Mentoring for At-Risk Nomadic Girls in Rural Niger

“I have learned a lot of things through my mentor. She talks with us about health, telling us to be sure to wash our hands before and after we eat and to wash our clothes regularly. She also tells us about education with examples about the importance of education. She also teaches us how to make crafts.” – Safiatou.

The effects of education spread to the communities of these children too. They learn and grow, re-teaching others what they have learned. The mentors inspire students -- giving them a reason to think of the future with hope and eagerness.  Educating girls is the way to improve society. Girls grow up to be women who send their children to school, have smaller and healthier families, and contribute to their communities. Mentors are key to motivating parents to invest in their daughters by sending them to school.

“I share what I learn from my mentor with my parents and with my friends. Even among us sponsored kids, I have a friend that speaks/is Songhai [Safiatou is a Tuareg, Tamasheq speaker, but also bilingual in Songhai and learning French at school as third language]. As soon as my mentor finishes explaining something to us in Tamasheq, I explain to my Songhai friend. She understands very well with me there. Everything that our mentor explains, I listen very well and after I explain that to my friend.” – Safiatou.

                Niger is in dire need of educated people.  Mentors are the key that unlocks the potential for young girls’ and boys’ bright minds.  Students like Safiatou share their knowledge with those around them.

Mentors help nurture students reach their highest potentials academically, socially, and personally. Mentors also teach fundamental skills like traditional crafts.  These skills will likely become a means of a potential income. Mentors’ encouragement of education is vital for these children as many of the students come from families where education is not valued or understood to be important.

                 You can help change the lives of so many young girls, who wouldn’t have the opportunity to thrive otherwise. Donating helps more than an individual, it helps whole communities.