Total fertility rate is a measure used by demographers that quantifies the average number of children that women in a specified population tend to have. Like many African countries, Niger’s fertility rate is rather high—it is so high in fact, as to be in the top ten fastest growing countries with regards to population in the world. The total fertility rate of the nation is 7.57, meaning that Niger’s women tend to have an average of 7-8 kids each during their lifetimes.
An Afternoon of Jazz
On Sunday, May 1st, Linda and Judd Swarzman generously hosted Wells Bring Hope’s “Afternoon of Jazz” in their beautiful Encino home. It was a bluebird day as Wells Bring Hope supporters made preparations amid green grass and a waterfall flowing into the shimmering pool, all surrounded by colorful flowerbeds, a perfect setting for a lovely afternoon.
When Water is the Problem and the Solution
The climatic changes brought about by El Niño have caused unseasonal floods and droughts, and has led much of the southern and eastern African regions to be plunged into food insecurity thanks to failed crops. In some parts of Ethiopia, which was the hardest hit by such unexpectedly severe and erratic rainfall disruptions, about 4/5 of all crops withered. Zimbabwe recently declared itself in a state of crisis, and Kenya and Nigeria are likewise experiencing dramatic food shortages. The number of people now experiencing hunger has increased by the millions. To say the current situation is dire would be an understatement.
Hope Springs Eternal…Or Does It?
The point of the WSJ piece was that “hope” is an emotion that we need more of. It went on to say that hope is a crucial element in our physical and mental well-being. I found it interesting that psychologists found that people who are hopeful don’t just have a goal or wish but a strategy to achieve it. Hope is the belief that the future will be better than the present and that you have some power to make it so.
Help Women, Help the World
Gender issues have come into sharp focus in recent years, particularly in Africa. The African Union declared 2016 to be “The Year of Human Rights with a Special Focus on Women’s Human Rights.” Gender was a priority in the Millennium Development Goals and continues to be so in the new Sustainable Development Goals.
What is Luxury?
I started thinking about the upcoming 7 Gallon Challenge for World Water Day and what might be easy or difficult to cut back on. The easy one for me was fewer flushes a day. Living alone, no one else would be impacted by what sits for a while in my toilet!
Before I actually took the 7 Gallon Challenge, I decided to do a “test market”—going through my day, thinking consciously about my water usage and how it might feel to cut back on certain things. It didn’t take long to discover that the prospect of taking a short shower didn’t feel so great. As I stood under the hot, flowing water for a few minutes, my higher self said, “Enough, turn off the water!” But my body answered, “Don’t you dare!!”
Politics in Niger, Not So Different from America
On February 21st, Niger took an important step towards stability. A general election occurred; a reassuring break from the back and forth alternation of military regimes and democratic systems. Since achieving independence in 1960, Niger’s government has been rocky, to say the least. This election, though a positive event, has had its fair share of obstacles.
Seven Gallon Challenge
For the week of March 7, Chadwick School’s Wells Bring Hope Club will be doing the Seven Gallon Challenge! Each day, we’ll be able to use only seven gallons of water for all daily activities (e.g. showering, washing hands, brushing your teeth, etc), and we’ll be sharing and reflecting on our experience via Facebook and Instagram. By limiting daily water use and documenting the experience, we (and the people we share our experiences with) will learn how little seven gallons of water actually is. They’ll also become more aware of the difficulty that many West Africans face in getting adequate amounts of water each day, and will learn to appreciate access to water rather than take it for granted.
Microfinance Training for Women – A Passionate Belief
Earlier this year, members of Wells Bring Hope’s Board and Advisory Board had the opportunity to meet with Esperance Klugan, Director of Operations, West Africa Region and former Director of World Vision, Niger. Esperance has a unique background, combining the worlds of finance and humanitarian help for women.
Well # 1,000 in Niger
The 1,000th well was drilled in Niger.
