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Welcome to Niakhar, Senegal

 

About Niakhar

Niakhar is located about 100 miles east of Senegal’s largest city, Dakar. The Niakhar community has a population of approximately 25,000 inhabitants—of these, more than 14,000 are children. The Serer ethnic group comprises 95 percent of the population.  The religion of the population is predominately Muslim. The major language is Serer, but many people speak Wolof.

The climate is characteristic of the Sudan-Sahel region of West Africa—hot and dry. Average temperatures range from 75° F in December and January to 86° F in May and June, although it is not unusual for the thermometer to exceed 100° F. The region has suffered from drought for many years.

The area is rural but larger communities like Niakhar are more “urbanized” with health facilities, a weekly market, and several shops. People in Niakhar traditionally live on food crops such as millet, and are fond of couscous, a meal prepared with millet flour.  Cattle raising and cash crops of groundnuts provide income for some families. Traditional houses are huts, and a residential compound consists of one or more households together.
To donate to a community project or to give a special gift to a family in Niakhar, click on the “Get Involved” tab above.

  

 

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Project Goals

Goal 1: Economic Development

Promote the development of a local economy that stimulates access to opportunities, savings, and the distribution of wealth and resources.

Goal 2: Education

Ensure that stakeholders and partners embrace the importance of training and education—and are committed to improving the learning environment and conditions.

Goal 3: Health

Educate children and families about the causes of illness and the value of adopting healthy practices to prevent disease.

Goal 4: Water

Train and encourage communities to commit themselves to better management of available water resources and to involve the authorities and other partners to minimize the health risks related to water quality.

Goal 5: Community Involvement

 Increase the “ownership” of child sponsorship management by families and community partners as a tool to create solidarity, compassion, and love for the well-being of children.

 
The Need in Niakhar

The Need: Water and Sanitation

  • Water quality in the region is a major problem. In some areas, it is so salty that it is not suitable for drinking or many other uses.
  • Where the demand for water isn’t too great, water treatment units can be installed.
  • For high demand areas, it is necessary to construct water pumps and storage units or to find ways of piping in water.

The Response

  • With World Vision’s help, water programs have been improved and 40 additional access points to clean water have been constructed between 2003 and 2008.
  • World Vision continues to train community members on water management with the goal of furthering the sustainability and community ownership of these programs.

The Need: Education

  • Throughout Senegal, girls are at a greater disadvantage in going to school and receiving an education than boys. This is also true for Niakhar.
  • There is a serious lack of educational infrastructure to make sure that children stay in school during the transition between primary and secondary school and do not drop out to find jobs in farming or domestic labor.
  • In Niakhar, only 3 of the 19 primary schools have walls, leaving many of the children and staff in danger of snakes, scorpions, and other natural problems.

The Response

  • World Vision has created “school shops” so that school supplies are more accessible and available.
  • New classrooms and toilet blocks have been built.
  • School nutrition projects have been set up, and several cafeterias receive support from World Vision.
  • Educated parents on children’s rights and protection, promoting the well-being of children.

The Need: Economic Development

  • Agriculture production is fragile in Niakhar. Frequent drought conditions, an ongoing lack of access to adequate water supplies, and insects and parasites all contribute to low productivity.
  • The unstable agricultural condition is the main cause of poverty which leads to injustice and massive tendencies to rural exodus.

The Response

  • With World Vision’s help, drought resistant seeds and access to seed banks are helping farmers to produce a more dependable supply of crops.
  • With the assistance of small business loans, women are able to produce more dependable food supplies and income for their families.
  • Training helps these women learn how to plan for their businesses and market their products.