Who are the people?
Niger is a country made up of various peoples, subcultures, and languages. While French is the official language, more than 20 languages are spoken among its population of more than 13 million. Most people practice Islam, though the number of Christians is growing.

Only 14 percent of Niger’s people are functionally literate, a significant factor in the poverty that is so prevalent. Educational opportunities are limited for many boys and girls. Without good schooling, it will be extremely difficult for these children to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Approximately 90 percent of the country’s labor force engages in agriculture by growing peas, cotton, peanuts, rice, and other crops. In the communities where World Vision is working, many families earn their living as subsistence farmers and struggle to produce enough food to feed their children. These families rarely have anything left to sell for income that might provide adequate clothing or shelter. Their primary focus is mere survival.

The people of Niger are in great need of the life-changing hope that child sponsorship can bring to their families and communities.
Niger is a country made up of various peoples, subcultures, and languages. While French is the offi

Country Comparison	Niger	United States
Population	13.5 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	489,076 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	45 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	152	7
Literacy Rate	14%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	30%	92%
Access to Safe Water	46%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$230	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Located in West Africa’s Sahara region, Niger is four-fifths the size of Alaska. Though most of its land is fairly dry and unproductive, the Niger River keeps the southwest area of the country quite fertile.

Only 46 percent of Nigeriens have access to clean water, and just 12 percent have adequate sanitation. These numbers mean many children are at risk for disease. Through sponsorship, World Vision is working with the neediest of families to improve conditions and ensure access to safe water.

While the mining of uranium and other minerals has brought some economic development to the country, the majority of families are still living in poverty. Parents struggle to meet their children’s most basic needs.

World Vision is working alongside communities to help parents, especially women, launch and operate small businesses to increase family incomes. This improves living conditions, increases health, and provides a better education for many.

Because the number of Christians is relatively small, some believers feel isolated and are in need of prayer that their churches thrive and fellowship is strong.
Located in West Africa’s Sahara region, Niger is four-fifths the size of Alaska. Though most of it
Niger Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Niger to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Providing improved educational facilities by constructing and furnishing new classrooms.
• Immunizing children under age five.
• Improving health services for pregnant women and mothers by training community health workers.
• Ensuring that children and their families have access to basic health care.
• Training women in small business development to increase family incomes.
• Offering literacy classes to help parents learn to read and write.
• Repairing local wells to ensure families have access to clean, safe water.
• Training farmers in new agricultural techniques and giving them seeds and tools to improve food production and their family’s nutrition.

• Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.