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!