Interview with Orou Donkoré Sinagahoue

Working with OAN International

Can you tell us a little about yourself before you got to know OAN?

• Your name: Orou Donkoré Sinagahoue
• Where are you from? From Banikoara.
• What did you do before joining OAN? Before joining OAN, I worked as a supervisor of the waste management project with the NGO VIDECON. Later, I worked as manager of a shop and a restaurant belonging to the company MDIK.
• What training have you received? Sociology and anthropology, with a specialization in development.
• How did you imagine your future back then? I saw it as a calm and hopeful future.

What is OAN Nikki?

OAN: Objetivo Analizar Nikki is a non-profit non-governmental organization that carries out several social and community projects, among them: NIKARIT, PRéMASE, ASEP, Community Gardens and ProGIDéM.

What convinced you to join the OAN Nikki team?

Having been a supervisor of the waste management project with another NGO —a project I was deeply passionate about— was what convinced me to join the team.

What is your job at OAN and what has joining the team meant for you?

I am a project manager. Being part of the team is a real pleasure for me, because I see in it collaboration, communication, responsibility, relationships based on trust, respect for the environment, diversity, the sharing of a common goal and the mutual support that makes it possible to achieve collective results.

What motivates you to keep working with OAN Nikki?

Love for what I do, love for my work and my passion for protecting the environment.

What is usually part of your daily routine?

In the morning, when I wake up, I tidy my room and then get ready for work. Once at work, I follow all the administrative requirements. At midday, I take a break to have lunch and then I take care of other tasks. In the afternoon, I return to work to continue with the administrative tasks. At night, I go back home, get ready for dinner and then sleep to rest and be ready for a new day.

Challenges and opportunities of development cooperation

How would you describe the ideal development for Nikki? / What model of development do you think the people of Nikki want?

The ideal development for Nikki is based on a holistic and inclusive approach that integrates economic, social, environmental and cultural needs. Because each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring a high quality of life and a sustainable future for the people of Nikki.

Life in Nikki beyond development cooperation

What do you do when you are off working hours?

I am an activist and defender of children's rights.

Have you had any role model in your life?

Yes, Mr. Abdel Kader Madougou (president of OAN Nikki). Why him? Because he represents a good example of leadership. If I could, I do not seek to resemble him, but rather to reach the point of doing what he does, because wanting to look like him would be defying the laws of genetics.