Child marriage is a violation of human rights. Marrying as a child compromises a girl’s development and severely limits her opportunities in life. Get the child marriage facts and learn how you can help end it.
Why World Vision is in Niger
Niger is experiencing ongoing conflict. Recurring terrorist attacks from Boko Haram in certain regions caused instability. Militant groups abducted about 100 children in 2018, and hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes to escape the threat of harm. However, Niger’s economy, which is largely dependent on agriculture, is holding steady. Despite the stable economy, many families still struggle to lift themselves out of poverty. In some regions, winter floods damaged more than 200,000 people’s homes and livelihoods. And in other parts of the country, teachers and health workers led repetitive strikes, jeopardizing kids’ access to education and healthcare. Though serious malnutrition still affects some young kids, the country’s rates are low. Thanks to the support of our donors, we reached many vulnerable children in Niger this year. Joined by government partners, we launched a campaign to combat violence against children throughout the country. Many of the awareness programs focused on ending child marriage. Communities are becoming self-sustaining and thriving as we help everyone engage with the changes that involve them. As kids are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty, they can better transform their communities for lasting change.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Niger ❯
Progress in Niger
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Parents and community leaders need support and knowledge to prevent child abuse and protect children in their communities. Volunteers in Niger were trained on child protection, and how to report cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in their villages. In addition, to increase understanding of children's rights, we held community-wide awareness sessions.
- Children's clubs in Niger were organized with school staff where children learned about their rights in fun, interactive ways, such as games, songs, and theater.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- To protect children in Niger from preventable diseases, health education sessions were held, where trained community health workers encouraged mothers and caregivers to vaccinate children, when to seek care for sick children, and promoted good hygiene and sanitation practices using the Community-Led Total Sanitation model.
- Mothers and caregivers in Niger were brought together in participatory sessions where they learned to cook healthy balanced meals for their families using locally available affordable foods.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Through awareness campaigns in Niger, that targeted parents and other influential community leaders, girls were encouraged to attend school. Enrollment of girls increased and now more are attending school.
Prayer Requests from Niger
World Vision's staff in Niger are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
More children would be safe from malaria.
A good rainy season in 2019, so families can grow enough food for the whole year.
News from Niger
From the Field
Untying the knot: 10 worst places for child marriage
650 million women alive today were child brides, and millions of girls are at risk of marriage each year. For many, child marriage means a life of hardship, ill health, and low educational achievement. Find out the 10 worst countries in the world for child marriage and how to help prevent it.
Prayers
Covering the world in prayer: Pray for West Africa
Pray for West Africa: Pray for political and economic stability, maternal and child health, and sponsored children.
Enjoyed learning about Niger?
Now discover another country: