Education and artisans

1. Today was another day about education, but in a different place: Agadez.  Nomadic kids rarely have an opportunity to go beyond grammar school, but when there is the will of the parents we like to help where we can.  The village of Aouedenine we have worked with for many years.  It is the hometown of Aboli, our cook.  We have helped with schools, gardens and wells there.  Now the kids who have finished grammar school are in Agadez where there parents are paying for their schooling and we are helping with room and board.

2. 

   Nomadic kids from Aouedenine attending jr high with our help

Ilias is Aboli’s son.  He made it through high school and wanted to be a doctor so with board member Dr. Skankey’s help he made it through his first year of med school and is now starting his second.  Last year he was so shy he hardly looked up to talk to us, but now he is much more confident.  He should be: he is first in his class

The community of nomadic Wodaabe of Foudouk are among our oldest friends.  The are very organized and have a community organization that pulls together to pool money, or make money to help the community.  In this case, Bango has brought a collection of jewelry they have purchased and embroideries and leatherwork they have made to sell to benefit the school at Foudouk.

Bango showing the jewelry at my house, which he sells to help the school at Foudouk.