Email from Rain for the Sahel and Sahara

Dear Friend,

Niger seemed poised for investment and growth. Then, everything changed. In July members of Niger’s Presidential Guard led a coup to oust President Bazoum and halt cooperation with France. Fortunately, there is no civilian violence and RAIN staff are safe. Niger has always been a hard place to live and now it is even harder.

We don’t know what’s in store but there are 3 things we are sure of:

Need will increase and available funding will be severely limited. Border closures and regional sanctions are causing shortages and rising costs. Now, with a 40% cut to the national budget, it is inevitable that education and livelihoods will be impacted.

RAIN is uniquely well-positioned to meet this moment.

RAIN’s experienced in-country leadership team is ready to meet this critical moment. We are well situated given our 2+ decades of experience, 100% local Nigerien team, and deep community trust.

We remain committed to RAIN’s mission.

RAIN’s focus on resilience is designed to support communities to endure stressors and forge a path ahead, whatever the future holds. Standing with our partners is the most important thing we can do right now.

Give today to support a more resilient future for rural and nomadic Nigeriens

We know RAIN’s programs work because of women like Assalama:

Assalama was born in Beital around 1979. She lives there now, with her husband and 10 children – 5 boys and 5 girls. She says,

“RAIN's interventions impacted the lives of the women in my Savings & Loans group and the members of their households. My first loan helped me get back on my feet and take care of my daughters – one of whom, Oubeida, just passed the BEPC (middle school exam) and another, Hadija, who is entering 8th grade this year.

With my second loan, I bought a sheep and sold it 3 months later for three times the amount. With my current loan, I’ve invested in gardening. I planted lettuce, onion, and okra among other things. I’m already earning a profit because my eldest son, who has a motorbike, leaves every morning to sell my produce at the Agadez market.

All the members of our group thank RAIN for the open-mindedness and self-confidence they’ve given us when it seems that nothing else goes right for us. Today, we know how to save money, make a business, and operate communal associations. Even if RAIN finishes its program and leaves, we will never forget them. Thanks to RAIN, we will be able to continue our activities with confidence.”

In this moment, “when it seems that nothing else goes right,” we ask you to give, so women like Assalama can earn, girls like Oubeida and Hadija can stay in school, and their families can build brighter futures.

Can we count on you to match or increase your gift, so Assalama, Oubeida, and Hadija do not stand alone?

None of us can do it alone, but together, we've got a chance.

With gratitude for standing with Assalama, her girls, and with us,

Katherine Kolios

Executive Director, Rain for the Sahel and Sahara

P.S. For IRA, stock gifts, or bequests, email katherine@rain4sahara.org.

Would you consider asking a friend to match your gift in recognition of the growing need in Niger? If so, forward this email or share it on social media!

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PO Box 1503, Portsmouth, NH 03802 | info@rain4sahara.org | (603) 371-0676