtWnWYvCJcA/s320/100_7458.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU7GxD1uYcS1uM2z_hLIwKHWj8D_x0-spXPk4xG9cIZraFcPO82-Em6pQojLLxnKsvfJbx4vxMN73zk93YHC-2snFhtvf9KwgybRxXeHTV5fD5NWZkVq6cGO6LHMTNvU0KU2Pqpgevsw/s1600/100_7459.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507281228817595138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU7GxD1uYcS1uM2z_hLIwKHWj8D_x0-spXPk4xG9cIZraFcPO82-Em6pQojLLxnKsvfJbx4vxMN73zk93YHC-2snFhtvf9KwgybRxXeHTV5fD5NWZkVq6cGO6LHMTNvU0KU2Pqpgevsw/s320/100_7459.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>On our July visit to Senegal, we were so pleased to see how green the country side is. Farming in Senegal is a gamble , always depending on the rains and so far the rains have been sufficient. We were able to visit some of the Andando fields, including the one pictured above. The farmer, Modou Sakho, has planted his peanuts and was hoeing with his two sons the day we visited. He told us the plants were doing well and he was optimistic about a good harvest, providing the rains continue.</div><div>Andando has made loans to about 50 farmers like Modou around the Keur Soce area. It is our hope that by helping them to help themselves, they can build a better future for their families.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-56072069263922752472010-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:002010-07-14T11:08:38.488-07:00The story of the lost votesThe Chase Community Giving Facebook Campaign is over.<br />It was an amazing month for us at Andando as many worked to rally the vote and so many of you responded.<br />1613 individuals voted for Andando.<br />Chase took away 658 of these votes citing voting irregularity. We ended the campaign in 233rd place with 955 votes.<br /><br />We have had communication with Chase concerning this 'voting irregularity' and although the responses have been quite vague, we understand that they deleted many of our African votes because it appeared to them that someone was setting up profiles for the sole purpose of voting for Andando.<br />The truth of the matter is very different.<br />In Liberia, Andando is involved in a women's empowerment program. These women heard about the Chase Community Giving program and wanted to participate and support Andando.<br />They saw this as a way to be involved in helping themselves. These women are all desperately poor and of course have no computers etc. But because they were determined, they rounded up four or five computers, borrowed a generator, (no electricity there), bought gas to power the generator and started voting. They encouraged family members to vote and excitement built as they saw the vote count rise. Then on Sunday night, about 24 hours before the end of the campaign, they saw the votes disappear.<br />For us this was disheartening and discouraging. For the Africans it was heartbreaking.<br /><br />Olivia, one of the women who voted- "...We feel like this was a slap in the face. We have gone to great lengths to support our charity by purchasing gas for our generator to power our obsolete computers just to be a part of this campaign. Women queued up in numbers and rallied their family members as a way of saying thank you for their support...."<br /><br />We have explained to Chase how these ladies voted and are convinced that they have done nothing wrong. We will continue to try to dialog with Chase and at least try to make sure that this never happens again.<br /><br /><strong>But, this is not the end of the story........</strong><br />On Monday night, after the voting closed, Andando received a call from someone who had voted and had been following the story of the lost votes. This person said " We cannot let things end this way. These people have all worked so hard and have been pushed aside. They must know that hard work is rewarded and that hope follows tragedy. I am giving $20,000 to Andando to make this right."<br />We were overcome, there were a lot of tears and so much joy! We called our contact in Liberia and told him what had happened. He was speechless (unusual for him!) at first and then just began praising God- " He is our Sole Provider...depend only on Him...to God be the Glory.."<br />The women have been told, there is much rejoicing today in Liberia, and after work on Friday, there will be a party!!<br />To God be the Glory indeed.<br /><br />Once again we are so grateful and humbled by all your support. We had votes from the U.S., Senegal, Liberia, Canada, the U.K., Chile, Australia and Paraguay. We wish we could thank all of you personally but we don't have contact info for many. If you know of people who voted who may not read this, please share it with them.<br />We hope you will all continue to follow the story of Andando. It looks like there are many chapters yet to be written!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-15156726266510129052010-06-30T15:17:00.000-07:002010-06-30T15:32:07.988-07:00chasing the voteAndando is currently in the running for a share of a $5 million giveaway by Chase Community Giving on Facebook. If we get into the top 200 charities we will win $20,000!!!<br /><br />That translates to about 200 micro loans, about 400 farmer loans or 6-7 wells!<br /><br />All we need is <strong>YOUR VOTE!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />The voting takes place through Facebook, so you must have a Facebook profile to be able to vote.<br /><br />We've made it easier for you by providing a link from our website to our Chase Community giving Page.<br />Here's how to vote;<br /><br />Go to <a href="http://www.andando.org/">www.andando.org</a>. Near the bottom left hand corner of the page, you will see a box for Chase Community Giving. Click on this box.<br /><br />When you get to the Chase Community giving Page, click on the green box that says' Get started to Vote'.<br /><br />A box will pop up asking you to 'like' Chase. Once you have done this, click close to close the box. (Note: you have not yet voted.)<br /><br />The green box will now say 'Vote Now'. Click on the box to vote.<br /><br />Another box will pop up for you to tell your friends. Tell as many people as you can!<br /><br />Voting ends July 12, so do it now and spread the word!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-15503568568394860042010-06-23T22:31:00.000-07:002010-06-23T22:46:06.050-07:00worldbeat!This coming weekend come see us at the WorldBeat festival at Riverfront Park in downtown Salem. Saturday 10-10 and Sunday 10-6.<br />There are booths and workshops, food, music and dancing from all around the world. You'll find us in the Africa village.<br />On Sunday come and enjoy the dragon boat races!<br /><a href="http://www.worldbeatfestival.org/">www.worldbeatfestival.org</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-77337087283470046202010-06-13T19:03:00.000-07:002010-06-13T21:57:08.712-07:00100 fields<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugRaGcA7MC1sWwV1U7pKjDou5FHkopLtml6VXERwoDwPK26g0yd55vI5BNhhMb-nXJM9J3tmgKlhKKZ8FRu_nx5XSYWb5iaG4BLfk89tKiUtAr4yV5NqFW-aUoumotMKe5f01oNu9PCw/s1600/KS+seed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482453230977933330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugRaGcA7MC1sWwV1U7pKjDou5FHkopLtml6VXERwoDwPK26g0yd55vI5BNhhMb-nXJM9J3tmgKlhKKZ8FRu_nx5XSYWb5iaG4BLfk89tKiUtAr4yV5NqFW-aUoumotMKe5f01oNu9PCw/s320/KS+seed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9RqFDzvKXnKlplHhyphenhyphen-6U0LkBkBHXD2a5CkPWCUeG1gBB1L2b4QC_JLgI-_YfwWtUdxEQw5M17msO94GwbvK9eAUexYEjYRuNs5-mK3e-3oyq8KdnQ4UkJcPc8KRKWWjrarl2moa_fk8/s1600/KS+loan+sign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482453040888305762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9RqFDzvKXnKlplHhyphenhyphen-6U0LkBkBHXD2a5CkPWCUeG1gBB1L2b4QC_JLgI-_YfwWtUdxEQw5M17msO94GwbvK9eAUexYEjYRuNs5-mK3e-3oyq8KdnQ4UkJcPc8KRKWWjrarl2moa_fk8/s320/KS+loan+sign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pf9Z_WI1p9hNX76BIljlVrPD3MGZogNguBarJ7NLn-VFnKDvtiXGfD_s71a6i6Qh28MxMLPpHgFK1hAoDUNs7gzGF5j4aMpQ_MDY2fODAcVNze0qaWHG2jcIf-_u6B9NiORnZ4Cni3w/s1600/KS+farmer+loan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482452840029500930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pf9Z_WI1p9hNX76BIljlVrPD3MGZogNguBarJ7NLn-VFnKDvtiXGfD_s71a6i6Qh28MxMLPpHgFK1hAoDUNs7gzGF5j4aMpQ_MDY2fODAcVNze0qaWHG2jcIf-_u6B9NiORnZ4Cni3w/s320/KS+farmer+loan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Farming in Senegal is a risky business-and one that many Senegalese depend on for survival.<br /></div><div>As we became involved in the lives of villages through our micro lending program, we learned about another segment of village life that was vital -and very precarious. Subsistence farming is a fact of life for many Senegalese and as in many other areas, farming is a struggle. Most farmers have to borrow at exorbitant rates if they want to buy seed and fertilizer and often end up in a cycle of debt from one year to the next.</div><br /><div>We discussed this situation with friends, farmers and colleagues in Senegal and came up with our Seed Loan project. The farmer gets a loan of seed and fertilizer according to the size of his field and repays this loan after he has sold his harvest, either in seed and money, or in money, and with no interest.</div><br /><div>We are now in our third season of seed loans and have achieved remarkable success with 100% loan repayment. Senegal has had good rainy seasons for the last two years which has helped the farmers tremendously. Another advantage that Andando has is our wonderful Senegalese partner, Diegane Ndiaye. Diegane works diligently with our loan recipients. Thank you Diegane for your hard work and commitment to these projects!<br /></div><div>This year we are hoping for good steady rains again as we launch our biggest expansion of the Seed Loan Project so far. The community of Keur Soce and some smaller surrounding villages are the recipients of this year's seed project. With help from generous donors, Andando has been able to help over 40 farmers with seed and fertilizer.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Planting is happening right now in Senegal and this year there will be about <strong>100 Andando fields!</strong> Thank you for your support of this great project. You have been instrumental in restoring dignity and hope to our farmers and their families.</div><div> </div><div>( Photos above are from the recent seed loan distribution ceremony in Keur Soce.)</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-62047633124934042422010-05-26T16:00:00.000-07:002010-05-26T22:34:55.642-07:00baskets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uIPC3KT7x6WIIFuoLQ0SfL3lkXmbzFp8EhO_XQ5dlr-IKgH6IH5ueOnVe3iV7lEwuN2SDe7Cwh3BQGOvCUuSQRhznlGMUkTeb13sFMzq08p-nt0_tm4Dars8Q9mAWVYeM4sacA0vQ3g/s1600/100_7055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475818861920334578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uIPC3KT7x6WIIFuoLQ0SfL3lkXmbzFp8EhO_XQ5dlr-IKgH6IH5ueOnVe3iV7lEwuN2SDe7Cwh3BQGOvCUuSQRhznlGMUkTeb13sFMzq08p-nt0_tm4Dars8Q9mAWVYeM4sacA0vQ3g/s320/100_7055.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Maybe you didn't know about our special baskets that we sell to help support our child feeding program in Sierra Leone. (See our website for details <a href="http://www.andando.org/">http://www.andando.org/</a>)<br /><br />Each basket costs $25 and they come in two styles, the traditonal round bolga or the oval market basket.<br /><br /><strong>The purchase of one of these baskets will feed a child in Sierra Leone for six months!</strong><br /><br />In the last two years we have sold hundreds of these baskets at fairs and festivals. We will be selling them all summer long at the fairs in the previous post as well as a few other places.<br /><br />We can also mail you one. Just email us your color preferences- they come in a wide variety from solid to partially striped, to totally striped blues, reds, greens, purples. Add $5 for shipping.<br /><br />Or if you live nearby, we can arrange to bring some to you! Email us and let us know what you'd like. <a href="mailto:theandandofoundation@gmail.com">theandandofoundation@gmail.com</a><br /><br />Get yourself a new basket for summer markets and picnics and feed a child for six months at the same time!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-29035784545902201172010-05-13T09:20:00.000-07:002010-05-13T09:38:34.569-07:00summertimeThe season of spring/summer festivals is approaching and with it comes the chance for Andando to be out and about , sharing our stories with people and selling some cool stuff from our wonderful African artisans.<br /><br />Our first festival is this weekend! And it looks like the weather might cooperate!<br />We will be in the lovely little town of Scio, Oregon at the 75th annual Lamb and Wool Fair. <strong>May 14-16</strong> <a href="http://www.lambfair.org/">www.lambfair.org</a><br /><br />On <strong>Saturday June 19</strong> , 9-2 p.m. we will be at the <strong>Day of the African Child</strong> in Portland. This event takes place adjacent to the Portland Farmers Market <a href="http://www.harambeecentre.org/">www.harambeecentre.org</a><br /><br />The following weekend you can find us at the <strong>WorldBeat Festival in Salem, June 26 and 27. </strong>This is a super fun event celebrating cultures from around the world.<br /><a href="http://www.worldbeatfestival.org/">www.worldbeatfestival.org</a><br /><br />We will participate in other festivals through July and August and will keep you posted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-40340161336219776402010-04-15T13:34:00.000-07:002010-04-16T22:30:03.107-07:00a village in Senegal<div>Life in a rural village in Senegal is challenging. There never seems to be enough food, enough water, even enough time, especially for women. Women have millet to grind, water to fetch, babies to nurse, and always many mouths to feed. The majority of the men are small farmers and that is always a risky business in an area where the rains come intermittently and sometimes not all. As a result of all these conditions, many of the men of the village are forced to go to larger towns looking for work, usually with little success. Some of these men will end up with new wives and children to support in the town, making a bad problem worse.<br /><br />Since it's beginning , Andando has been looking at ways to improve life in the local village, ways to give people a hope and a future right where they are. That is why we have focussed on micro lending and farmer loans as ways to encourage people to stay in their villages and build stronger famiies in the process.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCfc4IUILrTupPmskYKqKoQtZBn7-JB6AgaRXwx2A_PNacFh8FSIp1um0lNl1-9AP1xNFTfB47GV90ldHa6Kfd4HvHaGtrpZSnVsrWacLj35vkrbRmdgOe9QjsgFGJBD7O5_ZtleA7Xs/s1600/100_6845.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460523983456175794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCfc4IUILrTupPmskYKqKoQtZBn7-JB6AgaRXwx2A_PNacFh8FSIp1um0lNl1-9AP1xNFTfB47GV90ldHa6Kfd4HvHaGtrpZSnVsrWacLj35vkrbRmdgOe9QjsgFGJBD7O5_ZtleA7Xs/s320/100_6845.JPG" /></a><br />Keur Soce is a village where Andando has been working for about three years. We began work there with a church partner, Doxology. On our first visit we met with the local chief and had some great discussions about the needs of the village which resulted in some aid to the school. the drilling of two wells, installation of two neighborhood taps and help with starting a huge market garden. As the relationship has grown, Andando has targeted Keur Soce for the newest round of micro loans and in March we distributed 45 loans in Keur Soce. These loans average about $100 and are for projects such as a small shop, a hairdresser even a small restaurant.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctpuYMGCD_a3Cc6-Alb3rczr01deCVS-L_umXFF2sppboZOaTkdjLtupLXVlicB9dALlovBIX96Bct57Rdac5MMVYRniivctLquMbPmVTKXsECvHQTOb3npSFq_bd0ZbMkkVUMnsSp68/s1600/100_6840.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460524297284128194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctpuYMGCD_a3Cc6-Alb3rczr01deCVS-L_umXFF2sppboZOaTkdjLtupLXVlicB9dALlovBIX96Bct57Rdac5MMVYRniivctLquMbPmVTKXsECvHQTOb3npSFq_bd0ZbMkkVUMnsSp68/s320/100_6840.JPG" /></a><br />Dibe Diouf is one of the loan recipients. In order to supplement their meager income from farming, Dibe used to go out in to the bush to find wild fruit which she would then take to sell in the nearest town. This was sometimes difficult and dangerous. She did not know when she might encounter wild animals and snakes. With her micro loan, Dibe has opened a small shop where she sells sugar,rice and oil, things that people used to have to travel further to buy. Dibe's family will all benefit from this new venture.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460973225806312386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIST08X_yGCriJc0fwGGWkM5nBrQ8KfhKZtmVB_FBDUOatXP3c4_5aDsinvSmyjbOtPyqf99-50HwQJrN4LNOdiGL7DyN6V6O9rAuqOFVdU32PZJ0nmBswspS41OerahkHAzr_wAbUlw/s320/farming.JPG" /><br />Andando is currently raising funds to help the farmers of Keur Soce get 'seed' loans for this years' planting. The farmers will be able to get enough good quality seed for planting their fields. After they have sold their harvest, they pay back their loan with no interest. This method opens up a door of hope for farmers who were previously 'enslaved' by high interest loans which they had little hope of ever repaying.<br /><br />These two projects are infusing the village of Keur Soce with hope! At Andando we too are hopeful as we walk together with friends there and look to a brighter future for the people of this village.</div><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-15049527759449451572010-03-26T14:29:00.000-07:002010-03-26T15:18:41.438-07:00well, well, well<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjnzh0Re5CgaZvMOjsTXSWIo1cKSv1QYiwlVVdyizv6dWsXOMJEJp4yR0XtoyBBKtHHWz_mwm6r3EUcv-9oOcDTxoFn9z4dW9nKb335qsqT5GUqswehcwGk6by6mJlYpZZ9A_7z2AD3Q/s1600/100_6799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjnzh0Re5CgaZvMOjsTXSWIo1cKSv1QYiwlVVdyizv6dWsXOMJEJp4yR0XtoyBBKtHHWz_mwm6r3EUcv-9oOcDTxoFn9z4dW9nKb335qsqT5GUqswehcwGk6by6mJlYpZZ9A_7z2AD3Q/s320/100_6799.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453070193882831602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSdD_DdVnR-SH7sbPsOUdVkVPEYSz4aHQj0s8kUT37396RWWk_37Xh7XqsRbnmvZo8JJjgdrKGqOVLR2U44DgsK6-z6J5J_PGvpbuqO5okQO21gMQXdpetnj4X55LxS4l3NfvZYyOQPw/s1600/100_6750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSdD_DdVnR-SH7sbPsOUdVkVPEYSz4aHQj0s8kUT37396RWWk_37Xh7XqsRbnmvZo8JJjgdrKGqOVLR2U44DgsK6-z6J5J_PGvpbuqO5okQO21gMQXdpetnj4X55LxS4l3NfvZYyOQPw/s320/100_6750.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453068512465967282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39yUtKix0NfkPWmX8jz-DjQS5FDcNyhzkPfrxQKvC0cxJySbP_Wki6MDIDoW9PJTixK4kNepUMyFK5R-WIFRafdhd_quxExifNWyUyhq9lUFWWaxxn80afVIi3lj1-ECfbxVAP_nYCRs/s1600/100_6918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39yUtKix0NfkPWmX8jz-DjQS5FDcNyhzkPfrxQKvC0cxJySbP_Wki6MDIDoW9PJTixK4kNepUMyFK5R-WIFRafdhd_quxExifNWyUyhq9lUFWWaxxn80afVIi3lj1-ECfbxVAP_nYCRs/s320/100_6918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453068402722219362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88Af8PVIAt_tqkGS_N09ynYyKTxm5vUJEn1wkB9mHRhWh86aFZGh7cCfAOOJ-DkYsFKQ1Li04IdGB5Fr9gZU5mQKaf0-ceclJlLogKejOLPaHu_ABYIL7Pe0AMKNEnUWs7qDBXkRwLLY/s1600/100_6906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88Af8PVIAt_tqkGS_N09ynYyKTxm5vUJEn1wkB9mHRhWh86aFZGh7cCfAOOJ-DkYsFKQ1Li04IdGB5Fr9gZU5mQKaf0-ceclJlLogKejOLPaHu_ABYIL7Pe0AMKNEnUWs7qDBXkRwLLY/s320/100_6906.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453068273041276402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSexd9PPK7SuS41v0XyfT18E05SPmOwiVAU8pjiM0rDRvvSKbxrBkRG5sN43Eja8F6ZGtmvuj5_o_bfvqEjUZKFIS_En4n4iUN4TALLhms4szyPbcBmJG5rVMFo_hXEFeMwEeQZmjuK8/s1600/100_6917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSexd9PPK7SuS41v0XyfT18E05SPmOwiVAU8pjiM0rDRvvSKbxrBkRG5sN43Eja8F6ZGtmvuj5_o_bfvqEjUZKFIS_En4n4iUN4TALLhms4szyPbcBmJG5rVMFo_hXEFeMwEeQZmjuK8/s320/100_6917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453068137302988370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBPOdwtEOtwySc0OqWaw2PF7MX8sn9ZHo8CHN7G9t02zvrIK-y9bskUa9JACz_iX3-kirFRiHqrg8cK2W16D6Xx7geV5xOecHDrpr-8z_ZqOI19M87lXN2XHXL48g1hgT4aajtdj0oZg/s1600/100_6913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBPOdwtEOtwySc0OqWaw2PF7MX8sn9ZHo8CHN7G9t02zvrIK-y9bskUa9JACz_iX3-kirFRiHqrg8cK2W16D6Xx7geV5xOecHDrpr-8z_ZqOI19M87lXN2XHXL48g1hgT4aajtdj0oZg/s320/100_6913.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453067953593980082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE-7bhwqRfWIe1Ck0HWENgA2V156RdDk-rPDVlzEOUIeRUMs7DrTPEZMyrSr4UPnPAs9V5x9uzpsbS3rYI-_-PpYt4GVVlW-ejhIWQDpCi5mkP5y5-H1CDD9lEb1l2v82u5y0NTmuRM0/s1600/100_6779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE-7bhwqRfWIe1Ck0HWENgA2V156RdDk-rPDVlzEOUIeRUMs7DrTPEZMyrSr4UPnPAs9V5x9uzpsbS3rYI-_-PpYt4GVVlW-ejhIWQDpCi5mkP5y5-H1CDD9lEb1l2v82u5y0NTmuRM0/s320/100_6779.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453067582990043474" /></a><br />We recently returned from a trip to Senegal. During that trip we distributed forty five new micro loans... but we're saving that story for it's own post..<br />First we want to tell you about the water/well project.<br />Andando has had an onging project in the village of Keur Soce with a church partner, Doxology in Corvallis, Oregon. Over the past few years Doxology has worked with the school in Keur Soce on various projects including bringing school supplies, building a basket ball court- even bringing 600 pairs of shoes for the village kids. <br />While building relationships there through these activities, Dox became aware of the need for access to water in some of the village neigborhoods and the need for several wells in the village and in outlying villages.<br />Along with Andando, they began to work with the village leaders and as a result there are now two neighborhoods in Keur Soce that have a community tap where there was none before, and a new deep water well that will supply water for decades to come. This well will also supply water to a one hectare garden right next to it. By this time next year, this garden should be supplying produce for the whole village.<br /> Another well has been dug in a nearby village, Diam Diao. This village had been depending on an older well that had many cracks and the ground around it was being degraded by the many animals that would come to the well each day. <br />We have been able to dig a brand new well in this village that will be used exclusively for people. The older well is being repaired and will be used for cattle. The well diggers will also run a pipe from the well to a new large drinking trough so that more animals can be watered at once.<br />Thanks to this great partnership -and to many individual donors, several thousand people now have access to clean, sweet water -and several hundred cattle too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-4523189415828307152009-10-08T16:55:00.000-07:002009-10-29T12:48:42.260-07:00mosquito netsOne of the biggest killers of children in Senegal, and in all of Africa, is malaria. When treated bed nets are used, the incidence of malaria decreases dramatically.<br /><br /> Andando wanted to help make nets available to the communities we work in , so last year one of the gifts you could purchase from our Christmas Catalog was a mosquito net. This proved to be a popular gift and we raised enough funds for several hundred nets.<br /><br />We really wanted to make sure the nets were going to be used effectively so we wanted to also supply training and follow up .<br />With this in mind we have entered into a partnership with the <a href="http://www.againstmalaria.com">Against Malaria Initiative</a> and the <a href="http://www.peacecorps.gov">US Peace Corps</a> in Senegal. Against Malaria has access to nets at a far cheaper price than we can get and the Peace Corps is distributing the nets in Senegal. They go in small teams to villages, do a training and a few weeks later go back and do a follow up to make sure the nets are being used correctly.<br /><br />Your gifts continue to make a real difference in the lives of people in West Africa and through this new partnership, we are able to make your gifts stretch even farther AND ensure excellent training and follow up!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-28511605763785889602009-07-28T12:04:00.000-07:002009-07-28T12:29:18.246-07:00LoansWe've recently received some great reports about our micro loan program. Our amazing Senegalese director, Diegane Ndiaye is reporting 100% repayment on the last round of loans!<br />All of these funds have been recycled and are back out in the community again. Diegane is a huge reason for this success rate. His commitment and dedication to this project is impressive- he manages all of this on a volunteer basis while holding down a full time job and raising a family. <strong>Thank you Diegane</strong>.<br /><br />Another reason for the success of this program is that we make NO INTEREST loans. We have heard from several loan recipients that this is a huge blessing for them as previously they only ever had access to moneylenders who would chrage 25- 50% interest. This usually meant that the borrower was never going to be in a position to fully pay back what was owed and would continue in a cycle of debt. With an Andando loan they can establish some security for their families and make plans for the future.<br />Following are a few comments from some loan recipients-<br /><br /><em>The project allowed me to set up a little business with an oil press. I would buy peanuts and make oil to sell in the local markets. I made profits that allowed me to improve our family's diet and address key needs. </em><br /><em>I thank Andando for allowing me to improve our living conditions.</em><br /><br /><em>With the loan I bought some livestock (sheep)that have recently given birth. I have sold some and have some more to rear. This project has transformed my life.</em><br /><br /><em>Diegane also reported that in one of the villages there was a young man who was facing difficulties. All the loan recipients got together to help him buy a sheep. Today he has paid back all the ladies and has his own sheep now to rear. This example of "walking together" is something to celebrate!</em><br /><br />Thanks to all of you who are a part of making this micro loan project work. You are changing Lives!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-79408702017218348692009-06-10T13:37:00.000-07:002009-06-10T13:51:33.216-07:00andando means walking togetherThe name of our foundation comes from the Wolof word for walking together. Wolof is the main language of Senegal, the country where the dream for Andando was born, out of a desire to walk together more closely with people there and in other places around the world<br /><br />In keeping with the name, two intrepid hikers have committed the summer to <span style="font-weight: bold;">'walk together' </span>the entire length of the United States from Mexico to Canada .They began on April 30 and are now about 600 miles in on their 2650 mile journey. Follow along with them on the journey through the link to their blog on the right.These guys are amazing!<br /><br />They are also doing this walk to raise funds for Andando. They are seeking sponsors who will support them by the mile-a penny a mile is $26.50 per person, $53.00 for both or any amount you would care to donate. You can donate through paypal by going to www.andando.org or you can send checks to Andando PO Box 542, Jefferson, OR.97352Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-40748846191635181062009-06-10T13:10:00.000-07:002009-06-10T13:27:56.622-07:00summer fun!We want to let you know about a couple of upcoming events that Andando will be participating- both on the same day!<br />One is <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Day of the African Child</span> on June 27 from 10 -5 at the World Forestry Center in Portland. There will be lots of organizations there involved with African children in some way. We will be there with Saah Joseph sharing about our feeding program in Sierra Leone and our micro lending in Senegal. We'll also be selling our kids' dresses, baby wraps, bags, and baskets.<br />Did you know when you purchase one of our baskets, you feed a child in Sierra Leone for one MONTH?<br /><br />We will also be at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">WorldBeat Festival</span> in Salem that same weekend. That event runs all day Saturday and Sunday. It has an gloabl theme with countries and cultures fromm all over the world represented. It's in a beautiful setting in Riverfront Park by the Willamette river. On Sunday there are dragon boat races on the river!<br /><br />Hope to see you at one or both events.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-4246867162963322992009-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:002009-05-11T09:36:39.423-07:00an evening with Saah JosephThis Thursday evening , May 14th, we are looking forward to a special time with the volunteer coordinator of our Buedu Feeding program. Saah Joseph from Liberia(see photo in previous post) will share about the program the kids and also some of his own fascinating story of years as a refugee in Liberia and Sierra Leone.<br />The event starts at 6.30 p.m.<br /><br />There will be a silent auction with some great prizes, including a fishing trip and an airplane ride! In addition, the Andando store will be open featuring new products from our artisans.<br /><br />If you have not yet received an invitation, and would like to attend, please email us at theandandofoundation@gmail.com and we'll send you directions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-24633589618058202412009-02-18T22:18:00.000-08:002009-02-18T22:35:34.153-08:00Where the Money goes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirekGWY0GTBPoZPpl6m56j8-NaJ2ObRHUGodyeYvquzGe8hZu2DmDcTpKHEHvIDS3i84q1FXB48PMMf2k-_luBkDlYWCIR1Amx6RF__QwVdDTfCDFOepakYOTSiaEz7c06F9SP4IRlsAE/s1600-h/P1150074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304392570531847298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirekGWY0GTBPoZPpl6m56j8-NaJ2ObRHUGodyeYvquzGe8hZu2DmDcTpKHEHvIDS3i84q1FXB48PMMf2k-_luBkDlYWCIR1Amx6RF__QwVdDTfCDFOepakYOTSiaEz7c06F9SP4IRlsAE/s320/P1150074.jpg" border="0" /></a> A young girl taking home food to share!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrGFbWyhfna1WAYiQ4PZaEDEX-yn47nBOkNOeKqLmPU1hq0xq6Dp01hF88GStkV27ur0nm5CqR4kwpy3aCX3yZZ5LZ6bVucTvqH3WlGplAEulxH0Wgmmfd_h-dAjPpggll6whFbzd85Q/s1600-h/P1150068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304391294571633618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrGFbWyhfna1WAYiQ4PZaEDEX-yn47nBOkNOeKqLmPU1hq0xq6Dp01hF88GStkV27ur0nm5CqR4kwpy3aCX3yZZ5LZ6bVucTvqH3WlGplAEulxH0Wgmmfd_h-dAjPpggll6whFbzd85Q/s320/P1150068.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just a few of our 900 kids - a lot of mouths to feed!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwetUTd9Jgx5L7B229xTS9oqcSRk0b4rx0nt1tpg-NiyiSb7vzTYz2oHDus0ywgAiJNX070VLEHiIvzsiZY6VyFsgAa5sXZXTRzUkvcN7z8uaWZPtlldSBmWtnrP_EEc6zH5Vc1WjHRaU/s1600-h/P1150062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304391295097738898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwetUTd9Jgx5L7B229xTS9oqcSRk0b4rx0nt1tpg-NiyiSb7vzTYz2oHDus0ywgAiJNX070VLEHiIvzsiZY6VyFsgAa5sXZXTRzUkvcN7z8uaWZPtlldSBmWtnrP_EEc6zH5Vc1WjHRaU/s320/P1150062.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can never have too much rice.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTBK32XTwa60k-kKZciwVZL9E-GJKx-gTCQ3JmOzT3smhItYVJL8jgGS63f2ra40lpv4-33Ip3qstgis_ecaSvQgre1RUyp0-6rAvtn0CWcEkjMH3WrZ-fnALr6PiCr21xt-fJpeAQQ4/s1600-h/P1130007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304391289629161106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTBK32XTwa60k-kKZciwVZL9E-GJKx-gTCQ3JmOzT3smhItYVJL8jgGS63f2ra40lpv4-33Ip3qstgis_ecaSvQgre1RUyp0-6rAvtn0CWcEkjMH3WrZ-fnALr6PiCr21xt-fJpeAQQ4/s320/P1130007.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our friend Saah Joseph<br /><br /><br /><div>In January Andando made a trip to Africa to our sponsored feeding program. It's in Buedu, Sierra Leone and it's not an easy place to get to. It is located in a remote corner of Sierra Leone near where the Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone borders come together. On previous trips we had traveled through Sierra Leone to get there.- on very bad, almost impassable roads. This time we thought we’d try a different route going through Liberia. Well it turns out the roads were only slightly better. It took about 15 hours to get to Buedu from Monrovia, about half on dirt roads. Fortunately it was the dry season . During the rainy season, May to September, this road would be impassable.<br />We were greeted in Buedu by what seemed like a million children and definitely more than the 600 we thought we were feeding! We estimated it’s closer to 900 kids in the program, but the folks there are doing an amazing job. They are feeding these kids five days a week, cooking on open fire. Two hard working women (volunteer positions) do most of the cooking. We had some great discussions about the program and ways to improve it. Since our last visit to Buedu, many people have started farming again since peace has returned to the region, so there is more food available locally.<br /></div><br /><div>We discussed the availability of local rice. In the past we had to ship rice there which added to the cost. We've changed that. Now the feeding program is going to start using local rice, which is more nutritious because it is not processed. This will also help the local economy. Another way we are able to help the local economy is by buying bread once a week from a local baker and using bread instead of rice. We were also able to bring school supplies and medicine for the kids.<br /></div><br /><div>It was a really encouraging and worthwhile trip. Thanks so much to our amazing partner there, Saah Joseph. Several years ago Saah shared this need with us and he has been faithful to continue working with Andando, again as a volunteer. Without his commitment and vision the feeding program would not be possible.<br /><br />On the same trip we made a quick stop in Senegal to visit with our micro loan partner there, Diegane Ndiaye (another amazing Andando volunteer). Once again, without our in-country partner, our program just would not work. Diegane has administered our micro loan program for a year now and we have seen an almost 100% return on our loans thanks to his diligence and faithfulness. He is now in the midst of making this years’ round of loans with the the previous years money being recycled again into the community - and the new money from your generous gifts being added to it.<br /><br />You can be a part in bringing hope and dignity to these wonderful people in Senegal and Sierra Leone. Join us if you can, and thanks to those of you who already have! </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-83295668356586795472009-02-18T22:09:00.000-08:002009-02-18T22:18:03.187-08:00Christmas for Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGTndXQLeEdVWzsvWWiJwFPkbIhYtbgvIMFO1640qgmar2vSu1GsK6sfJjbZC3eumi0z4sy27pCZ4SKFkZCwfmWrnOphAarOkQ7h7CLga3ef8jEiq-3WXRIkKobXyOdCe-iiUHxDAfko/s1600-h/P1130003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304388869313039186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGTndXQLeEdVWzsvWWiJwFPkbIhYtbgvIMFO1640qgmar2vSu1GsK6sfJjbZC3eumi0z4sy27pCZ4SKFkZCwfmWrnOphAarOkQ7h7CLga3ef8jEiq-3WXRIkKobXyOdCe-iiUHxDAfko/s320/P1130003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We did a "Christmas catalog" for the first time during December and it was a wonderful success. To everyone who contributed to Andando during the Christmas season through our gift catalog - Thank you ! Over 150 gifts were given and $6,000 raised!<br /><br />And already most of these gifts have found their way to Africa. We have already begun the new distribution of Micro loans and and farmer loans in Senegal and we have sent funds for the next six months of our feeding program in Buedu. Not only that, we've supplied 600 kids in Sierra Leone with school and medical supplies. Later in the spring we plan on working on our mosquito net distribution in Senegal, in time for the rainy season there.<br />Thanks again to all of you who participated.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-21962434910745173092009-01-24T15:24:00.000-08:002009-01-24T15:32:25.725-08:00Teaching Business in Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbe508KU8hIDkn1lsyd3fwq6gdiKeH4lOfC_OQpu2c2W5h_1T7olfcn3uWPe5PIkuNzfNWOoRlbb_YDMxY2Sp_RF7D9zeTCN4iA-ToFFyd7FJrHmE9cHk5fIT-Qobqjtnl9leAff1T2k/s1600-h/seminar+and+church+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295007037097875346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbe508KU8hIDkn1lsyd3fwq6gdiKeH4lOfC_OQpu2c2W5h_1T7olfcn3uWPe5PIkuNzfNWOoRlbb_YDMxY2Sp_RF7D9zeTCN4iA-ToFFyd7FJrHmE9cHk5fIT-Qobqjtnl9leAff1T2k/s320/seminar+and+church+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Recently, I had the privilege to teach business fundamentals to a bunch of African small business owners - a first for me. This was in a village way out in the boonies, and it was something that I was anticipating for some time. As you may know, Fiona and I were on the road for quite a while traveling all over Africa, so I had some time to plan this out. The challenge as it was presented to me was that these guys (and gals) - can't read, can't write, and they can't count. A rather challenging environment for business development ... It wasn't quite like that, they were really pretty sharp in their own culture, and I was pleased to find out they have all done well with their projects. In addition to the challenges, I had to work with a translator, as shown in the picture above<br />You see, these are the participants in our Andando micro loan program, and they've had a few months now to utilize these small loans for the purpose of making a living. My goal was to help them improve their business by teaching a fews key business points. It went well, except it was really hot inside this building, I mean like 100 degrees. It was a concrete building with a tin roof in the middle of the African bush, no air conditioning or power or water. It was also very humid, but they didn't seem to mind (I did!).<br />But I was delighted to hear their success stories and most of them are doing pretty well already. In fact they have paid back most of the micro loans already and we can now expand the program. It was a long day, and after an "African" lunch, where everyone sits on the ground and eats out of a communal bowl, we visited some farms nearby where some of the loan recipients work their land.<br />It was a great day, very hot, rather exhausting, but very rewarding - Kevin </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662136683990982381.post-16508156656762949902009-01-14T21:55:00.000-08:002009-01-14T21:59:03.413-08:00Now is the time to buy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtQ11Kk1Ry7BSeYO8OEKuASfdVdUzfdI-e-XSz-BBjTky50l-2-jFqjwfye7crVRmsIMCfCFNzqWh3_z30WN6Gzc8uOYYbNAoHWXTfCNJ-dD7aHNwX_cG0zKDXnoOrnvnsr01CdwndpI/s1600-h/bargain+shopersprod_affiliate_50.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291395637953375714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtQ11Kk1Ry7BSeYO8OEKuASfdVdUzfdI-e-XSz-BBjTky50l-2-jFqjwfye7crVRmsIMCfCFNzqWh3_z30WN6Gzc8uOYYbNAoHWXTfCNJ-dD7aHNwX_cG0zKDXnoOrnvnsr01CdwndpI/s320/bargain+shopersprod_affiliate_50.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Why are these ladies so happy? Because they just found some incredible bargains at the Andando sale! Don't miss it - many things are marked at 50% off. <br />This is for a limited time only, so rush on down for those choice items you have been wanting and waiting. <br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1