RAIN partners with nomadic Tuareg people in the developing country of Niger. Together we develop programs to promote education, economic independence, and health for the Tuareg people.

Description:
RAIN is in its fifth year of working with the Tuareg nomads of northern Niger to develop community enterprises through which parent groups generate profits – a significant percentage of which are dedicated to supporting their children’s schools. Since parents move, seeking pasture for their herds, most children must board at school for at least part of the year. The schools are not well-supported by the state and basic necessities are lacking.

Core to the community enterprise program are School Market Gardens which produce food for the students and cash crops which presently make the gardens self-sustainable and, as they develop, will generate funds for schools. Other enterprises include women’s grain-grinding cooperatives, an artisan’s cooperative and a general store. RAIN’s education mission is further realized via a mentoring program to encourage girls to attend school, and the introduction of Tuareg culture and literature in schools.

The RAIN AIDS project provides education and prevention information to adults and children through programs in the schools and communities. The presentations include lively one-act plays and games – people look forward to visits from the RAIN AIDS associations. The associations, composed entirely of local Tuareg people, also maintain condom distribution systems throughout the region.

History:
RAIN began as the solitary campaign of Bess Palmisciano, an American lawyer who first traveled to Niger as a tourist. Bess and friends traveled to Niger in January 2000 with Moussa Haidara as their guide. Bess noticed that Moussa brought clothing and food for the children, whom he treated with great tenderness. He talked of the plight of his people and his desire to help them. The Gougaram School he had attended was now in terrible repair, with portions of the roof and walls fallen down. Could Bess help raise money to repair the school? Bess did, and RAIN was born. RAIN has quickly grown as parent groups, women’s cooperatives, American and Nigerien volunteers and a small staff joined to foster economic independence, improve schools and fight AIDS.

Contact people:

Stephanie Beck, Volunteer Coordinator/Office Manager, (phone), (email) Bess Palmisciano, Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

PO Box 545 Newmarket, NH 03857

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: UNH bus - downtown Newmrkt, 10 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Bess Palmisciano
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No