Challenge for 2024: Addressing Niger’s Ongoing Need for Safe Water Access

By Omesh Prathiraja Niger is a country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. However, behind its beauty, Niger continues to face significant water scarcity. Millions of Nigeriens lack water that’s safe for drinking and food preparation, and they have limited access to clean water for sanitation. Water for Drinking and Food Preparation According… Read more »

Implications of Niger’s High Birth Rate

by Omesh Prathiraja Niger has the world’s highest birth rate. With an average of over seven children per woman, this demographic phenomenon presents opportunities, such as a growth in the labor force and a youthful population that can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into various sectors in Niger. However, it also presents challenges for… Read more »

Transforming Schools, Transforming Futures

By Kayleigh Redmond and Kayla Ruff In 2021, 21 Nigerien children died when their school, which was made of straw, caught on fire. Not only were these straw buildings deemed physically unsafe, they were also considered to be unsuitable for students’ growth and development. Now, more than ever it is imperative for children to have… Read more »

African Drone and Data Academy Empowers Nigerien Youth

By Amber Persson Imagine that a mother of five in rural Niger suddenly develops a fever, headache, and nausea; the diagnosis—malaria. She must receive treatment as soon as possible before the swift-acting disease develops further. Unfortunately, her community is largely inaccessible by road, and there are no hospitals in the vicinity. It could take several… Read more »

Kossom Association Provides Employment for Women with Disabilities

By Amber Persson Female empowerment is one of the most powerful growing movements of the 21st century. Countries around the world are making changes, slowly but surely, to close the gender gap that exists professionally and culturally. For Nigerien women living with disabilities, the gender gap is even more pronounced. As a result of widespread… Read more »

Empowered Women, Empowered Niger

By Kayleigh Redmond Research has shown that investing in the economic and educational success of women is vital to the development of any nation. Women typically funnel a larger percentage of their income back into their communities than men and obstructing their potential contributions only delays financial growth. Educating and empowering women in Niger can… Read more »

Surviving the Pandemic: Microfinance Training for Women

By Amber Persson The COVID-19 pandemic has devasted countries across the world but has also led to an increased sense of community and compassion between people. In countries like Niger, community-building can help families survive the ongoing pandemic. One such community-building activity is the creation of women’s savings groups, which help families persevere amidst the… Read more »

COVID-19: A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

By William Beeker Source: Wells Bring Hope The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many systemic problems in societies around the world, but maybe none so clearly as those in our education systems. Here in the US, adapting to the challenges presented by the pandemic was difficult, but manageable. Many schools were able to implement some form… Read more »

Women Musicians in Africa Open the Door for Important Conversations

By Amber Nicolai Source: Koliou Noundou In a time where much of the music coming out of the West seems to be about superficial subjects like dating, clubbing or living the high life, women-led musical groups across Africa are showing the world how powerful socially conscious music can be. These talented musicians are producing everything… Read more »

Contraception and Family Planning

By William Beeker Source: Wells Bring Hope Modern contraception is a vital tool in women’s empowerment and the fight for gender equality. In countries like Niger, where gender inequality is still highly prevalent, contraception use for married women is about 14%, compared with 30% across Africa and 55% globally. This is troubling for a few… Read more »