Everybody needs an Engineer
Since the start of our first production pilot last January, Emmanuel - recognized by the community as 'Engineer' - has been actively involved in the project. This July, he joined the project on a full-time basis. Lucky us, since he is a plumber, electrician, construction worker and architect at the same time (which explains his nickname). Time for an interview!
Can you tell us something about yourself and your family?
"My name is Emmanuel Benyin, 33 years old and I am from Cape Coast. I have a wife, called Vida, and three kids, Junior (9), Blessing (7), and Oswald (3). I grew up in a big family with ten siblings. Unfortunately, my father passed away when I was seven years old, so my mother took care of us."
When and why did you move to Kumasi?
"A few years after completing senior high school, I traveled to Kumasi for my education. Before moving, I worked as a tro-tro (small buses) driver to save money for college. In 2015, I moved to Kumasi to study electrical engineering at the Kumasi Technical University, while also staying active as a tro-tro driver. After graduation, I did my national service* at KITA (Kumasi Institute of Tropical Agriculture). They offered me a full-time job, so I stayed there after my service year as well."
*In order to gain experience, graduates have to do a one-year internship at a random organization, sponsored by the government.
What did your professional career look like up to now?
"The tro-tro driving was a well-paying job, but it could be stressful with many passengers, busy traffic, insecure loading, or police interference. Before going to college, I also assisted plumbers, which taught me a lot. As mentioned earlier, I did my service at KITA. This was a coincidence, since the government first posted me at a different organization. However, it turned out that organization was full, and I got reposted at KITA. Usually, after the service year, companies do not hold on to you. However, because of the hard work I did, KITA offered me a full-time job, which I was really happy about."
Last summer you joined Chalé Spirulina on a full-time basis. Why?
"I never heard about spirulina before. When Floris came here for the first time, I thought he was joking around. I could not believe that you create such a product with the available resources here. However, after doing some online research and the start of the production pilot last January, I got really excited and motivated to contribute to the project. I believe my practical skills can help the company."
How did you like the past few months and what are your future plans?
"The past few months went well and I feel proud to be part of the team. I am very happy to work together with Ruben and we already achieved a lot. We learn from eachother, since Dutch and Ghanaian people have different ways of working. For my future plans, I would be happy to build a good future here and to grow with the company."
