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                   RAIN News Winter 2013

Dear Friends,
This past year has been a time of turmoil and uncertainty;
unrest in Syria and Israel, the Eurozone economic crisis,
the snail's pace of the US recovery.  Endless election
chatter swept across America like Superstorm Sandy.



   

As I flew into Niger a few days ago, I wondered how the people here might have been changed by past months of drought and locust invasions topped off by a rainy season that arrived with such force that many who were thirsty one day found their homes and farms washed away by floods the next.

What I found here in the RAIN office, at the markets and in the streets are the same kind, humorous and stoic people I have had the privilege of encountering over and over during the past eleven years.

Here is the story of 99 women members of our Mari garden cooperative.  Last summer, they witness their well fail, their fence give way to hungry goats and their crops destroyed during the drought.  With RAIN's help, they approached the fall planting season with a new well and fence -- eager to use all they had learned in their eight weeks of lessons in organic gardening and nutrition.  But in September, their 5,000 square food garden was flooded, making planting impossible.  In November the water receded.  They were faced with the task of cleaning up their giant garden once again to get it in shape for planting.

What to do after such a discouraging series of uncontrollable events?  They had dug their first compost pits during the summer courses with RAIN.  Opening them to see what had become of all the green waste and manure they had dumped into the pits became a party.  A time to laugh, tease, feel proud of knowledge learned and a job well done.  Then back to pulling weeds, shoveling away river sludge and planting seeds.  The hope of a new season is all that's needed for the women as they go to work tilling the garden by hand and carry water from the well to their plots, eager for those first sprouts to reveal themselves,

Here in traditional hamlets and familial encampments in the middle of nowhere, the best of humanity is shining through.  Niger has its share of corruption and bad behavior.  Yet at its roots, it's a giant, ragged, good humored, caring family that never gives up.
Mari mom with baby 
Mari mom with child
 
I came to Niger to be part of a family.  What I've learned from those I've encountered and come to know is that family has no borders.  We look into each other's laughing or crying eyes and we know that we're related.  And I know that as long as they don't give up, neither can I.

Like the unflappable women of Mari, RAIN is glowing with plans for 2013.  We'll be continuing with our first agricultural co-op as the women learn how to better market their crops and earn more income for their families.  We'll be launching a pilot program where children experience hands-on learning in the garden, along with tailor made lesson plans in organic agriculture and nutrition that we hope to introduce in schools throughout Niger. 
 
In Agadez, it's the first year of our learning center, where top students from remote communities that offer no schooling beyond the 6th grade can come to continue their education.  Here, they can live in dormitories together that offer home-cooked food, tutoring and support.
 
We'll continue to install new market gardens and recruit more women mentors to help more at-risk girls.  We will focus on strengthening the sustainability of existing programs with an eye towards raising the standard of living community by community.
 
You've not touched the clenched hands or looked into the smiling eyes.  If you had, you would return, too.  We hope you will join us in 2013 on the path to learning and earning that we are forging with our Nigerien partners.

With gratitude and best wishes to all,
Bess Signature
Bess Palmisciano
Executive Director
Journey to the
Festival of the Desert!


tuareg men at festival

This February, embark on a trip of a lifetime to the world famous Festival of the Desert in Burkina Faso!  Set off for Ougadougou on a two-day camel and camping trek with seasoned Africa traveler Guy Lankester as your guide.  Enjoy another two days of non-stop music and festivities where desert nomads have come together in celebration for centuries.  RAIN is excited to offer this adventure opportunity at a huge savings through a special arrangement with our friends at From Here 2 Timbuktu African Travel. This trip is one leg of the Caravan of Peace Tour.

February 17-23 2010 Tessalit Beauty Contest Winner

Special RAIN Price for 2 $1956 pp 
For 4 people $1760 pp

Trip prices include:
 transport, guides, accommodation, festival ticket, camels and food.

Not included:
Flights, visas, travel insurance or drinks. 


from here to timbuktuVisit  From Here 2 Timbuktu Tours for more information.

RAIN recommends Seaport Travel for flights and travel insurance. 
Contact Birgit Christiansen: 603-436-6266

Bring us Back to Niger  
The coming of a new year brings reflection to all that we've accomplished and what the year ahead may bring.  2012 was a difficult year for Niger, but thanks to your help, RAIN was able to make good on our promises to those we help, and those who make it possible.

We're doing everything we can to make sure 2013 is no different.  With you as our pa
Seiga women learn to
make salt licks
rtners,we can keep creating impact in the lives of nomadic families that will last for generations.

Each year, we appeal to friends and supporters to come to the well for RAIN.  This annual appeal for support is necessary to carry on the work we do on behalf of your passion and generosity.

If you haven't yet contributed, it's not to late!  To those who have given this year, thank you - we are proud of your support to work!

Putting your compassion into action is the most positive way to ring in the new - so to celebrate, pay it forward to yourself by giving today! 

  Red Donate Now  

To give, click the Donate Now button  or send check to 

                                     RAIN/PO Box 1503                                      Portsmouth NH 03802

JUST ANNOUNCED: FATOUMATA DIAWARA Fatoumata Cafe cropped
AT THE MUSIC HALL


On June 13, RAIN is proud to present another world music phenom.  Last year, we rocked to Bombino, the desert blues sensation.  This summer, we welcome rising Malian star Fatoumata Diawara and her band to the Music Hall stage.  Tickets will go on sale in early spring.
 
Sign up for RAIN News and enter to win
2 tickets!  Send an email with
"eNews Contest" in the subject line to  [email protected] to enter.
 
A Very Happy New Year from
Rain for the Sahel and Sahara
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