A year with lots of impressions and experiences draws to an end. One of the conclusions we perceived during our engagement of long standing is that the Swiss presence has to be intensified. How can we achieve this aim?

 

After numerous evenings of discussing what policy to pursue, we have decided to found ENMIGRAW Suisse.

As a result, our non-profit association was established on 6^th September 2007 and in the meantime the bylaws have also been approved. The management team consists of:

 

- Anita Hess Inwilli                Chairwoman

- Mouhamed Inwilli               Vice president

- Sandra Genelin                  Actuary

- Bea Bachofner                   Cashier

 

According to our slogan „engagement commits“, we are currently in the process of obtaining the eagerly awaited tax exemption.

At the same time we are very much concerned about the current instable political situation in the North of Niger. We feel that it is our obligation to report frankly about the state of affairs.

 

In our opinion, the background of this conflict lies in the continuing discrimination of the resident population of this sparse desert area. Neglected development projects by the Nigerien government have in the long run led to social and economical misery. Currently an open conflict between the army and a group named „Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice“  (Nigerian movement for justice) has broken out.

And as always, those who finally suffer the most under such militant encounters are the civil population – there’s no more left than to take refuge from military checkpoints, curfews and scattered landmines. People pack their belongings on donkeys and move with their already reduced herd in areas known as less dangerous.

The military repression has put the area in an extremely precarious situation. Missing deliveries let food prices shoot up to unaffordable heights, thus it’s impossible for the Nomads to buy millet or rice. Everyday life is ruled by fear and even though their taking flight has taken them into a less dangerous area, they have now to cope with the drawback of fewer wells. As a further implication of the current situation all schools in the Talak region have been closed, which caused an adverse effect on the educational situation of the Tuareg children.

 

It is of utmost importance that in difficult times as these we continue our work and unfailingly set out for the next projects planned:

 

Before the beginning of this conflict, we had successfully reconstructed three wells in the Gougaram area. TheTuareg families’ request had reached ENMIGRAW in late spring and now those wells are also in use for watering the various gardens that are indispensable for their life. Those wells are the result of immediate action after a short inspection of the damages on site.

 The reason for the damages met was mostly a poor concrete quality or an insufficient reinforcement of the top part of the well. One of the wells showed a decayed pulling tool; another one had to be deepened and with the help of the resident Tuareg population the work proceeded in no time, so that after a couple of days water was flowing again into the various gardens.

As you can see – the end of year is neither an end nor a beginning – and we do hope to keep you posted with better news next time.

 

 

Anita, Mouhamed, Bea and Sandra

 

In April/May 2007 the people in charge of the ENMIGRAW office, Alhassane, Wayounfan and Adam drove into the Azawagh and Talak region. Their task was to set up well renovations, check on various projects and meet up with Tuareg nomads who had requested help from ENMIGRAW.

They started off in Agadez. Having organized all the necessary building material as well as an experienced well builder they drove 140 km southwest to Tchinsakan, their first destination.

Well Renovation in Tschinsakan

Here in Europe we take clean water for granted and barely consider it ever being absent. However in the Niger lots of women and children have to walk long distances in order to get water for their daily needs.

The well under reconstruction has a depth of 65 meters and was built centuries ago. The upper part (about 8 meters) is cemented. Due to the ravages of time, the poor quality of concrete as well as the excessive use of the well, a washed-out area formed at about 25 meters. According to Adam the washed-out area is so incredibly big that a jeep could drive in it, which made the well constructor shake his head in disbelieve. The well of Tchinsakan is in danger of collapsing. According to the resident Tuareg families they have been drinking foul, sandy water for more than a year. As a consequence, the numbers of health complaints have risen rapidly.

No wonder, with temperatures of 35°C people were soaked to the skin. The crew unremittingly slaved away and only stopped when the last one of the 13 well circles was in place.

Despite the fact that the well of Tchinsakan has only partly been reconstructed we have been able to prevent the worst and provide the families with drinking water.

Woman's project "Tamakrast" in Arlit

A couple of Tuareg women in Arlit enquired at ENMIGRAW if we could also grant them a micro-credit to be used as seed money – in order to enable them the start of the production of bass, baskets etc. Since up to now our experience with the women project in Talak was consistently very positive, the decision was quickly taken within the steering committee. Thus CHF 500.-- were immediately paid into the account of “Tamakrast”. 

We are curious as to the outcome and how the Tuareg women will invest their capital.

The millet storage “bank” is working out fine and for the Tuareg population of Talak it is an important source of staple food, since they are able to buy them on good conditions. At present it looks as if our supplies of millet should last until end of November. At present we are considering setting up a store of rice too.

I’m at a loss for words because I’m so proud of the Tuareg women - they are fantastic organisers! They are able to sell their wickerwork products at the local market very well und have thus provided them with a steady source of income.

They also integrated their donkey cart into this project. At CHF 2.-- per day they rent it out to other women (for moving, getting water, collecting wood or for the transport of large quantities of food supplies etc.). There is also a possibility of joining the “donkey cart association” at the price of CHF 0.40 per month. As a member of the DCA the use of the cart will then be free of charge. The incoming money will be put aside for repairs on the cart and who knows – maybe they will be able to afford a second cart next year. The chairwoman Rhaisha has everything under control and welcomes the future with a sound grasp for their economical situation.

The interview with the headmaster showed that improvements regarding the situation of food supplies for the children attending school have found fertile soil. It is just over a year since ENMIGRAW has started supporting the Nomad children of this school with additional milk and meat. The Tuareg families of the Talak region are more than grateful – let alone their children.

The same problems as in Gougaram are met in these Nomad schools. There is barely any food for children, nor dormitories, benches, or school material. Several children share one book and hardly any pupils have exercise books and writing utensils. In addition, the teachers’ salaries are often paid very late or not at all. Only very motivated teachers stay longer than one year. This is also due to the fact that they have a family to feed.

Unfortunately the Government has stopped the food supply of some schools for the coming term. It is a mystery to me– however it reflects the current situation in the north of Niger. If such cases occur, the parents have to step in, which often means enormous financial problems.

In general, Alhassane, Wayounfane and Adam were pleased with the progress of the projects and returned to their families very tired but with many new ideas. This journey has once more shown how important it is for ENMIGRAW, to have loyal and reliable people in charge in the various regions.

 

This is a further goal for our future!

Apart from a short downpour on Friday afternoon the weather kept its promise for the weekend. Warmers as well as fleece jackets and above all the heater were left at home for once.

The summery weather lured a big crowd to the market and our tent was spilling over at times.


We enjoyed every minute – and it reminded us of Agadez: Hot, stifling and loud.

Despite the heat, the popular Tuareg tea flowed like water and our guests seemed to enjoy this tasty tea.


We too could not resist and sipped a glass or two, which as a result robbed us of our well-deserved sleep!

We would like to sincerely thank all, who visited us, bought something, donated some money or simply came round for a chat.

 

Where and when the next jewellery market will take place, will be published on our website (events).

 

We wish you all a sunny summer with many wonderful and lasting impressions.

 

Anita & Mouhamed