Photos from Niger show the work of Samaritan’s Purse around the country
When I became country director in Niger three years ago, we were on the cusp of an upward growth. As more projects filtered in and it became possible to effect change in the community, we saw God’s hand working through us to not only help people meet their immediate and long-term needs but also to empower and help grow the Nigerien church. As water, agricultural, and health projects in Guidan Gado continued and came to completion, evangelists were able to come beside the people and fill them spiritually.
While not unique to Niger, we’ve seen the rapid growth of militant groups in the east and the subsequent refugee influx that flooded over the borders. God provided us with the means to urgently respond to the situation and to set up a base and implement emergency relief projects. We pray that God will continue to use us as we bring both physical and spiritual healing to the people there.
During the last year, we were blessed to welcome a number of changes. As we were able to take on more projects in food aid, health and nutrition, agriculture and livelihoods, water and sanitation, and ministry, the need for more staff became apparent. Education continues to be a theme engrained in each of these projects to allow Niger to flourish by its own efforts and less of ours. We’re thankful for the Nigerien government’s collaboration as we work throughout different regions as well as the positive collaborations with various partners and agencies.
None of this work would be possible without God’s great blessing and financial and prayer support from donors near and far. Thank you for your faith and confidence in what God is doing for the people in Niger. Below, enjoy some photos of our projects from around the country.
A new well allows women beneficiaries in central Niger to now access clean water.
At 38, Djama has six children to support and feed by herself. Two years ago, regional dry spells forced her husband to find work in a neighboring country. But he never came back.
Samaritan’s Purse Niger gave Djama a sheep as a part of its animal distribution program to improve household economies. Djama can now afford to buy food for her family.
“Life is now better thanks to this sheep,” Djama said. “Thank you!”
One project in Niger feeds malnourished babies to help them grow strong.
Meeting people’s physical needs allows an opportunity to meet their spiritual needs as well.
Agriculture in Niger is giving families food and an opportunity to make a profit.
Samaritan’s Purse provided food and non-food items to refugees from Nigeria.
Mahamadou is a farmer like many others living in central Niger.
Cheerful and hardworking, he’s one of 30 model farmers in his village participating in the Farmer Field School Program. Together, these men farm and manage one plot of land using improved seeds and new agriculture techniques taught to them by Samaritan’s Purse educators.
“Before the arrival of SP, I had no knowledge of compost, nor of the technique of zai holes,” Mahamadou said.
“We had very bad yields from our fields, especially with beans,” Mahamadou said.
“This year, we have seen how to properly produce beans and how to have a good harvest. I would like to say thanks to all those who have invested in our village from far away.”
Clean water means less diseases for children like these. Hygiene and sanitation classes teach their families how to stay healthy.
Country director Alan Bobbett (left)
