Dear donators, dear friends
At the moment there is a “lull in combat” between the Tuareg rebels and the Nigerien military. Both parties are still active. However, since the middle of the year fewer assaults were reported. The current peace let the population in the North breathe a sigh of relief; nevertheless, it does not improve the prevailing living conditions. There are still food shortages and for the Tuaregs to roam freely with their animals is in many regions simply impossible.
In Niamey, at the beginning of May, when the 70-year old president Mamadou Tandja - after nearly 10 years of power - announced his ambition for a third, unconstitutional tenure of office, the opposition threatened with resistance. In the course of the constitution referendum announced by the president, bigger towns had to face demonstrations, riots and rallies held by opponents, which were accordingly accompanied by Police actions.
Though the United Nations, America, also France and neighboring countries opposed to this constitutional amendment, Tandja showed no intention of changing his mind. The riots also influenced the Northern part of the Tuareg region and caused the peace negotiations to come to a halt. Since then chaos predominates domestic policies.
Nonetheless we had been very active with our help and realized the following projects:
Well Reconstruction „Tschinsakan“
In 2007 the top 25 meters of this well had been reconstructed and in March 2009 we continued our reconstruction work of the lower part. Despite demanding conditions the placing of the concrete rings was carried out without any major difficulties. During the reconstruction phase we relentlessly kept in touch with our well specialist and the crew. Since the work advanced steadily, we decided to entirely reconstruct Tschinsakan well.
After 2 ½ weeks and the fitting of 23 concrete rings we were able to again open the well for the local Tuareg families. Some of the workers cheerfully cooled off in the precious water, while others enjoyed a fine meal in the shade of an acacia tree. Due to the partly voluntary work of the local Tuareg we were CHF 2’000.— below budget.
Without any exceptions all of the workers had done a great job!
Without any exceptions all of the workers had done a great job!
Well Reconstruction „Aghali“
During the reconstruction work of the Tschinsakan well the Aghali Touareg family contacted us. As a matter of fact, their well was already in a rather critical state for quite some time. The walls of the well were destabilized due to washouts - an issue of the ancient method of wall construction of this area.
Our wall specialist who happened to be on-site examined the well and according to his expert report we decided to start this project and help the Aghali family.
Since we had already been engaged in the area, we were able to answer their request fast and efficiently. And because all materials were available on-site we could keep the costs low.
The fitting of four concrete rings was sufficient to prevent the well from collapsing and thus ensured the Aghali family and their animals clean drinking water.
The reconstruction costs for the Aghali well came to a total of CHF 1'029.—.
By remedial actions on the wells affected we attain a relief of some individual wells. Thereby a long-term maintenance of the vitally important water source is guaranteed. With this aspect in mind we will furthermore promote such well projects.
THANK YOU to both of you for your Engagement!
At the beginning of July, on occasion of their 60th birthday, both, my cousin Ivo and his wife Therese, celebrated their birthday anniversary at the „Lounge am See“ in Oberrieden. With a fantastic view onto the lake we enjoyed a fine meal, met many new faces and had interesting talks, which made this evening special and unforgettable. Instead of presents Ivo and Therese asked for donations and we were given CHF 900.— to support our project “Home for Children – Baran n’Gougaram”. Tuusig Dangg! (a thousand thanks).
Home for Children – Bararan n’Gougaram
At the beginning of July all children were taken home to their families for their 3-months summer holiday. All parents who had entrusted their children to our boarding school were entirely pleased, since their children did not only get education but came also home safely and well nourished.
Thank-you letters and drawings of many children reached us and we are indeed pleased with their academic progress.
All students were given new clothes. The girls are dressed in wrap-skirts and blouses and the boys in shorts and shirts. All clothes were sewn by Imbiloua Inwilli, who together with Adam Barto is responsible for the well being of the children in this project. The children were also allowed to take home their woollen blankets, due to the fact that nights in the desert can sometimes be extremely cold.
There is another most pleasing surprise! For the financing of the school year 2009/10, the canton of Basel-Town has made an allowance of CH 20’000.--. No wonder my jig must have been heard within a thousand miles! In the name of all Tuareg families and the students we would like to thank the canton Basel-Town most cordially.
We wish you all a nice summer
Anita, Mouhamed, Bea und Sandra