Sandy’s Helpers began in August 2021 with a powerful question from Sandy Hoekenga, widow of Microboard’s founder, Craig T. Hoekenga: “What if animals could help people in need?” This idea, often shared during Microboard’s humanitarian mission meetings, sparked the creation of a sustainable program focused on empowering women through small-scale farming.
Starting in Nigeria, Sandy’s Helpers launched with just 17 women—widows, single mothers, and others in need—who were provided goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and other farm animals. With guidance from Peter Fretheim, Gloria Samdi Puldu, and a veterinary team led by Dr. Akita, the women formed farm collectives. As their farms grew profitable, they began sponsoring other women to join.
The program’s growth was astounding. By August 2022, over 400 women were involved. A year later, Sandy’s Helpers had become not only sustainable but expandable, reaching more than 1,200 women across northern Nigeria.
Today, Sandy’s Helpers is spreading beyond Nigeria, with new groups launching in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This month, a new cohort is beginning at the Peace, Healing, and Reconciliation Training Centre in Malindi, Kenya, in partnership with Pelagie Tuyisenge.
“This is truly a remarkable initiative,” says Pelagie. “In just a few months, we see women supporting themselves and their families, gaining self-esteem and economic freedom that once felt impossible.”
Sandy’s vision lives on—proving that something as simple as a small farm animal can change lives.
About Microboard:
Microboard is a Connecticut-based electronics manufacturing service (EMS) provider delivering circuit card assembly, system integration, and test services. We’re your source for high reliability and high complexity electronics manufacturing across the Defense, Medical, Telecom, and Industrial market sectors. From simple designs to complex systems, Microboard provides complete solutions beginning with new product introduction to manufacturing fulfillment. We are committed to excellence, motivated by a higher mission, and led by our 3 guiding principles, the 3Ps. Process Excellence, Partnership, and People.
Along with our strong engineering staff and test and RF test design team, our leading-edge equipment and software are capable of placing the industry’s smallest parts, building some of the most complex, challenging, and fail-critical boards in the world. Microboard’s motto of “brilliant together” is an unassailable guarantee to our customers, from government contractors to innovative startups looking to amaze the world. Answering the call to world service is a significant and inseparable part of Microboard’s company culture. Through aid projects in 9 different missions around the world, humanitarian commitment is our enduring purpose. Brilliant Together.