Mentoring for At-Risk Nomadic Girls in Rural Niger

The Tuareg people of the Air Massif in northern Niger have suffered through two years of an conflict between a protest group and the Niger military. Many people were forced to leave their homes and live in temporary homes in the neighboring cities of Agadez, Arlit and Tchirozerene. Spring has brought peace to the region at last, and people are returning home to rebuild their lives. Each village — Ibourikoum, Aguelal, Tadek, Tefis and more — has its story. For people of the Air Massif, RAIN is their NGO, the partner they count and rely on. All are working together to restore their communities, homes, schools and school gardens. They are restarting their lives with nothing but spirit to see them through. The Gougaram garden was burned and is now home to a herd of donkeys. But the RAIN cistern stands and we will return! The walls of the Tadek schools are full of holes from mortar shells.The people of Soulefet have collected $200 to repair their well and are building an enclosure to keep animals our of their school garden. RAIN has given them a well pump and drip irrigation system to replace those destroyed during the insurrection. And the children are happy to be back home, and back in school! On Tuesday, March 16th, GlobalGiving will match every donation to RAIN by 30%. Your donations are already hard at work making a difference to these communities. Give an extra boost to our friends in the Air Massif to rebuild their gardens and schools, and bring life and learning back into the lives of the children by making a contribution on this special day. What better way to celebrate the promise of Spring, than by bringing renewal and rejuvenation to our Tuareg brothers and sisters! With Warmest Regards, Bess Palmisciano