In recent years many of our missions have had to be cancelled because of security issues. Our missions have gotten much more expensive because of the high cost of required security. The generation of young nomads heading into adult life with no education, skills or opportunity pose a distinct threat to the stability of the region. If they have no way of earning a living at home they may choose to leave for Libya–now in chaos–and who knows what–to become bandits, drug traffickers, or be lured into the fundamentalist agenda? This is not an attractive option for them, but sometimes the only one. We want to give them another.
When we saw the large groups of organized youth showing up to support our festival last November–all dressed alike–Sidi and I had an idea. If we provide them small loans to pursue whatever activity they choose they will be able to make a start and this might be enough for them to stay home and become productive members of their communities.
We announced the meeting and chose three communities with which we have worked for years and in whom we have confidence of the success of the program: Aboye, Fidouk and Ehalgene. We loaned $2.000 to each community: 9 members of the association to receive $200 each with the stipulation that it be repaid in 6 months and given to another candidate. The remaining $200 is split between the youth organization president as a management fee and our own follow up costs.
The presidents of 8 youth associations came and we explained to them that our annual festival at Tamesna will be the time and place to present their applications to be a part of this program in the future. In only a few days we were learning the implications of this small gesture. The word is out and I have confidence that just the knowledge that there are other options for them will have an enormous impact.
If this pilot program succeeds we have hopes that Rotary International and USAID, both of whom have expressed interest will fund its expansion to the largest number of youth possible.
In welcoming the group, I told them how sad it was for me not to be able to visit their camps and families as I once had, but because of the lack of security and need for expensive military escorts I could no longer afford it or was simply not allowed. If ever peace and stability is to return to their region it is in their hands.because surely it is they who know better than any military presence, every stranger who enters their territory and usually why.
The youth association of Ehalgene in a show of support of the Tamesna Festival 2014. It was this gesture on their part that spawned the program.
I welcomed the presidents and some members of 10 youth organizations and thanked Ehalgene for their support which initiated the program.
Explaining the requirements of the loan to the president of the youth association at the Wodaabe community of Fidouk
Ehalgene signs their contract
Aboye receives their loan
Leslie
Your continued support of the nomads in Niger is life affirming. One person can make such a difference in this world. I am so grateful you introduced us into their world and culture and that we met your friends and experienced a bit of the culture.
I will never forget it .
All good wishes
Terri
I love this, and can’t wait to see how it transforms these young lives.
je viens de lire ce projet
pouvez vous nous donner quelques résultats de ces prêts? en anglais ou en français?