Hundreds of vulnerable children in Niger are now accessing quality health and education services, as well as clean water.
Niger is one of the poorest nations in the world. With over 80 per cent of its land covered by desert, the country suffers regular drought, as well as on-going conflict and insecurity.
The people of the least developed region, Tillabery, in particular, are no strangers to hunger. In 2012, around 70 per cent of the population were food insecure. Access to education and health services was extremely limited, with the region suffering the country’s highest rate of deaths from water-borne diseases.
Transforming lives in Famalé village
In Famalé village, we promoted good hygiene through education sessions. We distributed information kits and constructed latrines in a school and health centre – which also received essential medicines and equipment.
We ensured that local people – many of whom currently face a walk of over an hour to the nearest standpipe – gain sustainable access to clean water. We installed boreholes in public places, including a school, and empowered local people to oversee their upkeep.
The integrated project directly benefits 460 vulnerable children, as well as 5,335 people in Famalé and neighbouring villages.
In addition, we promoted access to education – particularly for the poorest children – by providing teachers and community organisations with training on child rights, child-centred teaching, and welfare. Around 200 marginalised children received a school bag and books.
