Support program for education, income and child protection in Niger

Niger is a huge landlocked country in West Africa that consists largely of desert. In theory, it is a rich country: its subsoil is rich in metals, gemstones, oil and salt. However, the hot, dry climate and poor infrastructure hinder the country's economic development.

The population faces problems such as an increase in extreme weather events (droughts, floods), chronic food insecurity, recurring epidemics and limited access to education and healthcare. In addition, armed attacks from neighboring countries regularly lead to the displacement of thousands of people.

The department of Kantché in the Zinder region has an estimated population of 594,000. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian authorities and various international organizations, many women from Kantché emigrate to Algeria with their children, many of whom are still very young. There they take their children out of school without a work permit and send them to beg. They are at risk of violence and neglect.

What we do

• Income generation - economic sustainability: savings and credit groups are formed that grant each other loans for emergencies or to set up a small business, e.g. a chicken or goat farm.

• Agriculture - ecological sustainability: Together with local experts, efforts are made to increase yields from arable farming, horticulture and livestock farming . The small farmers are trained in sustainable agriculture.

• Education and protection - social sustainability: In the area of education, SOS Children's Villages works closely with local school authorities and parents' organizations. An important goal is to enable girls to attend school.